Burn Injury Settlement Calculator
Burn injury settlements vary widely by severity. The two key factors are Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned and degree (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th). Severe burns over 30% TBSA can yield seven-figure settlements due to lifetime treatment, scarring, and psychological damage.
Why TBSA and Degree Drive Settlement
Severity scales non-linearly. 1st-degree (sunburn-equivalent): settles for medical + 1.5x. 2nd-degree (blistering): 3x multiplier. 3rd-degree (full thickness, often requires grafts): 5x. 4th-degree (muscle/bone): 7x+ and lifetime care. TBSA above 20% qualifies as severe under American Burn Association criteria — triages to burn center, qualifies for higher disfigurement awards.
Disfigurement Awards Are Separate
Visible scarring, especially face/hands, gets a standalone disfigurement award separate from pain and suffering. Jury verdicts in face-burn cases average $500K+ for permanent disfigurement, even with modest medical bills. Photo documentation across recovery is critical evidence.
Workers Comp vs Third-Party
Workplace burns trigger workers comp (employer-immune from tort). But if a third party — equipment manufacturer, contractor, property owner — contributed, you can also pursue third-party tort claim. Third-party tort recoveries average 2-3x workers comp settlements because they include pain, suffering, and full economic damages. Always investigate third-party liability.
Source: American Burn Association National Burn Repository 2024, Insurance Information Institute claims data. Last updated: May 2026.