Burn Injuries

The Reality of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-changing injuries a person can suffer. Unlike other injuries that heal over time, burns can leave permanent scars, cause nerve damage, and require years of medical treatment. In severe cases, burns can lead to amputations, chronic pain, and emotional trauma that affects every aspect of a victim’s life.

Burns are not always the victim’s fault. Many are caused by negligence, defective products, unsafe work environments, or hazardous property conditions. Whether it’s a workplace explosion, a landlord failing to install fire alarms, or a restaurant serving scalding food without warning, you should not have to suffer alone. If your burns were caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice and financial compensation.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries happen in many different settings, but some of the most common causes include:

Workplace Accidents & Industrial Burns

• Fires, explosions, and electrical burns in construction sites, factories, and warehouses.
• Chemical burns from toxic substances, unsafe handling, or lack of protective gear.
• Thermal burns from hot machinery, steam, or molten materials.

Car Accidents & Gasoline Fires

• Fuel leaks in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can lead to explosions and severe burns.
• Airbag deployment can also cause friction burns or chemical burns.

Defective Products & Household Appliances

• Faulty electronics, space heaters, and kitchen appliances can cause electrical burns or house fires.
• Exploding batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries in e-cigarettes or cell phones) have caused third-degree burns.

Scalding Burns from Hot Liquids

• Boiling water, coffee, or steam can cause deep tissue burns.
• Restaurants or fast-food establishments may be liable if they serve dangerously hot food or beverages without warning.

Electrical Burns & Shock Injuries

• Exposed wiring, defective electrical equipment, or unsafe power lines can cause severe internal and external burns.
• These burns are common in workplaces, construction sites, and rental properties with faulty wiring.

Apartment & Rental Property Fires

• Landlords and property owners may be liable if they fail to install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or safe wiring.
• Blocked fire exits and lack of sprinklers can turn small fires into deadly infernos.

Chemical Burns from Hazardous Substances

• Exposure to industrial cleaning agents, acids, or flammable chemicals can cause severe skin and eye burns.
• Chemical burns often occur in labs, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and construction sites.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burns are classified into different degrees based on severity:

• First-Degree Burns: Affect only the top layer of skin (redness, mild pain).
• Second-Degree Burns: Damage deeper layers, causing blisters, swelling, and extreme pain.
• Third-Degree Burns: Destroy all skin layers, leaving permanent scars and nerve damage.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe, damaging muscles, tendons, and bones.

Severe burns often require skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Victims may also experience chronic pain, limited mobility, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What to Do After a Burn Injury

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Burns can worsen over time and lead to infections or internal damage.
• Follow all medical advice, including skin grafts or rehabilitation.

2. Report the Incident

• If the burn happened at work, notify your employer and file an injury report.
• If the burn occurred in a rental property, inform the landlord and document unsafe conditions.

3. Document Your Injuries & Gather Evidence

• Take photos of the burn injury, the accident scene, and any defective equipment.
• Collect witness statements and security footage (if available).

4. Preserve Medical Records & Bills

• Keep all hospital records, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions as proof of injury.
• Save receipts for medical supplies, physical therapy, or assistive devices.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

A lawyer can help determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for full compensation.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury?

Burn injury liability depends on the cause of the accident. Responsible parties may include:

1. Employers & Business Owners – If unsafe work conditions, lack of safety gear, or failure to follow fire codes contributed to the burn.
2. Property Owners & Landlords – If faulty wiring, gas leaks, or missing smoke detectors caused a fire or explosion.
3. Manufacturers & Product Companies – If a defective product malfunctioned, caught fire, or exploded.
4. Negligent Individuals – If a person’s reckless actions, such as starting a fire or handling chemicals irresponsibly, led to the injury.

A personal injury attorney will investigate who is at fault and help hold them accountable.

Compensation for Burn Injury Victims

Burn injuries often require expensive medical treatment and long recovery periods. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Hospitalization, skin grafts, surgery, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages & Future Earnings: If burns prevent returning to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
• Disfigurement & Scarring: Compensation for permanent scars and cosmetic procedures.
• Home Modifications: If burns result in mobility limitations or disabilities.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a burn injury results in fatal complications, families may receive compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support.

Why You Need a Burn Injury Attorney

Burn injuries are complex cases, and insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of burns. Without legal representation, victims may receive far less than they deserve. A personal injury attorney can:

Take Your Case to Court (If Needed): If a fair settlement isn’t offered.

Prove Liability: Gather expert testimony, medical records, and accident reports.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Prevent them from offering low settlements.