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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

December 11, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Burn injuries often result from negligence, ranging from workplace accidents to defective products, causing severe physical and emotional trauma. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, specializes in representing clients with burn injuries, leveraging extensive legal knowledge to navigate complex liability issues. Our approach prioritizes client care, ensuring each case is handled with the utmost professionalism and dedication to securing just compensation.

Protecting Victims of Severe Burns in Chicago

When faced with the aftermath of extreme burns, victims in Chicago have rights that demand protection. These rights ensure that those suffering from burns receive the necessary medical treatment and legal representation, especially when these injuries are due to someone else’s negligence.

Burn victims must understand that Chicago burn injury attorneys are dedicated to advocating for their needs and securing the financial compensation they are entitled to by law.

Serious burns can be life-altering, with victims requiring extensive medical attention and possibly facing a long road to recovery. Legal representation is pivotal in guiding victims through the complexities of personal injury claims, allowing them to focus on healing while experts handle the legalities. A knowledgeable attorney will tirelessly hold responsible parties accountable, whether a chemical burn or a fire caused the injury.

Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer

Overview of Burn Injury Prevalence and Impact in Chicago

The city of Chicago sees a significant number of burns annually, each case varying in severity from minor burns to life-threatening fourth-degree burns. The physical and emotional toll these injuries take on victims and their families is profound and often requires a comprehensive approach to both immediate and long-term care. These injuries often result from motor vehicle accidents, workplace mishaps, or home accidents, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventative measures.

For those who have suffered from burns, the importance of securing experienced attorneys cannot be overstressed. Legal representation is vital in navigating the intricate process of a burn injury lawsuit and ensuring victims receive the compensation necessary to cover the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Physical pain

Our burn injury attorneys specialize in untangling the web of liability and insurance issues often accompanying these cases.

Burn Injury Lawyers Chicago

Understanding Burn Injuries and Their Causes

Severe burn injuries can occur in various forms, each with unique challenges and implications for the victim’s recovery. First-degree burns may involve minimal tissue damage, while third and fourth-degree burns can penetrate deeper, affecting muscles and bones. Understanding the causes and degrees of burns is crucial for both medical and legal professionals as they support victims in their recovery journey.

Types of Burn Injuries

  • First-degree burns: Often result in redness and are typically treated with home remedies.
  • Second-degree burns: May cause blisters and require professional medical care.
  • Third-degree burns: Can damage deeper tissues, necessitating surgical interventions such as skin grafts. [1]
  • Fourth-degree burns: Are the most severe, often leading to permanent injuries and even the need for multiple surgeries.

Common Incidents Leading to Each Type of Burn

Accidents resulting in burns can stem from various situations, such as the following:

  • Electrical burns from unsafe wiring
  • Chemical burns in industrial workplaces
  • Thermal burns from household fires

These incidents underline the critical role of safety protocols in preventing burns [2] and the entities’ responsibility to ensure these measures are in place and followed.

Chicago IL Burn Injury Lawyer

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Exploring the common causes of burns reveals that negligence plays a significant role in many incidents. Chicago personal injury attorneys are often faced with cases where inadequate safety measures or failure to adhere to regulations result in catastrophic injuries to individuals. By analyzing these cases, legal professionals can better advocate for victim rights and push for enhanced safety standards. [3]

Role of Negligence in Causing Burn Injuries

Negligence, whether by an employer, a negligent landlord, or a manufacturer, can be a key factor in burn-related accidents. Legal experts in the field of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuit claims understand the nuances of establishing fault and the importance of proving negligence to secure justice for victims.

Burn Injury Lawyer

Chicago burn victims are entitled to pursue compensation for the harm they have endured. This compensation is not limited to medical bills but also covers emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages. Injury attorneys are adept at quantifying these losses and advocating for their client’s rights to full and fair compensation.

