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Philadelphia Burn Injury Attorney

According to the US Fire Administration , more than one million Americans suffer burn injuries each year in the United States. Painful, life-threatening, scarring and sometimes disabling, severe burn injuries are catastrophic in multiple facets. There is so much for a burn victim to understand, so calling a Philadelphia burn injury attorney is highly recommended.

The skin isn’t just a pretty covering; it’s also the body’s largest organ, regulating temperature and keeping out infections. When more than a small percentage of the skin is damaged by a burn, it can’t do those jobs — and the victim is in danger. That’s why Philadelphia hospitals have specialized burn units, where burn injury victims can get the specialized care they need. If you are suffering from serious burn injuries after an accident and want to hold the guilty party responsible, contact our Philadelphia burn injury attorneys at Rosenbaum & Associates.

Philadelphia Burn Injury Resources

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Why Choose Us?

Causes of Burn Injury

Why You Need An Attorney

Burn Injury Liability

Different Severities of Burns

Different Types of Burn Injuries

Contact Us Today

Locations We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Rosenbaum & Associates?

  • We don’t charge any fees unless we win you the compensation you need.
  • Our law firm is Nationally Recognized and has a reputation of winning cases, read more about our case results here.
  • Our Philadelphia Burn Injury lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial.
  • We have recovered over $100 Million for our clients.
  • Our team makes sure our clients leave happy, you can view all client testimonials here.

Causes of Burn Injury

Unfortunately, other people’s carelessness is behind some of the most common causes of burns. Severe burn injuries can come from car, truck and motorcycle accidents; defective electrical wiring in homes or appliances; explosions of hot water heaters and other defective products; serious workplace accidents; and human errors with smoking and cooking. When these and other forms of negligence cause life-altering burn accidents, burn victims should contact a Philadelphia burn injury attorney right away to discuss their rights and options. Rosenbaum & Associates has extensive experience with a wide variety of personal injuries, including the complicated legal and medical issues that underlie burn injuries. Contact a Philadelphia personal injury attorney today.

Philadelphia burn injury lawyer

Why Do You Need a Burn Injury Attorney?

With so much on the line, it is in your best interests to hire a skilled and trusted Philadelphia burn injury lawyer who can assist you with your claim while you are focusing on healing. Burn injuries are excruciating and may leave burn victims with long-lasting physical and psychological scars. The recovery process can be grueling and possibly require costly skin grafting procedures. Still, you may suffer significant scarring, nerve damage, loss of range of motion, or even amputation. All of which can drastically change your quality of life.

Depending on the extent of your burns, your compensation should not cover just one year of medical expenses and lost wages but be based on a lifetime of care and negative repercussions. A team of Philadelphia burn injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident and collect evidence to support your claim so they may effectively negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Burn Injury Liability

To recover the compensation you are entitled to after a burn injury, it is critical to establish and assign liability. After an in-depth investigation by your attorney, they will determine which parties can be held responsible—for example, an at-fault driver, property owner, product manufacturer, etc. Burn injury claims are typically based on negligence, premises liability, or product liability.

Negligence-Based Burn Injury Claims

Most burn injury claims are based on the legal theory of negligence, defined as the failure to use reasonable care to prevent harm to oneself or others. Holding a party accountable requires proving the following four elements:

  • Duty: The defendant (at-fault party) owed you a duty of care. For example, motorists owe a duty to others on the road to drive safely to prevent accidents.
  • Breach: The defendant violated their duty of care. A driver can breach their duty of care owed to you, for example, by driving while under the influence.
  • Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries, and you would not have been injured if not for their actions.
  • Damages: You suffered financial losses, such as medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, etc.

Under Pennsylvania’s rule of “modified comparative negligence,” each party that contributed to the burn injury accident will be assigned a percentage of fault. If the victim is partially to blame, their compensation will be reduced by their share of responsibility. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 and found 40% at fault for your accident, you will only receive 60% or $60,000. However, this law also prohibits you from recovering any compensation if you share 51% or more of the blame.

There may be other methods of assigning liability depending on the circumstances of your case. For instance, if a defective product caused your burn injury, the manufacturer can possibly be held strictly liable. Under this legal theory, you do not have to prove negligence, but only that the product was defective in a way that made it unreasonably dangerous and the defect caused their injury.

What Are The Different Severities of Burns?

Burns are measured by severity in first, second or third degree burn types. The level of burn will mandate the treatment options that can help remedy the injuries sustained from the burn. If you suffer a second or third degree burn, seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible

The different degrees of burn are:

First Degree Burns

First degree burns are the least severe burn type. Many sunburns that people are exposed to are a result of first degree burns. The outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, is damaged and the skin may peel back after damage has occurred.

