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Burn Injury Compensation Calculator

Burn injuries are valued by the Judicial College Guidelines using two key metrics: the total body surface area (TBSA) affected, and the depth of the burn (superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness). Burns producing significant scarring also engage the scarring brackets, and the most severe burns can produce settlements approaching brain injury territory because of the lifetime impact and the need for repeated reconstructive surgery.

This calculator uses JC Chapter 13 (Burns) for the burn injury itself, with Chapter 12 (Other Scarring) factored in for resulting scarring. Burns in visible areas — face, hands, neck — engage Chapter 11 (Facial Disfigurement) where appropriate, which produces higher figures. The calculator handles these overlaps automatically.

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Burn injury compensation calculator

Based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026).

How This Calculator Works

Select the TBSA percentage (estimated body surface area burned) and the predominant burn depth. The calculator identifies the relevant JC bracket. Additional inputs capture whether the burns are in visible areas (face, hands), whether reconstructive surgery has been or will be required, and the psychological impact. The special damages module covers lost earnings, ongoing treatment, scar revision surgery, and pressure garments.

TBSA — How Burns Are Measured

TBSA (Total Body Surface Area) is the established method for assessing burn extent. Clinicians use the “rule of nines” or more detailed Lund-Browder charts. As a rough guide:

  • A hand is approximately 1 per cent of TBSA
  • An arm is approximately 9 per cent
  • A leg is approximately 18 per cent
  • The torso (front or back) is approximately 18 per cent
  • The head and neck is approximately 9 per cent

Children’s proportions differ — the head is proportionally larger. Burns over 10 per cent TBSA in adults (or 5 per cent in children) typically require specialist burns unit treatment.

Burn Depth Categories

  • Superficial (first degree) — like sunburn, painful but heals without scarring
  • Superficial partial thickness (second degree) — blisters, heals in 2-3 weeks usually without significant scarring
  • Deep partial thickness (deep second degree) — may need skin grafting, leaves scarring
  • Full thickness (third degree) — destroys all skin layers, always requires grafting, significant scarring
  • Fourth degree — extends into muscle, fat, or bone; sometimes amputation required

JC Guidelines Burn Brackets

Chapter 13 sets out the burn injury brackets. The exact brackets depend on the combination of TBSA and depth:

  • Most severe burns — over 40 per cent TBSA with significant disability
  • Severe burns — over 40 per cent TBSA with reasonable cosmetic outcome
  • Significant burns — substantial TBSA with cosmetic and functional impact
  • Moderate burns — limited TBSA with some lasting impact
  • Minor burns — small TBSA, fully recovered

Long-Term Consequences of Major Burns

Major burns produce lifetime consequences that affect the claim:

  • Repeated reconstructive surgery — often dozens of procedures over decades
  • Scarring requiring revision and laser treatment
  • Heat and cold sensitivity in burn-scarred areas (permanent)
  • Pressure garments — required for years, regular replacement
  • Psychological impact — PTSD, depression, body dysmorphia (separate claim)
  • Career impact — particularly for visible burns affecting customer-facing roles
  • Need for specialist clothing, sun protection

What This Calculator Doesn’t Capture

Burn claims are highly individualised and the calculator gives a directional figure only. Variables that materially affect the actual settlement include: the specific location of the burns (visible vs concealed), the success of any reconstructive surgery, the psychological impact (often a substantial separate claim), and the impact on specific career and life plans. Specialist burn-injury solicitors are essential for major burns; settlements often run into hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds for catastrophic burns.

Next Steps

Burn claims should only be handled by solicitors with specific catastrophic injury experience. The medical evidence is complex (plastic surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, occupational therapy), the prognosis takes time to stabilise (reconstructive surgery often continues for years), and the settlement structure may involve Periodical Payments for ongoing treatment. Specialist firms work with the burns rehabilitation charities (Changing Faces, Restore) and rehabilitation professionals from the early stages.

Common Questions

How long do burn injury claims take?

Burn claims typically take longer than other personal injury work because reconstructive surgery and scar maturation continue for years after the initial injury. Major burns claims often settle 3-5 years after the incident, with interim payments funding ongoing treatment during that period. Less severe burns may settle within 18-24 months once scarring has matured.

Can I claim for the cost of plastic surgery?

Yes — reconstructive surgery, scar revision, and laser treatment are recoverable as special damages, whether undertaken on the NHS or privately. Where NHS treatment is provided, the claim covers any additional procedures you would prefer privately, plus any specialised treatments the NHS doesn’t fund. For major burns, the lifetime cost of treatment can run into six figures.

What about the psychological impact?

Almost all major burns produce significant psychological impact — PTSD, depression, body dysmorphia, social anxiety. This is treated as a separate compensable injury under JC Chapter 4. The calculator focuses on the physical burns; specialist solicitors typically also arrange psychiatric assessment because the psychological component can add 50-100 per cent to the overall claim value for significant burns.

Are children’s burn claims different?

Yes, in several ways. The TBSA proportions differ (head is proportionally larger in children). Burn scarring grows with the child, often requiring repeated surgeries throughout childhood and into adulthood. Psychological impact develops as the child becomes aware of the disfigurement. Time limits don’t start running until the child turns 18. Settlements are often structured to provide for ongoing surgical needs as the child grows. Court approval is required for any child settlement.

What are the Judicial College Guidelines?

The Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (currently 18th edition, published April 2026) are the reference work used by judges, solicitors, and insurers across England and Wales to value personal injury claims. They set out compensation brackets for every category of injury and are updated every two to three years.

How accurate is this calculator?

The calculator gives a directional estimate based on published guidelines. Actual settlements vary based on the specific facts of each case, the strength of evidence, the prognosis at the point of settlement, contributory negligence findings, and the negotiating position of the insurer. Treat the figure as a starting point — a specialist solicitor will give you a more precise figure after reviewing your evidence.

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Gavin Cooper

Gavin Cooper

Claims Expert, Claims Bible

Gavin writes and reviews Claims Bible's guidance on compensation claims. Claims Bible is a trading style of Forces Compare Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA for claims management activities (FRN 785329).

Updated 24 July 2026 · Part of our Personal Injury guide

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