Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How burn injuries are valued
Burns are among the most painful and disfiguring injuries, and they are valued on a combination of factors rather than a single bracket: the percentage of the body burned, the depth (superficial, partial or full thickness), the location, the resulting scarring, and the psychological effect. In England and Wales the figure draws on the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which note that the most serious burns — covering 40% or more of the body — are likely to attract awards over £104,000. The calculator above uses the scarring category as the nearest match; set severity to reflect the depth and extent of your burns.
Minor burns
Small superficial burns and scalds that heal with little or no permanent scarring sit at the lower end — indicatively £2,000–£9,300. The figure depends on the pain during treatment and any residual marking.
Moderate burns
Burns covering a moderate area, or deeper burns leaving some lasting but not severe scarring, are typically valued at £9,300–£30,000. Burns needing skin grafts usually fall at least in this band.
Severe burns
Extensive burns covering a large body area, full-thickness burns needing multiple grafts, and burns causing significant permanent scarring or disfigurement fall at the top — from roughly £30,000 to over £104,000, with the very worst cases (burns of 40% or more of the body) higher still. Selecting "Severe" in the calculator applies these upper figures.
What affects a burn injury payout
- Body area and depth — the larger and deeper the burn, the higher the award; full-thickness burns are the most serious.
- Scarring and location — permanent scarring, especially on the face, hands or visible areas, raises the figure.
- Skin grafts and surgery — the need for grafts and reconstructive surgery increases both general and special damages.
- Psychological impact — burns frequently cause significant psychological harm, which is compensated alongside the physical injury.
Special damages for burn injuries
Serious burns carry substantial special damages: hospital and specialist burns-unit treatment, skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, pressure garments, scar-management therapy, psychological treatment, lost earnings and future losses. Enter your losses in the calculator and they are added on top.
Burn injury claims in practice
Burns commonly arise from workplace accidents (hot surfaces, chemicals, electrical faults), defective products and house fires. Because burns can cause lasting scarring and psychological harm, claims usually involve a solicitor and reports from a plastic surgeon and sometimes a psychologist, often on a no-win-no-fee basis. The Katie Piper Foundation and Changing Faces support burn survivors. This page gives an estimate only and is not legal advice.
Burn injury compensation calculator — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for a burn injury in the UK?
Minor burns leaving little scarring are valued at roughly £2,000–£9,300, moderate burns with some lasting scarring at about £9,300–£30,000, and severe burns from around £30,000 to over £104,000 under the Judicial College Guidelines. The most extensive burns, covering 40% or more of the body, sit at the very top. Treatment, surgery and lost earnings are added as special damages.
How are burn injuries valued?
Burns are valued on the percentage of the body affected, the depth of the burn, the location, the resulting scarring and the psychological impact, rather than on a single fixed bracket. A small superficial burn that heals cleanly is a modest claim, while extensive full-thickness burns needing grafts and causing permanent disfigurement sit at the top of the scale.
Do burn injuries include compensation for scarring and psychological harm?
Yes. Permanent scarring is a central part of a burn-injury award, valued on how visible and disfiguring it is, and burns very often cause significant psychological harm, which is compensated alongside the physical injury. Counselling and scar-management treatment are also recoverable as special damages.
How much is a burn injury settlement in the US?
US burn-injury settlements range from about $10,000 for a minor burn to several hundred thousand dollars for severe burns requiring grafts and causing permanent disfigurement. The figure depends on your state, the strength of medical evidence, the at-fault party's insurance and any lost income and future care.
Is this burn injury calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Burn-injury values turn on the body area, depth, scarring, psychological impact and your proven losses. The tool uses the scarring category as the nearest match; set severity to reflect the extent of your burns. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.