The American Burn Association reports that in 2023 alone, there were 32,540 burn cases. Over the five years from 2019 to 2023, a total of 156,073 cases were recorded. Although survival rates for burn injuries are over 95%, burns can be some of the most emotionally traumatic, physically harmful, and financially costly injuries one can experience. Severe burns may require medical care, like surgery and rehabilitation, and may result in disfigurement or permanent losses in physical ability. If you or a loved one has experienced a burn injury, contact our Philadelphia burn injury lawyers at 215-587-0038 to discuss your legal rights as a burn injury victim.
What Are The Legal Rights Of Burn Injury Victims?
A Philadelphia burn injury lawyer will help you determine what your legal rights as a burn injury victim are, and what legal actions you can take. Most burns are accidental, but sometimes an injury or even death may result from negligence, unsafe products, or hazardous work conditions. In these cases, you or your loved one may be entitled to compensation.
A Philadelphia burn injury lawyer knows they have to prove three things in a burn injury case:
Types Of Burn Injuries
- First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain.
- Second-Degree Burns: Extend into the second layer of skin (dermis), resulting in blisters, swelling, and more intense pain.
- Third-Degree Burns: Penetrate through all layers of skin, causing white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb due to nerve damage.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: Go beyond the skin, affecting muscles, tendons, and bones, and often result in significant damage and loss of function.
What Is the Statute Of Limitation For Burn Injury Claims in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, there is a time limit for filing your claim. Plaintiffs have a two-year statute of limitations to file their case. If you miss this deadline, the courts may decline to hear your case, although there are occasional exceptions for unusual circumstances. For more information on the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania, you can refer to Title 42, Section 5524 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Why Should You Hire A Burn Injury Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a Philadelphia burn injury lawyer if you or a loved one has had a serious burn injury and if you feel that the injury sustained was caused by the negligence or actions of another. Your injuries may be cosmetic, or they may result in physical impairment. Either way, you have a right to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
Including: Hospitalizations, Surgeries, Therapies, and Follow-Ups
- Travel Expenses
The costs of going to and from appointments.
- Lost Income
The money you would have made if you were able to work while you were recovering or caring for a loved one.
- Pain and Suffering
Plus other damages, depending on the circumstances of the injury.
FAQs For Burn Injury
Burn injury law is complex and difficult to navigate, but this is where a Philadelphia burn injury lawyer can help you. As a burn victim or a family member of one, you have enough to worry about during recovery. A burn injury lawyer in Philadelphia serves as your advocate, deals with insurance companies, compiles evidence for your case, and negotiates a settlement on your behalf.
Determining who should be held responsible for your burn injury depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Commonly, liability may fall on property owners, employers, manufacturers, or other individuals whose negligence or wrongful actions caused the injury. For instance, if the burn occurred at work, your employer might be responsible, especially if safety protocols were not followed. If a defective product caused the injury, the manufacturer could be held liable. To explore your legal options and identify the responsible party, you can contact Philadelphia burn injury lawyer, Zafran Law Group for burn injury law assistance.
Even if you’re partly to blame, you might still get some compensation. Pennsylvania law allows for this, as long as your fault is less than half.
In Pennsylvania, even if you contributed to your injuries, you could still get a portion of the settlement, as long as most of the blame lies with others. You can learn more about Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law here.
How To Find A Lawyer Who Specializes In Burn Injuries?
Contact Zafran Law Group to speak to an experienced Philadelphia burn injury lawyer today. Our highly qualified burn injury attorneys will consult with you about your burn injury and determine if you have a case.