What Compensation May I Be Eligible to Collect After a Burn Injury?

Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
October 2, 2024
Doctor bandaging patient's burned hand indoors, closeup

Suffering from a burn injury can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. Burn injuries can cause immense physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. If you or a loved one has sustained a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand the complexities involved in burn injury cases. Our talented team of attorneys is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. We offer compassionate, personalized legal support to ensure your needs are met during this challenging time.

Medical Expenses

One of the primary forms of compensation you can seek after a burn injury is for medical expenses. Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation. The cost of these medical services can quickly add up, putting a significant financial burden on you and your family.

In addition to immediate medical costs, you may also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses. Burn injuries can lead to long-term health issues requiring continuous treatment and care. Compensation for future medical expenses ensures you have the financial resources to manage your health needs in the long run.

It is essential to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses related to your burn injury. This documentation will be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the financial impact they have had on your life.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Another critical aspect of compensation after a burn injury is the recovery of lost wages. Burn injuries can prevent you from working, leading to a loss of income. Whether you miss work for a few weeks or several months, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you have lost during your recovery period.

In some cases, burn injuries can result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work. If your injury has diminished your earning capacity, you can seek compensation for the loss of future income. This type of compensation accounts for the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury earning potential.

To support your claim for lost wages and loss of earning capacity, you should provide documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and statements from your employer. Expert testimony may also be required to establish the impact of your injuries on your ability to work.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering is a crucial component of burn injury claims. Pain and suffering encompass the physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma caused by the injury. Unlike medical expenses and lost wages, pain and suffering do not have a fixed monetary value and can be more challenging to quantify.

Courts consider various factors when determining compensation for pain and suffering, including the severity of the injury, the level of physical pain endured, and the impact on your daily life. Emotional and psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are also taken into account.

While it can be challenging to assign a monetary value to pain and suffering, your attorney can help gather evidence and present a compelling case to ensure you receive fair compensation for the non-economic impact of your injury.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Pennsylvania courts caution that punitive damages should bear a reasonable relation to compensatory damages, typically not exceeding nine times the compensatory amount.

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case and require clear evidence of the defendant’s egregious conduct. If awarded, punitive damages serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future and to emphasize the seriousness of the defendant’s actions.

Your attorney will evaluate the specifics of your case to determine if pursuing punitive damages is appropriate. They will gather evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s reckless or intentional behavior and argue for punitive damages to be included in your compensation.

How Can Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. Help You?

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling burn injury cases and understand the challenges you face. We take pride in our client-centered approach, focusing on your unique needs and circumstances. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and work with medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. today. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or visit our contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.


Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
October 2, 2024
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the "Best Law Firm" for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.