Just as each accident and injury are different, each settlement is different. As noted above, medical expenses alone can vary widely depending on the severity of the burns and the type of complications encountered. The amount of work lost after the injury, permanent disabilities causing the sufferer to lose earning capacity, and the psychological impacts incurred are different with every case. A settlement represents the willingness of both parties to the claim to compromise to reach an agreement.
There is no “average” burn injury settlement in Charleston.
However, some factors affect the value of the claim, including:
- The at-fault party’s insurance policy. Insurance pays for most personal injury settlements and awards. Without insurance, many at-fault parties cannot pay for the effects their negligence caused. However, insurance is not a blank check. Most policies have limits on the amount of compensation possible. Your attorney will look carefully at the details of your claim to identify all sources of liability and all available insurance resources.
- The severity of your injury. Generally, the more serious the injury, the higher the likelihood of complications, missed work, lost earning capacity, and psychological impacts.
- Your patience during the process. Settlement negotiations can continue throughout a trial until a court renders a decision. While it is not difficult to get an insurance provider to offer a settlement, getting a fair settlement that compensates the claimant for their injuries can take a long time.