Many online tools generate a rough range based on a few inputs (burn type, treatment, time off work, scarring). That can be helpful for planning—but it rarely reflects what insurers actually rely on in California.
In burn cases, the biggest differences usually come from:
- Medical proof of burn depth and progression (what the records show over time)
- Whether complications developed (infection, nerve pain, hypertrophic scarring, contractures)
- Functional impact (limitations with movement, touch sensitivity, daily tasks, or job duties)
- Causation details (how the burn pattern matches the incident)
So if a calculator seems “too low,” it may be because it can’t see your operative reports, photos, therapy notes, or the prognosis your providers document.


