Severe burns can change a person’s life forever. They often lead to intense physical pain, long recovery periods, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Many victims also face mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. If your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence or by a preventable accident, you deserve to understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
The Attkisson Law Firm represents victims of fires, explosions, electrical burns, chemical exposure, and other catastrophic burn injuries throughout Springfield, Ohio. Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the financial recovery our clients need to rebuild their lives. If you are searching for a burn injury lawyer who will prioritize your wellbeing and aggressively pursue justice, our team is here to help.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur in many different situations. Some happen at home, while others take place on the road, at work, or in public spaces. When these accidents are caused by negligence, defective products, or unsafe conditions, victims may have grounds to pursue a claim.
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Springfield include:
- House fires caused by faulty wiring or hazardous conditions
- Apartment or rental unit fires due to landlord negligence
- Car accidents that trigger fires or explosions
- Trucking accidents involving hazardous cargo
- Workplace accidents involving chemicals, machinery, or electrical failures
- Defective household appliances or consumer products
- Restaurant or commercial kitchen accidents
- Industrial site explosions
- Unsafe electrical systems
- Chemical spills or improper chemical storage
A Springfield burn injury lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident, determine what safety failures occurred, and identify the party responsible for the harm.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries vary based on their source and the type of damage they cause to the skin and underlying tissues. Each type requires different medical treatment and may result in long term impacts.
Common types of burn injuries include:
- Thermal burns caused by fire, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces
- Chemical burns caused by corrosive substances like acids or bases
- Electrical burns caused by contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems
- Radiation burns from prolonged exposure to radiation sources
- Friction burns from rough surfaces, road rash, or industrial equipment
- Flash burns caused by sudden explosions or bursts of energy
Understanding the type of burn and how it occurred is one of the first steps in building a strong injury claim. When searching for an attorney to represent you, it is best to look for a firm that has experience dealing with a wide variety of different burn scenarios and can accurately compile the needed amount of compensation for your damages.
Severity of Burn Injuries Explained
Doctors classify burns into six degrees based on how deeply the damage penetrates the layers of the skin. Severity has a major impact on treatment, long term recovery, and the compensation available in a burn injury case.
1st Degree to 6th Degree
1st degree burns: These are mild and affect only the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and discomfort. They usually heal without medical treatment.
2nd degree burns: These burns damage deeper layers of the skin and often cause blisters, discoloration, and significant pain. Medical treatment is usually necessary, and some scarring may occur.
3rd degree burns: These burns destroy all layers of the skin and damage the tissues beneath it. Victims may experience numbness due to nerve damage. Skin grafts and long-term medical care are typically required.
4th degree burns: These burns extend into muscle and fat tissue. They are severe, life-threatening injuries that require intensive medical treatment and often result in permanent disability.
5th degree burns: These burns affect muscles, tendons, and bone. They may require amputation and extensive reconstructive procedures.
6th degree burns: These burns damage every layer of tissue, including bone structures. They are often fatal and require immediate emergency intervention.
A Springfield burn injury attorney can help document the severity of your injury, gather medical records, and work with specialists to show the long-term impact of your condition.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
The steps you take immediately after a burn injury can affect both your health and your legal rights. Because burn injuries can worsen quickly, seeking medical treatment is essential even if the damage appears minor at first.
Here are important steps to follow:
- Call 911 or seek emergency medical care as soon as possible
- Follow all medical advice and attend follow up appointments.
- Keep copies of medical bills, prescriptions, and doctor reports
- Take photos of your injuries throughout the healing process
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer
- Do not repair or dispose of damaged items or equipment until they can be examined
- Contact a burn injury attorney in Springfield to protect your rights
Early legal guidance can make a significant difference in the strength of your future claim.
How To File a Burn Injury Claim
Filing a burn injury claim involves proving that another party’s negligence caused the injury and that you suffered damages as a result. This process requires thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and careful documentation.
A Springfield burn injury lawyer can guide you through each step:
- Evaluating the cause of the accident
- Determining who is legally responsible
- Calculating your damages
- Filing insurance claims
- Negotiating with insurers
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Burn Accident?
Liability depends on where and how the injury occurred. Potential responsible parties include:
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions
- Landlords who ignore fire hazards or fail to obey safety codes
- Employers who do not follow OSHA requirements
- Manufacturers of defective appliances, batteries, or consumer products
- Contractors or electricians responsible for faulty wiring
- Drivers who cause vehicle fires or explosions
- Companies transporting hazardous chemicals
A skilled personal injury attorney will gather evidence to identify all parties who contributed to your injury.
Compensation Available in Burn Injury Cases
Burn victims may be entitled to compensation for both immediate and long-term losses. Depending on the severity of the injury, compensation can include:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Emergency treatment and hospital stays
- Skin grafts, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home modifications or long-term care support
Your lawyer will work to ensure that every aspect of your injury is fully valued so you receive fair compensation. An attorney who is well versed in the damages burn injury victims face will be able to give you a better estimate as to the amount of compensation you may be able to receive but there is no guarantee until your case is officially resolved.
How a Burn Injury Attorney in Springfield Builds a Case
A strong burn injury case requires a detailed understanding of the accident, the medical impact, and the long-term consequences of the injury. At The Attkisson Law Firm, our attorneys take a thorough approach to gathering evidence and preparing claims for negotiation or trial.
Here is how a Springfield burn injury lawyer builds a strong case:
- Conducting a detailed investigation of the accident
- Reviewing fire reports, safety records, and inspection documents
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
- Working with fire experts, engineers, and medical specialists
- Documenting the full extent of your injuries
- Calculating long term financial and medical needs
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Preparing the case for litigation if needed
Our attorneys are relentless advocates for burn victims because we understand the life altering nature of these injuries and the resources required for long term recovery.
Get the Help You Need After a Burn Injury in Springfield
Burn injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, but you do not have to navigate the recovery process alone. The Attkisson Law Firm provides experienced and compassionate representation for burn victims throughout Springfield and surrounding communities. Our team is dedicated to pursuing justice and securing the compensation that our clients need to move forward.
To learn more about your rights or to speak with a burn injury attorney, contact us today at (937) 400-0000 for your confidential, free consultation.