A serious burn injury can cause much more than immediate physical pain. Severe burns may require emergency treatment, surgery, skin grafting, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and continuing medical care. They can also leave permanent scars, nerve damage, mobility limitations, emotional distress, and other long-term consequences.
When a burn injury was caused by another person’s negligence, a defective product, unsafe property, a workplace accident, or another potentially responsible party, an experienced burn injury law firm can investigate the circumstances and determine whether the injured person may have a legal claim.
Burn cases can be particularly complex because the visible injury may not tell the entire story. Medical treatment, future care, scarring, disability, lost income, and psychological effects may all become relevant when determining potential damages.
What Is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury occurs when tissue is damaged by sources such as:
- Fire
- Hot liquids or steam
- Hot surfaces
- Chemicals
- Electricity
- Explosions
- Radiation
- Certain hazardous substances
Burns can vary substantially in severity. OSHA’s workplace safety materials distinguish among thermal, electrical, and chemical burns and recognize burns and scalds as injuries that can constitute serious physical harm.
The severity of an injury can depend on factors such as:
- Depth of the burn
- Size of the affected area
- Location of the injury
- Type of substance or energy involved
- Length of exposure
- Whether internal injuries occurred
- Whether infection or other complications developed
A medical professional should determine the severity and appropriate treatment of a burn injury.
Common Causes of Burn Injury Claims
A burn injury can happen in many different environments.
| Cause | Examples |
| Workplace accident | Fires, chemicals, hot equipment and electrical accidents |
| Car accident | Vehicle fires, explosions or contact with hot components |
| Truck accident | Fuel fires, chemical exposure or vehicle explosions |
| Defective product | Appliances, batteries, heaters or other products |
| Premises accident | Building fires, unsafe heating systems or hazardous conditions |
| Chemical exposure | Industrial chemicals, corrosive substances or spills |
| Electrical accident | Electrical shock, arc flash or energized equipment |
| Construction accident | Welding, electrical work, explosions and hot materials |
| Apartment or house fire | Negligent maintenance or dangerous conditions |
| Restaurant accident | Hot oil, steam, cooking equipment or kitchen fires |
| Explosion | Gas leaks, industrial explosions or defective equipment |
The legal theory can vary depending on what caused the burn and who was responsible for the dangerous condition.
Types of Burn Injuries
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns can result from direct contact with:
- Flames
- Hot liquids
- Steam
- Hot surfaces
- Heated materials
These may occur at workplaces, restaurants, construction sites, homes, or other locations.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns can occur when corrosive substances come into contact with the skin, eyes, or other tissues.
Workplace chemical exposure can involve substances that require specialized protective equipment. OSHA standards address protective clothing and equipment for workers exposed to hazards including chemical and thermal burns.
Electrical Burns
Electrical injuries can be particularly complicated because electrical current can cause internal tissue damage that may not be obvious from the appearance of the skin.
OSHA identifies electrical, arc, and thermal contact burns as possible consequences of electrical accidents.
Arc-Flash Burns
An electrical arc can generate extremely high temperatures and cause severe burns.
OSHA requires certain employers to assess flame and electric-arc hazards and use appropriate protective measures in covered situations.
Scald Injuries
Scalds are burns caused by hot liquids or steam.
Common examples include:
- Hot water
- Coffee
- Cooking oil
- Soup
- Steam
- Industrial liquids
A scald injury may potentially lead to a premises liability, product liability, workplace, or other personal injury claim depending on how the accident happened.
When Should You Contact a Burn Injury Lawyer?
Consider speaking with a burn injury attorney when:
- The burn is serious
- Surgery or hospitalization was required
- Permanent scarring is possible
- A person cannot return to work
- Another person may have caused the accident
- A defective product may be involved
- The insurance company disputes responsibility
- A workplace injury is being disputed
- A family member died from burn injuries
- Long-term medical treatment is expected
You do not necessarily need to know exactly who was legally responsible before contacting an attorney. Investigating responsibility is part of the legal process.
