What is the Average Settlement for a Burn Injury at Work?

Because workers’ compensation settlements in South Carolina are not public, we don’t know exactly what the average settlement is for a burn injury at work. Many factors can impact the amount of a settlement.

If a person receives the maximum weekly workers’ compensation payment in South Carolina—$1,134.43 in 2025—and receives 50 weeks of pay for scars, their disfigurement settlement would be $56,721.50.

Average Settlement for Burn Injury at Work

The above calculation is merely an example; workers’ compensation may be more or less.

Evaluating what you might receive—or if you’re an employer, what you might pay—for a burn injury at work, based on average settlements, will likely not give you a realistic number. Many factors can impact an individual case.

However, you can still understand what goes into settlements for workplace burn injuries to evaluate your specific situation.

Calculation of a Settlement for Workplace Burn Injury

Different types of compensation may be awarded by workers’ compensation. These various types may factor into the calculation of a workplace burn injury settlement.

Medical care

Some workers’ compensation settlements include a lump sum for future medical care (clincher agreement), while others leave open the possibility of the insurance company continuing to pay for medical care. Whether or not treatment is included in the settlement may significantly impact the amount.

Average weekly wage and inability to work

Workers’ compensation bases replacement income for work incapacity on average weekly wage before injury. Pre-injury income also factors into the amount of disability compensation awarded.

The extent of the burn injury and necessary treatment will impact how long the person is out of work. They may miss work for skin grafting and other procedures. Compensation for lost income depends on what the person was making before the injury, subject to a minimum and maximum amount.

Severity of the burn injury and permanent scars

South Carolina law calls for proper and equitable benefits due to permanent disfigurement, including burns. The severity and location of scars determine the amount.

The term proper and equitable is vague. A lawyer can help you evaluate what you should receive in your case, get a second opinion, and build evidence if necessary.

Common Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries

Malfunctioning equipment
Failing to perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning
Steam and hot liquids
Electrical work
Working with heat sources, flame, and flammable objects
Not being given the proper PPE
Inadequate safety evaluations and risk assessments, poor fire response plans
Car accidents, motor vehicle incidents
Exposure to radiation

Burn injuries can happen in many different industries—manufacturing, transportation, electrical operations, and food service are a few examples.

How Burn Injury Severity Impacts Settlement Amounts

Severity may impact a settlement amount because of the following:

The more significant your injury, the more medical care you’re likely to need.
Missed work is proportional to injury severity. The longer you miss work, the longer you receive replacement wages in the workers’ compensation system.
Disability and disfigurement compensation is awarded based on severity.

Pain and suffering is not awarded in a workers’ compensation case. However, the severity of the disfigurement is still a factor. In addition, to the extent that pain and other symptoms lead to lost income, you may be compensated for lost pay. Pain and suffering may be awarded in a third-party personal injury claim, whether or not the injury happens at work.

Medical Costs and Rehabilitation for Burn Injury Victims

A person who suffers a burn injury at work has the right to medical, surgical, hospital, and other treatment and supplies to effect a cure or, give relief or to lessen the period of disability. Treatment for burns may require significant time and intervention. A person may benefit from therapy, surgery, and medicine. Wound dressings may be important. Measures may be needed to prevent infection and complications, while other injuries must also be addressed.

Getting the medical care that you deserve can be a significant issue in a burn injury case. It’s important to understand whether any proposed settlement includes future medical care. A lawyer can represent you in addressing medical benefits in a settlement.

How Legal Representation Can Maximize Your Settlement

What benefits do I deserve? Am I doing the right things to claim my benefits? Should I sign this settlement? Can I negotiate a better settlement?

At Bobby Jones Law, we know how important these questions are. When you choose Bobby Jones Law, an experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, determine benefits, and negotiate your settlement.

Factors That Can Affect Your Burn Injury Settlement Amount

Income before injury. Compensation for a burn is based on the average weekly wage before injury.
Maximum medical improvement. A permanent disability and disfigurement award is calculated for scars that remain after reaching maximum medical improvement.
The severity of the burn. South Carolina law doesn’t say that all burn injury victims receive permanent disfigurement compensation. Scars must be significant.
Location of the burn. To be compensated, scars should be in a location that is usually exposed during employment, such as the face, neck, or hands.
What’s included in the settlement? Not all workers’ compensation settlements are the same. Whether medical care is ending and other specific terms may impact the amount.
Other injuries. A burn may not be the only person’s injury. A workers’ compensation claim is inclusive of all injuries.
Defenses. Questions of whether the employer is liable for workers’ compensation payments may lower the ultimate settlement amount. Coverage disputes may also result in a case proceeding to a hearing rather than settling.
Third-party claim. If the person succeeds in bringing a third-party claim for the work-related burn injury, they may receive pain and suffering that is not awarded in the workers’ compensation system.