A severe burn threatens more than your physical health. Burn accidents and injuries also inflict psychological and emotional trauma on victims and their loved ones.
If you or someone you care about was seriously burned during a preventable event, our team of personal injury attorneys, which also includes five doctor-lawyers, the most in the nation, can evaluate your case and offer personalized guidance.
The Extent of the Problem
Few instincts are more primal for humans than our drive to protect ourselves from fire. Nonetheless, burn injuries and their extensive treatment requirements affect people nationwide.
Consider these statistics from the American Burn Association:
- In 2021, approximately 398,000 people sought medical care for fire or burn-related injuries.
- An additional 252,000 injuries were related to contact with hot objects or substances.
- A 2020 analysis reported 698,555 burn-related insurance claims.
- Each year, about 29,165 burn-related hospital admissions occur in the U.S., with an overall inpatient mortality rate of 2.7%.
- Severe burns requiring surgery and prolonged ventilation accounted for 4.4% of admissions, with a mortality rate of 17.8%.
Burn injuries also disproportionately impact children. According to the American Burn Association:
- Scald burns: Scald burns from hot liquids or steam account for 35% of all burn injuries treated at U.S. burn centers. Notably, 61% of these scald injuries occur in children under five.
- Emergency department visits: Thousands of children receive emergency care for burn injuries yearly.
- Hospital admissions: Children under 18 represent a substantial portion of burn-related hospital admissions. The median age of pediatric burn patients is three years, with an interquartile range of 1-8 years.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries Due to Negligence
Burn injuries caused by negligence often result from preventable accidents in various settings. Common causes include:
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Scalding from hot water
- Fires due to a lack of safety protocols in workplaces
- Motor vehicle accidents involving fuel leaks or explosions
- Inadequate supervision in childcare or eldercare facilities
- Unsafe handling or storage of flammable substances
The Long-Term Effects of Severe Burns
When responsible parties fail to take reasonable safety precautions, their negligence can have severe, sometimes life-altering, consequences for burn victims.
Physically, survivors may experience:
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage
- Limited mobility
- Disfigurement due to scarring or contractures
- The need for skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries
Emotionally, individuals may struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress
- Difficulties with social reintegration
These lasting effects can impact a person’s quality of life, independence, and ability to return to work or school.
What to Do After Suffering a Burn Injury
After a burn injury, take the following steps:
- Take photos and videos of the scene and gather witness information if possible.
- Report the incident to the appropriate party, such as an employer, landlord, or property owner.
- Keep medical bills and records of lost wages and other related expenses.
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurers or signing anything without legal advice.
If negligence is involved, or you suspect it is, it’s especially important to consult a personal injury attorney. They will explain your rights and help you explore potential compensation for your injuries and recovery-related costs.
How Kline & Specter Investigates Burn Injury Cases
Investigating a burn injury case begins by gathering all relevant evidence. This includes medical records, photographs of the injuries and accident scene, incident reports, and witness statements. Your attorney may also consult fire investigators, safety experts, or engineers to determine the cause and identify any code violations or defective products.
The firm will assess whether negligence played a role by considering factors like inadequate safety measures or maintenance failures. They also calculate damages by reviewing medical expenses, lost income, and long-term effects.
Why Choose Kline & Specter?
Kline & Specter, founded in 1995 by Tom Kline and Shanin Specter, has a spectacular record of courtroom success in catastrophic injury litigation.
In one case, Shanin Specter secured a $109 million jury verdict – later settled for $105 million – after a downed power line in suburban Pittsburgh killed a woman. In another, the firm achieved a $36.4 million settlement for a worker killed in a refinery explosion, following an in-depth investigation involving 40,000 documents and 14 expert witnesses. The results speak volumes.
FAQs
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Severe Burn Injury?
Compensation for a severe burn injury may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
Victims may also obtain damages for pain and suffering, loss of life's pleasures, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Punitive damages may apply as well.
The exact amount depends on the severity of the burn, its long-term impact, and the circumstances of the incident. A legal review will help determine the full scope of possible compensation.
Consult a Burn Injury Attorney
If you or someone you care about suffered a serious burn injury that should have been prevented, Kline & Specter’s team of burn injury attorneys can answer your questions and let you know if you have a valid legal claim. You can reach us at (215) 772-1000 or through our contact form.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.
