Proving the Need for Future Plastic Surgery in Burn Injury Cases

• April 9, 2025
• The Stoddard Firm
• Negligence Personal Injury

Suffering from a burn injury can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person endures. Beyond the initial pain and recovery, the physical and emotional scars often last a lifetime.

For many burn survivors, the road to healing doesn’t end after the wounds have closed. Reconstructive procedures are often necessary to restore mobility, reduce pain, and rebuild confidence. But proving the need for future plastic surgery in a burn injury claim isn’t always straightforward.

To prove the need for future plastic surgery, it’s essential to demonstrate the ongoing impact of the burn injuries and the necessity of future procedures. This involves careful planning and expert input.

In burn injury cases, future medical expenses can add up quickly, and without proper compensation, survivors may be left without the resources they need to move forward. That’s why developing a comprehensive life care plan for burn injuries is so important. This ensures that every anticipated medical need is accounted for.

The process of proving the need for future care, estimating costs, and negotiating with insurers can be overwhelming, especially when you’re still recovering. That’s why working with an experienced Atlanta burn injury lawyer can make all the difference.

Need guidance from an experienced Atlanta burn injury lawyer? Reach out today at 470-467 2200 to book an initial consultation. You don’t need to manage this alone.

Why Future Plastic Surgery May Be Necessary

Recovering from a burn injury is a long, difficult journey, and, for many survivors, the effects go beyond the initial trauma. Burns can leave deep physical and emotional scars, some of which may take years to fully surface. While treatments like wound care and physical therapy can help, they’re often not enough to address the long-term consequences of severe burns.

Burn scars can lead to significant physical discomfort, including persistent itching, tightness, and irritation. For some, the scars may also create functional limitations, such as restricted movement in areas like the neck, shoulders, or joints. Everyday tasks, like reaching, bending, or even turning your head, can become painful or impossible without surgical intervention.

On top of that, burn scars often cause emotional distress, making survivors feel self-conscious, anxious, or even isolated from others. Plastic surgery addresses reconstructive needs that can impact a survivor’s life. Through surgical techniques, doctors can work to improve the appearance of scars, helping patients feel more confident in their own skin.

Beyond aesthetics, reconstructive procedures can restore mobility and function, alleviating pain and improving range of motion. These surgeries can also reduce the likelihood of complications down the line, such as the need for additional treatments to correct scar contractures or worsening disfigurement.

For children who have experienced burn injuries, the necessity of future plastic surgery is even greater. As children grow, their bodies change—and scars that may seem manageable initially can begin to stretch or cause complications. Growth and development can make additional surgeries necessary to ensure that the scars don’t interfere with normal movement or development. In these cases, plastic surgery isn’t just about improving a child’s current quality of life — it’s about supporting their healthy development into adulthood.

Building a Strong Case for Future Plastic Surgery

If you’ve suffered burn injuries, you may need plastic surgery in the future to help you heal. However, getting insurance companies to cover those costs isn’t always easy. To secure compensation, you’ll need to show that the surgeries are necessary, directly connected to your injury, and supported by expert opinions.

Here’s how to build a strong case:

• Document Your Medical History: Keep thorough records of your injuries, treatments, and recovery. These documents help show the seriousness of your burns and why further surgeries are needed to address ongoing problems.

• Work With Medical Experts: An experienced plastic surgeon can explain the long-term effects of your injuries and why certain procedures are essential. Their testimony can make a huge difference in proving your case.

• Create a Life Care Plan: A life care plan is a detailed outline of all your future medical needs, including surgeries, therapy, and other treatments. This plan, created with the help of medical professionals, can show how your injuries will continue to affect you and why ongoing care is necessary.

• Gather Cost Estimates: Future plastic surgery can be expensive. Having accurate estimates from surgeons and other medical experts helps demonstrate the financial impact of your future care.
• Include Photos and Other Evidence: Photos of your injuries and scars can show the extent of the damage and why surgery is needed. Pairing these visuals with medical reports and expert testimony strengthens your case even further.

Presenting Evidence to the Insurance Company

Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing burn injury claims, especially when it comes to future medical needs. They may attempt to minimize the costs of future plastic surgery or argue that such procedures are purely elective.

To counter these tactics, your legal team must present irrefutable evidence, including:

• Demand Letter: Your attorney will draft a formal letter that outlines your claim. This letter will include all the evidence supporting the need for future plastic surgery, such as medical records, expert opinions, and cost estimates.

• Negotiation: Once the insurance company reviews the demand letter, your attorney will negotiate with their adjuster to ensure the costs of future surgeries are factored into your settlement.
• Mediation or Arbitration: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, may be used. These processes can help resolve disagreements without going to court and often lead to a more favorable outcome.

How an Atlanta Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with a burn injury is hard enough without the stress of fighting for compensation. An experienced Atlanta burn injury lawyer can make the process much easier for you. They’ll handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.

Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Gathering Evidence: They’ll collect medical records, photos, and other proof to show the extent of your injuries and the need for future plastic surgery.
• Working With Experts: A good lawyer will bring in experts like plastic surgeons and life care planners to explain why your future surgeries are necessary and how much they’ll cost.
• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of burn injuries. Your lawyer will fight to make sure you get fair compensation for your current and future medical needs.
• Creating a Life Care Plan: They’ll ensure your life care plan reflects the full scope of your needs, including plastic surgery, follow-up treatments, and any therapy you may require.
• Litigating Your Case: If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyer

Recovering from a burn injury is a lifelong journey that often involves ongoing care, including the possibility of future plastic surgery. These procedures can play a crucial role in improving both physical function and emotional well-being.

Burn injury claims involving future medical expenses require more than just surface-level evidence. You need a dedicated legal team that understands the complexities of these cases. By building a strong case with the help of expert witnesses in plastic surgery, detailed medical documentation, and a comprehensive life care plan for burn injuries, you can establish the necessity of these future procedures.

At The Stoddard Firm, we understand how complex this process can be for burn survivors and their families. Our team has the resources and expertise to help you navigate the legal process. We’re here to make sure your voice is heard and your future is protected.

Contact our Atlanta burn injury lawyer at 470-467-2200 for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery.