Burn Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia (PA)

 Burn injuries are one of the most common types of personal injury claims in Philadelphia. If you have suffered a burn injury, and especially if this was caused due to the negligence of another person or company, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries.

 If you have been injured due to someone else’s carelessness or intentional actions, our PA burn injury lawyer may be able to help you collect the compensation you deserve for the damages you suffered.

 If you have experienced an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, or through the use of a defective product, you may be able to recover damages for your burn injury. Compensation can potentially help with any surgery and medical treatment related to your burn injury, as well as make up for loss of wages, pain and suffering, and reduced future earning potential.

 Each personal injury case is unique, and there are different types of compensation that may apply to your specific case. An experienced attorney would be able to provide guidance that is tailored to the facts of your situation.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burns have the potential to cause scarring, disfigurement, and damage to underlying tissue. If your burn is severe enough it may require skin grafting surgery or amputation of the affected area. To recover damages for a burn injury, a victim needs to be able to show that their injury was the direct result of someone else’s negligence, and not due to an unavoidable accident or highly extraordinary circumstances beyond anyone’s control.

Among the most common types of burns are electric shocks, chemical burns, steam burns, scalding liquid burns, fire-related accidents, flash fires in the workplace, residential fires, and electrical burns. If the burn injury was the result of a defective product or manufacturing error, you can also pursue a products liability claim against those responsible for your injuries.

Burn injuries are generally categorized by severity:

•    First-degree burns: First-degree burns occur only on the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and only affect the area immediately surrounding the burn. The skin stays pink, is not blistered or charred, and usually heals within a week without scarring; however, it can take up to several weeks for first-degree burns to heal completely.
•    Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns occur on both the epidermis and the dermis, and they generally affect areas beyond those of a first-degree burn. These blisters may be large or small, shallow or deep, encircling the wound itself or spread over a wider area. Second-degree burns are often blistered and red, with white or gray skin in the center. The skin may form a crust when it begins to heal, but the burns usually heal within two weeks. If not properly treated, second-degree burns can cause scarring and damage deeper tissues beneath the surface of the skin.
•   Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns involve damage to all layers of skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue). The skin is charred black or white, with no visible signs of tissue beneath it. There may also be dry, leathery swelling called eschar that comes away from the area once burned; if not removed surgically during debridement, the eschar may serve as a protective barrier, exacerbating the burn by preventing proper air circulation from reaching the wound. The burn victim may also experience shock, which can cause low blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular collapse, respiratory failure, renal failure, hepatic damage, or metabolic acidosis. Third-degree burns are often fatal. Even with intensive medical care, many victims die within 24 hours of the accident.

Finding a Burn Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia

Having the right Philadelphia burn injury lawyer on your side can lead to a much better outcome than hiring an inexperienced or general injury lawyer. It can be important that you have someone who is experienced in burn injury cases who can help you navigate the legal system.

When considering a personal injury attorney, there is no better place to start than with word of mouth. Speak with friends, family members, and co-workers who have been in similar situations and who have dealt with personal injury attorneys. You can also ask them if they were kept informed throughout their case. Make sure to ask them if there was anything frustrating about their lawyer’s work ethic or communication skills. Once you identify some possible legal professionals, you can set up an initial meeting during which you can interview the attorney.

When looking for a burn lawyer, you may find that there are many lawyers who are general practice or personal injury attorneys. However, it is important to choose a Philadelphia burn lawyer because they have specific training and knowledge about how these cases are handled. They should be able to show you their history of wins and losses with past cases like yours. The internet can help you identify attorneys who have won large settlements for people in your same situation.

Before hunting for an attorney, make sure to take screenshots of all your medical bills (doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions) and receipts for any itemized expenses (like mileage to drive to doctor’s appointments). You should also try to find old paystubs for work missed and evidence of lost wages. Your Philadelphia burn injury lawyer may want to hire a private investigator to investigate the facts surrounding your accident, so make sure you have all the facts available from the beginning.

An experienced Philadelphia burn injury attorney can be an invaluable asset in your loved one’s efforts to get medical treatment for their injuries as well as monetary compensation for their suffering. Hiring a qualified attorney can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.