Seeking Compensation

Victims are encouraged to seek compensation that reflects the full extent of their injuries, which may include:

  • Medical treatment costs: Immediate and ongoing medical expenses.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for time off work and potential loss of earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: Recognition of the physical and emotional/psychological trauma endured.

Overview of Economic and Non-economic Damages

The law recognizes the complexity of damages sustained by burn victims and therefore allows for claims that include both economic and non-economic damages. Chicago personal injury lawyers are experienced in evaluating the extent of these damages, ensuring their clients’ claims encompass every aspect of their suffering and loss.

Determinants of Liability

In burn cases, determining liability is a complex process involving multiple parties. A skilled Chicago personal injury attorney will meticulously identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that victims’ rights are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Chicago Burn Injury Attorney

The legal process for burn injury cases in Chicago involves steps that must be followed within specific timelines. Knowledge of these timelines, particularly the statute of limitations in Illinois, is essential for successfully navigating the legal system.

The legal system can be daunting for burn injury victims, but with the right guidance from a qualified law firm, the journey can be made more navigable. Victims must understand their rights and the process of filing a claim to ensure they do not miss critical deadlines.

Filing a claim involves:

  • Medical documentation: Gathering all records related to the burns.
  • Expert testimony: Working with medical experts to establish the extent of injuries.
  • Legal strategy: Developing a case strategy with experiencedattorneys.

Role of a Burn Injury Lawyer

A burn injury lawyer is instrumental in:

  • Case preparation: Building a solid case supported by evidence and expert opinions.
  • Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
  • Legal advocacy: Representing the victim’s interests in court, if necessary.

Support and Recovery for Burn Injury Survivors

Burn recovery goes beyond physical healing; it encompasses a wide range of support systems and treatments to address the multifaceted impact of such injuries.

Access to comprehensive medical and psychological support is critical for burn survivors. Our attorneys understand the importance of incorporating the cost of such support in compensation claims.

Overview of Available Treatments and Long-Term Rehabilitation

Burn treatments may include:

  • Skin grafts: Transplanting skin to cover extensive burn areas.
  • Physical therapy: Aiding in the recovery of movement and reducing scar tissue.
  • Rehabilitation: Long-term treatment plans to maximize recovery potential.

The psychological impact of life-altering burns is profound, often leading to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. Acknowledging and addressing this aspect is essential for a holistic recovery approach.

Community Resources and Support Systems

Highlighting local resources such as support groups and rehabilitation centers can provide invaluable assistance to burn injury survivors and their families. These resources offer emotional support and practical advice to navigate the recovery process.

Protecting Your Rights and Future Following a Burn Injury

After a burn injury, protecting your rights is paramount to ensuring a secure future. Victims are entitled to legal protection and compensation and should be aware of the importance of timely action to safeguard these rights.

The role of a skilled lawyer cannot be overstated in securing a victim’s future after a burn injury. Prompt legal advice is critical for protecting a victim’s rights and pursuing the compensation they are owed.

Rosenfeld Case Study

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers successfully advocated for a teenage boy who suffered severe second and third-degree burns on his arms and face due to a can of cooking spray exploding. These burns necessitated hospitalization and a skin graft procedure. In collaboration with our legal partner, we initiated a product liability lawsuit, ultimately establishing that the product had manufacturing defects.

Following a lengthy legal process, we secured a confidential settlement to cover the boy’s medical expenses, his pain and suffering, as well as the disfigurement resulting from the burn accident.

Settlements and Jury Awards in Negligent Burn Injury Cases

Burn injuries, often resulting from negligence or abuse, can lead to significant settlements and jury awards. These cases often involve severe physical and emotional trauma, and the compensation reflects the profound impact on the victims’ lives. Here’s a brief look at some notable cases:

