Burn injuries have a profound and lasting effect on an individual’s quality of life. Beyond the immediate physical pain and medical treatment, burn injuries can lead to long-term emotional, psychological, and financial challenges.
As our friends from Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC explain, determining the value of your non-economic losses, like the pain and suffering from your burn injuries and the diminished quality of life you experienced as a result of the injuries, can be a little tricky, and somewhat subjective. How do you put a dollar amount on your trauma and pain? Let’s take a closer look at how your attorney calculates your intangible losses.
Physical And Emotional Effects Of Burn Injuries
The physical pain associated with burn injuries is often excruciating and can persist long after the initial incident. Burn victims frequently undergo extensive medical treatments, including surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. These procedures are not only physically demanding but also carry the risk of complications and further surgeries. The road to recovery can be long, and full of chronic pain.
Beyond the physical aspects, burn injuries can have significant emotional and psychological impacts. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma of the injury, coupled with the challenges of coping with visible scars or disfigurement, can lead to diminished self-esteem and social withdrawal. Psychological counseling and therapy may become necessary to address these issues, adding another layer of complexity to the recovery process.
Financial And Social Implications After The Accident
The financial burden of burn injuries can be substantial. Medical expenses often include emergency care, hospitalization, ongoing treatments, and possibly long-term care needs. In addition to medical costs, victims may face lost wages or loss of earning capacity if their ability to work is compromised. The financial strain can be overwhelming, especially if the injury affects a person’s ability to return to their previous occupation or lifestyle.
Socially, burn injuries can alter an individual’s interactions and relationships. Victims may find it difficult to engage in social activities or maintain personal relationships due to changes in appearance or physical limitations.
Legal Compensation For Burn Injuries
When pursuing legal compensation for burn injuries, it’s essential to account for your non-economic damages, as well. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: This category addresses the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the burn injury. It aims to provide compensation for the significant impact on the victim’s quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: In addition to physical pain, compensation can cover the psychological impact of the injury, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation may be awarded for the diminished ability to participate in activities and hobbies that the victim previously enjoyed.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: If the burn injury results in permanent scarring or disfigurement, compensation may be adjusted to account for the long-term effects on appearance and self-esteem.
You Deserve Full And Fair Compensation After A Burn Injury
The impact of burn injuries extends far beyond the initial pain and medical treatment. It affects every aspect of a victim’s life, including their physical well-being, emotional health, financial stability, and social interactions. Working with an experienced burn injury lawyer can help navigate this complex process and advocate for the compensation needed to support a meaningful recovery and improve quality of life.