Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-altering harms a person can experience. Beyond the initial trauma, survivors often face long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In Georgia, the severity of a burn directly influences the value of a personal injury case. Understanding how burn levels are classified and their impact on compensation is crucial for victims seeking justice.
Understanding Burn Classifications
Burns are categorized into degrees based on the depth of tissue damage. Each level carries different medical implications, recovery prospects, and long-term costs.
- First-Degree Burns – These affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and pain. While typically minor, they may still warrant medical attention, especially if they cover large areas.
- Second-Degree Burns – These penetrate deeper layers of skin, often leading to blistering, scarring, and intense pain. Victims may require specialized wound care and more extended recovery periods.
- Third-Degree Burns – These burns destroy all layers of skin and often damage underlying tissue. Skin grafting and reconstructive surgery are common, and permanent disfigurement is likely.
- Fourth-Degree Burns – The most severe, these extend into muscle and bone, leading to lifelong disability or fatal outcomes. Survivors frequently need extensive medical intervention, adaptive devices, and long-term care.
Each classification signals the potential complexity of the case and the level of damages that may be recoverable.
How Severity Impacts Settlement Values
The value of a burn injury claim in Georgia is tied to the extent of harm suffered. First-degree burns may involve limited medical bills and a short recovery time, resulting in smaller settlements. In contrast, third- and fourth-degree burns often warrant substantial compensation due to their long-lasting effects.
Key factors that raise settlement values include:
- Extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and hospitalizations.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Loss of mobility or physical function.
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.
- Loss of earning capacity due to long-term disability.
Attorneys work to demonstrate how these damages affect not only the victim’s health but also their financial security and quality of life.
The Role of Expert Testimony
In severe burn cases, expert testimony is often essential. Medical specialists can explain the long-term prognosis, while economists project future care costs and lost earnings. Psychologists may testify about the emotional toll, helping to ensure non-economic damages are fully recognized. By presenting this evidence, attorneys build a comprehensive case that captures the actual value of the claim.
Anticipating Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue burn injury claims, arguing that scarring is cosmetic or that victims can still work despite their injuries. They may also minimize the need for ongoing care. A strong legal strategy anticipates these arguments and provides clear evidence of how the burns continue to affect every aspect of the victim’s life.
Why Experienced Legal Representation Matters
Burn injury claims are complex and emotionally charged. Victims deserve attorneys who understand the medical nuances of these injuries and who are prepared to fight for full compensation. With experienced legal guidance, victims can pursue settlements that reflect both the economic and personal impact of their injuries.
Contact Ashby Thelen Lowry Today
If you or a loved one has suffered severe burns in Georgia, you need a law firm that will pursue justice with skill and compassion. The Atlanta attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry understand the lifelong challenges of burn injuries and are committed to building cases that reflect their actual impact.
Contact us today at (404) 777-7771 or online for a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help you move forward.