  • Highly Flammable Skirt Incident: A manufacturer settled with a plaintiff who suffered third-degree burns and permanent scarring for close to $4 million.
  • City of Anaheim Settlement: A painter suffered severe third-degree burns due to contact with a 12,000-volt power line, leading to a $6 million settlement.
  • Dirt Bike Accident: A 19-year-old man received a substantial settlement after his non-fire-retardant clothing contributed to extensive burns.
  • Scalding Shower Incident: An 88-year-old man was awarded $960,000 after being scalded due to excessively hot water in his shower.
  • Starbucks® Coffee Scalding: A woman received $310,000 when a cup of Starbucks® coffee caused burns on her foot.
  • Paint Factory Explosion: An employee was awarded $900,000 following serious burns from a factory explosion.
  • Factory Accident with Molten Material: A man burned by molten material in a factory accident received $27.26 million, plus $250,000 for his wife’s loss of companionship.

These cases illustrate the gravity of serious burns and the legal system’s role in providing justice and compensation to the victims.

Chicago Burn Injury Lawyers

Chicago Burn Injury Attorney FAQs

When someone suffers a severe burn, it can be a life-changing event. Our Chicago lawyers are dedicated to providing legal assistance to burn victims. This FAQ addresses common inquiries related to serious burns, the legal ramifications, and the services Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC provides.

What Are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?

First-degree burns [4] are the mildest form of burn injuries, affecting only the outer layer of skin. They usually cause redness and pain but typically don’t require professional medical treatment.

Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin, causing blisters and more intense pain. Third Degree Burns penetrate deeper, destroying all layers of skin and possibly damaging tissues underneath; these serious burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment.

Classified-degree burns vary in severity, but even less intense burns can become serious if they cover a large area of the body or are located on critical parts of the body like the face or hands. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for any significant burn.

How Can Negligence Affect a Serious Burn Injury Case?

Negligence is a failure to take proper care in doing something, which can lead to someone else getting hurt. For burn victims, negligence might involve an apartment fire with no fire extinguishers available or a workplace incident where safety protocols were not followed, leading to chemical burns or electrical burns. The victim might have a personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence led to the injury.

In the context of burn injuries caused by negligence, identifying responsible parties is essential. A skilled attorney can help determine who is at fault, whether it’s a landlord, employer, or manufacturer of a product that catches fire easily.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Severe Burn Injury Claim?

Victims of serious burns may recover compensation for a variety of damages. This can include medical expenses for immediate and future medical treatment, compensation for lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases of severe burns, compensation may also cover sustained life-altering burns and the associated lifelong care.

The legal process can help burn victims address the financial burden of an accident, ensuring they don’t bear the costs caused by someone else’s fault. A personal injury claim can also pursue punitive damages if the negligent party’s actions were particularly egregious.

Can You Sue for Burn Injuries Sustained at Work?

Injuries at work, including burn injuries, are generally handled through worker’s compensation claims. However, there may be circumstances where a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate, such as when burn injuries are due to a third party’s negligence or if there is a product liability issue.

Our law firm specializes in burn cases and can advise on whether a worker’s comp claim or a lawsuit is the best course of action. They can help navigate the complexities of legal claims for other burn injuries sustained in the workplace.

What Are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can result from a variety of incidents, including apartment fires, car accidents, workplace mishaps, or even radiation burns from medical treatment. While superficial burns might occur at home from simple accidents, some burn types are common in industrial settings, including the following:

  • Electrical burns
  • Chemical burns
  • Thermal burns

How Long Do You Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Chicago?

The statute of limitations for filing a burn case in Chicago is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may extend this period, such as if the burn victim is a minor or if the injury was not discovered immediately.

Chicago IL Burn Injury Attorney

Hiring a Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer to Safeguard Your Rights and Recovery

The necessity of professional legal assistance in the wake of a serious burn is clear. Have you or a loved one suffered a burn injury? It is essential to contact a Chicago burn injury lawyer for a consultation to discuss your case and ensure your rights and recovery are vigorously defended.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC at (888) 424-5757, where our dedicated legal team is ready to help you navigate your burn injury case with compassion and expertise.

Resources: [1] NIH, [2] American Burn Association, [3] OSHA, [4] NIH

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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