Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published April 30, 2025
Burn injuries in Pennsylvania are among the most physically painful and emotionally traumatic injuries a person can experience. But how much is the average settlement for a burn injury in Pennsylvania?
The average settlement for burn injuries in Pennsylvania ranges from $75,000 to $200,000. Third-degree burns, disfigurement, or extensive treatment can raise settlements above $500,000. Settlement amounts depend on burn severity, medical care, long-term effects, and liability determination.
At Mattiacci Law, we help burn victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey fight for maximum compensation. We understand the long road to recovery and ensure every cost—medical and emotional—is accounted for in your settlement.
What Is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury is tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Severity is classified into degrees and influences both treatment and settlement amounts.
Types of Burn injuries in Pennsylvania:
- First-degree burns (superficial damage, red skin)
- Second-degree burns (partial-thickness blisters, intense pain)
- Third-degree burns (full-thickness, nerve damage, white or charred skin)
- Chemical or electrical burns (often internal and more severe)
The deeper the tissue damage, the more extensive the treatment—and the higher the compensation typically awarded.
What Causes Burn Injuries in Personal Injury Cases?
Burn injuries often result from accidents involving fires, chemicals, or unsafe conditions in homes, workplaces, or vehicles.
Common Causes:
- Vehicle fires or explosions after crashes
- Electrical malfunctions or exposed wiring
- Chemical exposure at industrial or construction sites
- Scalding from hot water or steam (often in household settings)
- Structure fires due to landlord negligence
When caused by negligence, these incidents may warrant significant compensation.
Why Is a Burn Injury Settlement Important in Pennsylvania?
Burn injuries often lead to overwhelming medical bills, months of recovery, psychological trauma, and permanent scarring—making a fair settlement critical for recovery.
Settlements Help Cover:
- Emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Burn unit or ICU stays
- Multiple skin graft surgeries
- Infection treatment and wound care
- Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Psychiatric therapy for PTSD or disfigurement
- Loss of income and reduced future earning capacity
Even minor burns can involve extensive care. Severe cases often require a lifetime of treatment and psychological support.
How Do You File a Burn Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?
To file a burn injury claim, you must document the injury, prove liability, and pursue legal action within the state’s deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Get Emergency and Ongoing Medical Care
- Photograph Injuries and Treatment Process
- Gather Evidence of Negligence or Hazardous Conditions
- Consult a Burn Injury Lawyer at Mattiacci Law
- File a Claim or Lawsuit and Prove Economic and Non-Economic Damages
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for personal injury claims is 2 years.
What Factors Affect Burn Injuries in Pennsylvania Settlements?
Settlement value depends on the burn’s severity, location, permanence, cost of treatment, and whether disfigurement or disability is involved.
Factors That Influence Compensation:
- Degree and depth of the burns
- Percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected
- Number of surgeries or grafts required
- Visible scarring or disfigurement (especially on face or hands)
- Emotional trauma and psychological damage
- Whether the victim is a child or vulnerable adult
More severe injuries with lasting impact command higher settlement ranges.
What Are Typical Burn Injury Settlement Amounts in Pennsylvania?
Burn injury settlements vary widely depending on the extent and impact of the injuries.
| Burn Type / Severity | Settlement Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree (minor, outpatient) | $10,000 – $30,000 | Pain and short recovery, minimal scarring |
| Second-degree (partial-thickness) | $30,000 – $150,000 | Moderate pain, may require rehab or outpatient surgery |
| Third-degree or facial burns | $150,000 – $750,000+ | Hospitalization, multiple surgeries, long-term impact |
| Severe disfigurement/disability | $500,000 – $1,500,000+ | Includes permanent disability, loss of earnings |
Each case is unique. Accurate documentation and skilled legal representation help secure the highest possible amount.
How Are Burn Injuries Treated and Documented?
Burns require immediate and often ongoing treatment to prevent complications and support healing, especially for moderate to severe injuries.
Common Treatments:
- Debridement and wound cleaning
- IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain management
- Skin graft surgery and reconstructive procedures
- Occupational therapy for mobility and scar flexibility
- Psychiatric care for trauma and emotional healing
Burn recovery may take months or years, and visible scars require long-term follow-up.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries?
Burns can lead to permanent physical and emotional consequences, especially for third-degree and extensive second-degree cases.
Long-Term Complications:
- Limited range of motion or nerve damage
- Visible scarring or skin discoloration
- Disfigurement and loss of confidence
- PTSD, depression, or anxiety
- Chronic pain and sensitivity to heat or cold
These effects significantly increase settlement values and support claims for future treatment costs.
How Do Burn Injuries Affect Employment and Daily Life?
Severe burn injuries can lead to job loss, limited mobility, and reduced earning capacity—especially when hands, face, or legs are involved.
Impact on Work:
- Time off for surgeries and recovery
- Physical limitations in manual labor or service roles
- Reduced ability to interact with clients or customers (visible injuries)
- Ongoing psychological or emotional barriers to returning to work
We work with vocational and medical experts to prove loss of earning capacity and help maximize compensation.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Burn Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, Mattiacci Law can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Call 215-914-6919 today for a free no-obligation consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
We serve clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we’re ready to help you recover.
Further Reading:
- What Happens After You Reject a Settlement Offer?
- How Much is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
- Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable?
- What Percentage Do Lawyers Take for Personal Injury Cases?
Resources:
- American Burn Association – Burn Care Guidelines
- NIH – Long-Term Outcomes of Burn Injuries
- CDC – Burn Prevention and Facts
- PA Code – Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
FAQs About Burn Injury Lawsuit Settlements
Can I sue for second-degree burns?
What is a fair settlement for a burn injury?
Are burns considered serious injuries under PA law?
How long do burn claims take to settle?
Can I still get compensation if the burn was partially my fault?
Do I need a lawyer for a burn injury claim?
What if my burn injury happened at work?
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