Many online tools estimate value using broad categories. In practice, adjusters focus on whether your medical record shows:
- Burn depth and total area (and whether the injury worsened after the initial incident)
- Functional limits (especially for burns affecting hands, wrists, face, or joints)
- Visible scarring and disfigurement (a major driver of non-economic damages)
- Ongoing treatment needs (scar care, pain management, therapy, reconstructive procedures)
- Breathing/smoke exposure history when a fire or heater malfunction was involved
In New Jersey, injury claims are evaluated under the same general principles across the state, but the way your proof is organized can make a big difference in negotiation—particularly when liability is disputed or when treatment extends beyond the early emergency phase.