To protect yourself from first degree burns, ensure that you use sunscreen with an adequate SPF to protect your skin from burns, premature aging and in severe cases skin cancer. If you have suffered a first degree burn, moisturize the area with Aloe Vera and hydrating lotion.

Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns penetrate through the outer layer of the skin two the layer beneath the epidermis, called the dermis. Second degree burns may result in a skin grafts to help repair the skin.

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are the most severe type of burn injury. Burns of this magnitude result in the epidermis, dermis and the hair follicles being damaged. Other glands under the layer of skin, including sweat, can likely be damaged from a third degree burn. Skin grafts are required to treat third degree burns.

If you believe you have suffered a second or third degree burn, seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

Not all burns are alike in how they occur, the damage caused and the severity of the injury. There are several different types of burn injuries that can injure individuals that are exposed to different elements and materials. Some of the different types of burn injuries include:

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns occur when an individual comes into close contact with something that is hot. Thermal burns typically result from close contact with

  • Hot objects including cooking utensils
  • Open flames
  • Scalding hot objects or steam

Dependent on the severity of the thermal burn (1st, 2nd or 3rd degree) the injuries, damage and medical options to skin tissue will vary drastically.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when a body or body part comes into contact with a current that possesses electricity. If an individual has ever suffered a shock from touching an electrical wire or outlet, that individual may have also suffered an electric burn.

While some electric burns can result in a shock, more severe electricity injuries can result in serious injury and in extreme cases death. If a loved one has suffered a serious fatal injury, contact our Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers.

Friction Burns

Friction burns, colloquially known as rug burns, occur when the skin slides or rubs against a surface that results in minor skin damage. Generally speaking, friction burns will resolve themselves on their own within a few days to a week.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are caused by chemicals and caustic substances. Certain household chemicals can cause extreme irritation and cause damage to the skin. Some of the common causes for chemical burns in a household include:

  • Bleach
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Harsh Household Cleaners

If you believe that you have a chemical burn, immediately flush the impacted area with cool water for at least ten minutes. If these chemicals have entered your eyes, flush the eyes under running water for at least twenty minutes and seek immediate medical treatment.

Radiation Burns

Individuals going through chemo and radiation therapy may be exposed to radiation burns from the treatments. If an individual has gone through chemo treatment, or work in an environment that is exposed to high levels of radiation, you may have suffered a burn or a wound caused from radiation. These wounds can appear and feel like burns and should be treated by medical professionals.

Contact a Philadelphia Burn Injury Attorney

At Rosenbaum & Associates, our law firm offers free consultations, so potential clients can ask us about the strength and value of their cases with no further obligation or charge. You are always welcome to contact us online or call our Philadelphia office at (215) 569-0200.

Locations We Serve

Our team serves many areas in Philadelphia, including:

Rittenhouse Square | Center City | University City | Old City Fishtown | Northern Liberties | Fairmount | Manayunk | Chestnut HillEast Falls | Queen Village | East Passyunk | Germantown | Mount Airy | Bella Vista | Passyunk Square | Logan Square | Fairmount Park | Callowhill | East Kensington | South Philadelphia Brewerytown | Point Breeze | Spring Garden | Chinatown | Market East | Penn’s Landing | Society Hill | Templetown | West Philadelphia

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Burn Injury Attorney?

At Rosenbaum Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay upfront. Instead, we earn a percentage of the compensation awarded if you win the case. This arrangement allows access to legal representation without out-of-pocket expenses.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Burn Injury?

After a burn injury, prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat the burn’s severity. Preserve evidence by taking photos of the injury and the accident scene if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses, and do not provide statements to insurance companies without legal counsel with an experienced Philadelphia burn injury lawyer.

How Long Will a Burn Injury Lawsuit Take to Resolve?

The duration of a burn injury lawsuit varies widely, depending on factors like case complexity, negotiations, and court schedules. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex cases can take years. Your personal injury attorney in Philadelphia can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

What Role Does Insurance Play in Burn Injury Claims?

Insurance often plays a significant role in burn injury claims. If another party is liable for your burn, their insurance may cover your damages. Additionally, your own insurance policies, like health or auto insurance, might provide coverage. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities.

What Steps Should I Take if I’m Considering Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit?

If you’re considering a burn injury lawsuit, start by consulting an experienced Phiiladelphia burn injury attorney. They will evaluate your case’s merits, guide you on collecting evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney will help you navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation.