Scranton Burn Injury Lawyer
Many scenarios can lead to tragic and life-threatening burn injuries, often with someone’s negligence to blame. If you suffered a catastrophic burn injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, including reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts. An insurance company settlement or personal injury lawsuit can compensate you for the trauma related to most burn injuries – the psychological pain and suffering and mental anguish. Come to Rosenbaum & Associates for legal counsel regarding burn injuries in Pennsylvania.
Common Negligence-Related Burn Injury Accidents
There are four different types of burns – thermal, radiation, chemical, and electrical. Thermal burns are the most common and come from contact with heat such as fire, hot metals, scalding liquids, and steam. Radiation burns stem from prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of radiation, such as x-rays. Chemical burns occur when harmful solvents, acids, detergents, or alkalies come into contact with the skin or eyes. Electrical burns come from electrical current passing through the body. Common causes of different types of burn injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents – Many accidents result in car fires and burns to the driver and passengers. Vehicles engulfed in flame can lead to third-degree burns, permanent scarring, limb amputation, and disfigurement. If a distracted or drunk driver, roadway hazard, or a third party caused your car accident and related burn injuries, speak to an attorney.
- Workplace accidents – According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, electrocutions are the third leading cause of construction worker deaths in the U.S. Electrical burns from downed power lines, wiring methods, and electrical components endanger the lives of hundreds of workers every year. Chemical burns may also occur on the job when handling hazardous materials. Employers may be liable for workplace injuries due to negligence, such as improper training or lack of safety equipment.
- Product defects – Defective and dangerous products such as children’s toys or home appliances can lead to burn injuries. Other examples include defective vehicle parts that cause an accident, harmful chemicals or electrical equipment without proper warning labels, and sunscreen that did not prevent ultraviolet radiation (UV) burns as advertised. In these situations, a personal injury case for burns would take the form of a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor responsible for the product.
- Premises liability accidents – If you sustained a burn injury after becoming trapped in a burning building or due to hazards such as malfunctioning power outlets, you may have a premises liability case. It is a property owner’s duty to provide for the reasonable care of visitors. This includes repairing known fire hazards such as blocked exits or electrical problems.
Burns can be of the first, second, or third degree depending on the severity of the damage. First-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin, causing pain but no blistering or long-term tissue damage. Second-degree burns involve part of the dermis, or inner layer of the skin. Third-degree burns can damage the body’s underlying tendons, muscles, and bones, as well as destroy the epidermis and dermis. Every burn injury that results from someone else’s negligence warrants the attention of an attorney, if only for a consultation regarding an insurance settlement.
Why Talk to an Attorney About a Burn Injury?
Rosenbaum & Associates offers completely free initial consultations to speak with you about your burn injury at no risk or obligation to you. You have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain from discussing your case with our attorneys. We can help you negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company, or file a personal injury claim if your case merits civil action. Reach out today to schedule your meeting.