On top of being extremely painful, severe burns can also be hard to recover compensation for through a civil lawsuit or settlement proposal. Even if it seems obvious that someone else directly caused your burn by acting carelessly or recklessly, proving them legally liable for injuring you will be an uphill battle. You need representation from an experienced attorney who will fight like hell for your rights.
You deserve compensation for the accident you should’ve never suffered. With a Philadelphia burn injury lawyer on your side, you’ll be in a stronger position to get a fair result. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we recently obtained $1.2 million for a client who suffered severe burn injuries from an electrical shock on the job. Past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different. Our firm knows how to win on your behalf and support you throughout the legal process.
When Can You Sue Someone for a Burn?
Doctors categorize burns by “degrees” based on how much damage the injury causes. First-degree burns are fairly minor injuries that often clear up on their own or with basic first aid. Second-degree and third-degree burns almost always require professional medical care and may cause permanent scarring and loss of feeling at the injury site.
A burn victim may bring a lawsuit for an injury requiring professional medical care. Minor first-degree burns that heal quickly usually aren’t worth a lawsuit, but second- and third-degree burns, burns that scar, and burns that need surgery often are.
Proving Negligence for a Burn Lawsuit
Beyond proving that your burn was severe enough to require professional treatment, you and your lawyer must show that another person was negligent to hold them accountable for your injury. Someone is “negligent” if they meet all the following criteria:
- They had a “duty of care” to act responsibly in a certain way under certain circumstances—for example, the duty drivers have to follow traffic laws and watch out for other cars nearby
- They “breached” their duty by doing something reckless, careless, or illegal
- Their breach of duty was the main cause of an accident that likely wouldn’t have happened if they had acted responsibly
Your Philadelphia burn accident attorney can work to prove another person’s negligence and explain your recovery options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Getting Paid Fairly for Your Injury-Related Losses
If you have valid grounds to sue someone over a burn injury in Philadelphia, your local attorney can demand compensation for every physical, financial, and personal form of harm you suffer because of that injury. This includes both past and future losses like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological and emotional distress
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Medical bills, including expected costs of future care like physical therapy
- Lost work wages or working ability
- Personal property damage
Burn injuries can affect people’s lives in many ways, so you should discuss the specific losses you suffered with a skilled Philadelphia lawyer at our firm. We will fight for what you need to make things right.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Philadelphia
Serious burns in Philadelphia often come from:
- Apartment and rowhome fires, especially where landlords failed to provide working smoke alarms or safe wiring
- Scalding water from water heaters set too hot
- Gas leaks and explosions
- Electrical injuries on construction sites and in workplaces
- Car crashes that cause fires
- Defective products, including lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, scooters and phones
- Restaurant and commercial kitchen accidents
Depending on the cause, a claim may be against a property owner, a landlord, a contractor, a driver or a product manufacturer.
Burns at Work
If you were burned on the job, you can usually get workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp doesn’t pay for pain and suffering, but you may also have a separate claim against someone other than your employer, such as a contractor, equipment maker or property owner. Our lawyers look for every possible claim.
Philadelphia Burn Injury FAQs
How long do I have to file a burn injury claim?
Usually two years from the date of the injury. Claims against a government agency, such as the City or SEPTA, generally require written notice within six months.
What can I recover for scarring and disfigurement?
Compensation can include the cost of skin grafts, scar treatment and future surgeries, along with the pain, embarrassment and loss of enjoyment of life that serious scarring causes.
What if a product caused the fire?
Keep the product and anything left of it. Don’t throw it away or return it. A defective battery, charger or appliance can be key evidence in a product liability claim.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. We handle burn injury cases on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. We handle cases throughout Philadelphia and can meet you wherever is easiest.
Get in Touch with a Philadelphia Burn Injury Attorney Today
Getting compensation after being seriously burned due to someone else’s misconduct is far from a simple process. Fortunately, you have help available from Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our firm has represented many people in your situation.
A Philadelphia burn injury lawyer will be your ally from start to finish of your unique case. Call us today to learn more.