What Does a Burn Injury Law Firm Do?
A burn injury attorney may handle several aspects of the case.
- Investigates the Accident
The lawyer may investigate:
- Where the accident occurred
- What caused the burn
- Who controlled the location
- Whether a product was involved
- Whether safety procedures were followed
- Whether witnesses were present
- Whether video footage exists
- Whether previous incidents occurred
The objective is to determine how the injury happened and whether another party may have legal responsibility.
- Collects Evidence
Evidence may include:
- Photographs of the injuries
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Medical records
- Hospital records
- Fire department reports
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Security-camera footage
- Product information
- Maintenance records
- Workplace safety records
- Employment records
- Insurance documents
Preserving evidence can become especially important when the accident involves a defective product, damaged equipment, or a dangerous property condition.
- Determines Liability
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties could include:
- A negligent driver
- Property owner
- Business owner
- Employer
- Contractor
- Manufacturer
- Product distributor
- Equipment company
- Another individual or organization
More than one party may potentially be involved.
- Works With Medical Experts
Serious burn claims may require medical experts to explain:
- Severity of the injury
- Required treatment
- Need for surgery
- Need for skin grafting
- Expected recovery
- Permanent impairment
- Future treatment
- Scarring
- Functional limitations
- Calculates Damages
A lawyer may also evaluate the financial and personal consequences of the injury.
This can include both current and future losses.
Compensation in a Burn Injury Case
The types of compensation available depend on the facts of the case and applicable law.
Medical Expenses
Potentially recoverable medical expenses may include:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Skin graft procedures
- Medication
- Wound care
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Follow-up appointments
- Medical equipment
Future Medical Treatment
Severe burns may require treatment long after the initial accident.
Future expenses may potentially involve:
- Additional surgeries
- Scar treatment
- Reconstructive procedures
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Medication
- Specialist care
- Medical equipment
Lost Income
If the injury prevents someone from working, lost wages may potentially form part of a claim.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity
A serious burn can affect a person’s ability to perform their previous job or work in the same capacity.
If the injury causes permanent limitations, future earning capacity may become an important component of damages where permitted by law.
Pain and Suffering
Depending on the jurisdiction and type of claim, compensation may potentially address physical pain and emotional suffering.
Burn injuries can involve repeated medical procedures and prolonged recovery, making this category particularly relevant in some cases.
Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Permanent scars can affect appearance, mobility, confidence, employment, and quality of life.
Depending on applicable law, scarring or disfigurement can be relevant to the damages claimed.
Emotional Distress
Serious burn injuries can also have psychological consequences.
Depending on the facts and applicable law, emotional distress may be considered as part of a personal injury claim.
How Much Is a Burn Injury Case Worth?
There is no standard settlement amount for burn injury cases.
Potential case value can depend on:
- Burn severity
- Percentage of the body affected
- Location of burns
- Permanent scarring
- Need for surgery
- Future medical care
- Disability
- Lost income
- Future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional effects
- Strength of liability evidence
- Insurance coverage
- Applicable state law
Two people can suffer burns from similar accidents and have very different legal claims.
For this reason, an online settlement calculator cannot reliably determine the value of an individual burn injury case.
Burn Injuries at Work
Workplace burn injuries can arise from:
- Fires
- Hot machinery
- Chemicals
- Welding
- Steam
- Electrical equipment
- Explosions
- Arc flashes
- Hot surfaces
OSHA addresses workplace hazards involving thermal burns, chemical burns, electrical hazards, and protective equipment.
If an employee suffers a work-related burn, workers’ compensation may provide benefits depending on the applicable state system.
However, a workplace accident can sometimes involve a third party.
For example, if defective equipment manufactured by another company causes the injury, the worker may potentially have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate claim against the responsible third party.
The exact legal options depend on the circumstances and applicable state law.
