Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Burn injuries are among the most painful and disfiguring types of trauma, and they are unfortunately common in the US. The American Burn Association reports that around 650,000 people suffer burn injuries every year, from thermal and contact to radiation and chemical causes.
If you suffered burns in an accident, it is crucial to appreciate the settlement value of your claim against the at-fault party. A Miami burn injuries attorney can provide details regarding your unique situation, but read on to learn how much a burn injury case is worth in Florida.
How Burn Severity Impacts Case Value
The medical classification of your injury is the primary driver of your case value. A first-degree burn may only result in minor medical bills, whereas third-degree burns often require skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation at specialized facilities.
Florida insurance adjusters use the medical assessment known as the “Rule of Nines” to determine the percentage of the body affected: The deeper the tissue damage and the more extensive the treatment required, the higher the potential settlement to cover these mounting costs.
Burn Location and Your Settlement
The physical location of a burn significantly influences noneconomic damages, i.e., pain and suffering, calculations under Florida law. Burns to the face, hands, or neck often lead to higher settlements due to:
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
When a victim suffers a burn that impacts their ability to work or their quality of life, the non-economic damages increase. Courts recognize that visible scarring carries a different psychological weight than injuries hidden by clothing, making the precise location a critical factor in your recovery.
Strength of Evidence to Prove Fault
To secure a successful settlement in Florida, you must provide clear evidence that another party’s negligence caused your accident. This is especially vital under Florida’s modified comparative fault system, where your recovery can be reduced if you are partially to blame. As support for your case, your legal team must gather important details such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage.
Strength of Evidence to Support Your Claim for Damages
In addition to proving fault, you must also have sufficient evidence to show your losses because of burn injuries. Quantifying a burn injury requires a robust paper trail of every expense incurred since the accident. This includes:
- Detailed medical records
- Invoices for physical therapy
- Expert testimony
Demonstrating the full impact of your lost wages and diminished earning capacity is essential for a comprehensive claim. By documenting every out-of-pocket cost and having specialists testify, you provide the strength of evidence necessary to convince insurers that your case deserves a high-value settlement.
Reach Out to a Miami Burn Injuries Lawyer for Details
Another factor that impacts the settlement value of your claim is collaborating with skilled attorneys who have extensive experience in burn injury cases. The legal team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA, provides the sophisticated advocacy required to leverage complex Florida liability laws and catastrophic medical evidence. For additional information about your rights, please call (305) 371-6000 to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
