Burn injuries are tragic, painful, and life-altering, usually involving significant medical treatment, rehabilitation, and even surgery. No matter the cause – fires, chemical burns, electrical burns, or faulty products – burn injuries leave victims with lasting physical and emotional damage. If your burn injury was a result of someone else’s carelessness or wrongful act, you may be entitled to compensation.
A burn injury lawyer is one who specializes in representing victims to get the guilty parties liable and receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment. This article will assist you in knowing how a burn injury lawyer will help you and what to do if you have experienced a severe burn injury.
Why You Need a Burn Injury Lawyer
Burn injury cases can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of medical evidence, liability laws, and insurance negotiations. A skilled burn injury lawyer can:
- Investigate the Cause of the Burn – Identify who is responsible for the injury, whether it’s a negligent landlord, employer, or manufacturer of a defective product.
- Gather Medical and Expert Testimony – Work with medical experts, fire investigators, and safety specialists to prove liability and damages.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies – Ensure you receive a fair settlement instead of accepting a lowball offer.
- File a Personal Injury Lawsuit – If negotiations fail, your attorney will fight for you in court.
- Help You Get Maximum Compensation – Covering medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, speaking with a burn injury lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your rights and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur in various settings, from homes and workplaces to public areas. A burn injury lawyer can help victims of burns caused by:
1. Workplace Accidents
- Chemical spills in factories, construction sites, or laboratories
- Electrical burns from faulty wiring or unsafe equipment
- Explosions and fires due to unsafe work conditions
2. Vehicle Accidents
- Fires resulting from car or truck crashes
- Exploding lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles
- Airbag deployment burns
3. Defective Products
- Exploding e-cigarettes, batteries, or household appliances
- Flammable clothing or furniture
- Unsafe kitchen equipment or faulty electrical wiring
4. Fourth-Degree Burns (Most Severe Burns)
- Fires caused by landlord negligence (e.g., faulty wiring, lack of smoke detectors)
- Apartment fires due to gas leaks, defective appliances, or arson
5. Medical Malpractice and Negligence
- Radiation burns from cancer treatments
- Chemical burns from incorrect medication use
- Burns from surgical errors or laser treatments
6. Scalding Injuries
- Hot water burns from defective water heaters
- Burns from spilled coffee or overheated food in restaurants
- Scalding injuries in nursing homes or daycare centers due to caregiver negligence
Regardless of how your burn occurred, a burn injury lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim and what legal action to take.
Types of Burn Injuries and Their Severity
Burn injuries are categorized by severity, which affects treatment costs, recovery time, and compensation.
1. First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)
- Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis)
- Symptoms: Redness, mild swelling, and pain
- Example: Sunburn or minor hot water burns
2. Second-Degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns)
- Affect both the epidermis and dermis
- Symptoms: Blisters, severe pain, and possible scarring
- Can lead to infection and permanent skin damage
3. Third-Degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns)
- Destroy both skin layers and underlying tissues
- Symptoms: Charred, blackened, or white leathery skin
- Often requires skin grafts, surgery, and long-term care
4. Fourth-Degree Burns (Most Severe Burns)
- Damage extends to muscles, tendons, and bones
- Can lead to amputation, permanent disability, or even death
- Requires extensive hospitalization and reconstructive surgery
The severity of the burn directly impacts the settlement amount in a lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Burn Injury Case?
A burn injury lawyer will investigate and identify liable parties, which may include:
- Employers – If unsafe working conditions caused the burn
- Landlords or Property Owners – If faulty wiring or missing fire safety equipment led to injury
- Manufacturers – If a defective product caused an explosion, fire, or burn
- Negligent Drivers – If a car accident-related fire led to burn injuries
- Medical Professionals – If negligent treatment or malpractice resulted in burns
Compensation in a Burn Injury Lawsuit
A burn injury lawsuit can help victims recover compensation for:
1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
- Medical bills (hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages (income lost due to inability to work)
- Future medical expenses (long-term care, therapy, reconstructive surgery)
2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
3. Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
- Meant to punish the defendant and prevent similar accidents
Steps to Take After a Burn Injury
If you’ve suffered a burn injury, take these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Burns can worsen if untreated.
- Document the Injury – Take photos, keep medical records, and obtain accident reports.
- Identify Liable Parties – Determine if an employer, landlord, or manufacturer is responsible.
- Consult a Burn Injury Lawyer – Get legal advice to understand your rights and options.
- File a Lawsuit – If necessary, pursue a legal claim to recover compensation.
Why Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer?
A burn injury lawyer can help you:
✔ Gather Evidence – Medical records, expert opinions, and accident reports
✔ Determine Liability – Prove negligence and hold responsible parties accountable
✔ Negotiate Settlements – Get fair compensation from insurance companies
✔ File a Lawsuit – If needed, fight for maximum damages in court
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
