Burn Injury Compensation: Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Burn injuries can change a person’s life in an instant—leaving behind scars that go beyond the skin. Victims not only face physical pain but also emotional and financial struggles that can last for years. 

In California, victims are entitled to seek both economic and non-economic damages to cover their losses and suffering. From medical care and rehabilitation to mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life, understanding your rights can make all the difference. 

If your accident happened in Santa Clara, where medical treatment and living costs are high, it’s even more critical to pursue full compensation with legal support.

What Are Economic and Non-Economic Damages?

When filing burn injury claims, California law allows victims to recover two main categories of compensation:

Both economic damages and non-economic damages play a vital role in restoring your quality of life after an accident.

Breakdown of Medical and Rehabilitation Costs

Burn treatment can be one of the most expensive types of care in the medical field.
A global study on burn care costs found that treatment expenses vary widely depending on the injury’s severity. On average, hospital care for burn victims can reach tens of thousands of dollars per patient, with daily costs running into several thousand dollars.

In Santa Clara, CA, where healthcare expenses are significantly higher than the national average, these costs can increase rapidly. Victims may also face:

• Long-term medical expenses for reconstructive surgeries
• Costs of therapy, medications, and rehabilitation
• Transportation and at-home care
• Burial costs in severe or fatal cases

These direct costs make it essential to document all bills and invoices carefully when pursuing compensation.

Emotional Trauma and Pain: The Value of Non-Economic Damages

The invisible wounds of a burn injury often outweigh the physical ones. Non-economic damages cover the personal and emotional losses that don’t appear on receipts but deeply affect a person’s life. Victims often experience:

• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations on hobbies or recreational activities
• Mental anguish and fear of social isolation
• Disfigurement and non-economic losses, like embarrassment or depression

Unlike financial compensation, these damages are subjective and depend on the severity of the injury, medical documentation, and testimony from therapists or family members.

Long-Term Care, Lost Earnings, and Future Economic Loss

Severe burn injuries can prevent victims from returning to work for months—or even permanently. Compensation should account for both lost wages and loss of earnings due to long-term disabilities.

Victims may also seek damages for:

• Economic loss caused by job changes or reduced working capacity
• Property damage resulting from fires or explosions
• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Funeral costs if the burn injuries lead to wrongful death

In some cases, punitive damages may also apply when negligence or intentional harm is proven, such as in product liability or employer safety violation cases.

Key Evidence That Strengthens Burn Injury Claims

To build a strong case, gather as much evidence as possible. A well-documented claim enables insurance companies and courts to assess compensation accurately.

Important evidence includes:

• Medical records, medical bills, and receipts
• Photos of injuries and accident scenes
• Witness statements and police reports
• Employment and pay records for lost wages
• Expert testimony on future care needs

California follows comparative negligence law, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. For instance, if you were 20% responsible for an accident that occurred near El Camino Real in Santa Clara, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage.

Why You Need a Santa Clara Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating burn injury claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that often minimize payouts. Our experienced Santa Clara personal injury lawyer can:

• Evaluate your case and determine all liable parties
• Accurately calculate your economic and non-economic damages
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers
• Represent you in court if necessary

Legal professionals understand the complexities of California’s injury laws and help you secure fair compensation while you focus on healing.

FAQs About Burn Injury Compensation