Burn Injuries From Defective Products
A defective product can potentially cause:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Electrical burns
- Chemical burns
- Thermal burns
- Scald injuries
Potentially relevant products could include:
- Appliances
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Heaters
- Cooking equipment
- Electrical equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Children’s products
- Automotive components
A product-liability investigation may examine whether the product was defectively designed, manufactured incorrectly, or sold without appropriate warnings or instructions.
Burn Injuries From Fires and Explosions
Fire and explosion cases can be especially complicated.
Potential causes may include:
- Gas leaks
- Faulty electrical systems
- Defective appliances
- Improper maintenance
- Unsafe construction
- Chemical reactions
- Industrial equipment failures
- Negligent handling of combustible materials
Investigators may need to determine the source of the fire or explosion before legal responsibility can be established.
Burn Injuries in Car Accidents
A vehicle collision can result in burns when:
- Fuel ignites
- The vehicle catches fire
- An electrical system fails
- Hot components cause contact burns
- An explosion occurs
A burn injury resulting from a collision may involve claims against another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, a parts manufacturer, or another responsible party depending on the evidence.
Evidence That Can Strengthen a Burn Injury Claim
| Evidence | Potential Importance |
| Injury photographs | Shows severity and progression of burns |
| Medical records | Documents diagnosis and treatment |
| Hospital records | Establishes emergency treatment |
| Surgical records | Documents procedures |
| Accident photographs | Shows the circumstances of the accident |
| Fire report | May document fire origin and circumstances |
| Police report | Records accident information |
| Witness statements | Supports what happened |
| Video footage | May capture the incident |
| Product information | Helps investigate defective products |
| Employment records | Documents lost income |
| Expert reports | Explains medical and technical issues |
Burn photographs can be particularly useful because the appearance of an injury can change during treatment and healing.
What Should You Do After a Serious Burn Injury?
If you suffer a serious burn:
Seek Medical Treatment
Immediate medical attention should take priority after a significant burn.
Report a Workplace Accident
If the injury happened at work, follow the applicable workplace reporting procedures.
Photograph the Injury
When practical, photographs can document how the injury changes during treatment.
Preserve Evidence
Keep:
- Medical records
- Bills
- Accident reports
- Photographs
- Insurance correspondence
- Employment records
Identify Witnesses
Record the names and contact information of people who witnessed the accident when possible.
Avoid Destroying Potential Evidence
If a product or piece of equipment may have caused the accident, preserving it may be important. Do not alter or discard potentially relevant evidence without understanding whether it may be needed for an investigation.
Burn Injury Law Firm and Insurance Companies
After a serious accident, an insurance company may contact the injured person.
The insurer may ask questions about:
- How the accident happened
- Medical treatment
- Prior injuries
- Lost income
- The severity of the injury
An attorney can communicate with insurers on the client’s behalf and evaluate settlement offers.
Before accepting a settlement, it can be important to understand the full extent of the injury and whether future medical needs have been adequately evaluated.
How to Choose a Burn Injury Law Firm
When researching attorneys, consider:
Experience With Serious Burn Cases
Ask whether the firm regularly handles severe burn and catastrophic injury cases.
Medical Resources
Find out whether the firm works with appropriate medical experts who can evaluate the injury and future treatment.
Experience With Different Types of Claims
Depending on the accident, relevant experience could include:
- Personal injury
- Product liability
- Premises liability
- Workers’ compensation
- Vehicle accidents
- Wrongful death
Litigation Experience
Ask whether the attorney has experience taking serious injury cases into litigation when negotiations do not resolve the claim.
Communication
Understand:
- Who will handle your case
- How often you will receive updates
- Who will answer questions
- How medical records will be obtained
- How settlement decisions will be handled
Questions to Ask a Burn Injury Lawyer
Before hiring an attorney, consider asking:
- Have you handled serious burn injury cases?
- Have you handled cases involving permanent scarring?
- What may have caused my injury?
- Who could potentially be responsible?
- Could there be a product-liability claim?
- Could I have a workers’ compensation claim?
