Burn Injury Claims in Ohio: Causes, Costs, and Compensation

Burn injuries are among the most painful and costly to treat — and often leave permanent scarring that affects victims for life.

Common Causes

Burns result from vehicle fires, workplace chemical and electrical exposure, defective products, building fires, and scalding. Severe burns frequently require skin grafts and long hospitalization.

Scarring and the Damage Cap

Permanent and substantial disfigurement is one of the catastrophic-injury exceptions to Ohio's non-economic damage cap, recognizing the lasting impact of serious scarring. Ohio caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most injury cases at the greater of $250,000 or three times economic damages, up to $350,000 per plaintiff — though the cap does not apply to catastrophic injuries like permanent disfigurement or loss of a limb.

Liability Sources

Depending on the cause, liable parties may include a negligent driver, an employer, a property owner, or a product manufacturer. Product-related burns may support a strict product-liability claim.

Long-Term Costs

Reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and psychological care add up. Valuing these future needs is essential to a fair recovery.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Ohio attorney.