Most “calculator” results assume injuries follow a simple timeline. Burn cases rarely do—especially when you’re dealing with:
- Delayed complications (infection risk, worsening scarring, nerve pain, or mobility limitations)
- Treatment that continues beyond the first emergency visit (specialty follow-ups, scar management, therapy)
- Injury patterns common in urban environments
- hands/forearms from kitchens and service work
- face/neck burns from cooking, open flames, or sudden equipment flare-ups
- breathing issues after smoke or steam exposure in enclosed spaces
In Boston, these complications can also affect your ability to keep up with work in sectors that rely on physical presence—food service, healthcare support roles, construction trades, and retail. That means lost wages and reduced earning capacity may matter more than people initially expect.