- Could a third-party claim also exist?
- What medical experts may be needed?
- How will future medical costs be calculated?
- What damages may potentially be available?
- What deadlines apply to my case?
- How are your fees calculated?
- Who will personally handle my case?
- Will the case potentially need to go to trial?
How Burn Injury Lawyers Charge
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, although the terms vary between law firms and jurisdictions.
Under this arrangement, the client generally does not pay the attorney’s fee upfront. Instead, the attorney receives an agreed percentage of the recovery if the case succeeds.
Before signing an agreement, ask about:
- Attorney percentage
- Case expenses
- Expert fees
- Medical-record costs
- Court costs
- Litigation expenses
- What happens if the case is unsuccessful
- Whether the fee changes if the case proceeds to trial
Always review the written fee agreement carefully.
Burn Injury Statute of Limitations
A burn injury claim is subject to legal deadlines.
The deadline can depend on:
- State
- Type of claim
- Person or company being sued
- Whether the injury occurred at work
- Whether a government entity is involved
- Whether the injured person is a minor
- Other circumstances
Different claims can have different deadlines.
For example, a personal injury claim, product-liability claim, workers’ compensation claim, and claim against a government entity may be governed by different procedures and deadlines.
An attorney should review the applicable jurisdiction rather than relying on a general nationwide deadline.
Burn Injury Lawyer Near Me
People searching for legal assistance may use terms such as:
- Burn injury lawyer near me
- Burn injury attorney
- Burn injury law firm
- Serious burn injury lawyer
- Burn accident attorney
- Burn injury compensation lawyer
- Severe burn lawyer
- Chemical burn lawyer
- Electrical burn injury lawyer
- Fire injury lawyer
- Burn injury personal injury attorney
- Burn injury attorney near me
- Workplace burn injury lawyer
- Product liability burn lawyer
Local searches can be especially important because personal injury and workers’ compensation rules vary between jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a burn injury lawyer do?
A burn injury lawyer investigates how the accident occurred, determines who may be responsible, collects evidence, reviews medical records, evaluates damages, negotiates with insurers, and may pursue a lawsuit when appropriate.
Can I sue if someone else caused my burn injury?
Potentially. If another party’s negligence or legally actionable conduct caused the injury, a personal injury claim may be available depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Can I receive compensation for permanent burn scars?
Potentially. Permanent scarring or disfigurement may be relevant to damages in an appropriate personal injury claim, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.
Can I sue for a workplace burn injury?
A workplace burn may qualify for workers’ compensation. In some situations, a separate third-party personal injury claim may also be possible.
Can I sue a manufacturer for a burn caused by a defective product?
Potentially. Product-liability law can provide claims in certain circumstances involving defective products. The specific legal theory depends on how the product was defective and how the injury occurred.
How much is a serious burn injury worth?
There is no fixed amount. The potential value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, permanent effects, lost income, future care, liability, insurance coverage, and applicable law.
Should I accept an insurance settlement after a burn injury?
Before accepting a settlement, it can be useful to understand the full extent of the injury, future medical needs, and potential damages. A lawyer can review an offer and explain the legal considerations.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit?
The deadline varies by state and by type of claim. Because different legal claims can have different deadlines, an attorney should review the applicable jurisdiction as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A serious burn injury can result in extensive medical treatment, permanent scarring, disability, lost income, and significant emotional and financial consequences. When another person, company, property owner, employer, or manufacturer may be responsible, a burn injury law firm can investigate the accident and help determine what legal options may be available.
The most important issues often include identifying the cause of the burn, preserving evidence, establishing liability, documenting medical treatment, and calculating both current and future losses.
Because personal injury, product-liability, premises-liability, and workers’ compensation laws vary by jurisdiction, the appropriate legal strategy depends on the circumstances of the individual case.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Burn injury laws, workers’ compensation rules, statutes of limitations, and potential damages vary by state and by individual circumstances. Consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction for advice about a specific burn injury claim.
