FAQ About Burn Injury Cases

If you have suffered burns due to someone else's negligence, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney who has handled burn injury cases. Severe burn injuries are not only extremely painful, but they can also lead to permanent physical limitations, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications. In many cases, burn victims face months or years of treatment, lost income, and lasting changes to their quality of life.

What Are Common Types Of Burns?

Burns may occur in various ways. Some of the most common types include:

• Thermal burns – These occur when the skin is exposed to extreme heat, such as fire, hot metal, or explosions.
• Chemical burns – Caused when strong acids or alkaline substances come into contact with the skin or eyes, often in workplaces or through defective products.
• Radiation burns – Result from prolonged exposure to radiation, including ultraviolet rays from the sun or medical radiation.
• Friction burns – Occur when skin is scraped or rubbed away by a hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete.
• Inhalation burns – Happen when hot, toxic air or smoke is inhaled during a fire, potentially damaging the lungs and airway.
• Electrical burns – Occur when an electrical current passes through the body, often causing severe internal injuries.
• Scald burns – Result from exposure to extremely hot liquids or steam.

All types of burns can occur accidentally. However, when negligence is involved (such as unsafe premises, defective equipment, or careless conduct), you may be able to pursue a personal injury, premises liability, or product liability claim.

What Are The Long-term Effects Of Burn Injuries? 

When you suffer severe burn injuries, there's a high likelihood that you will go on to sustain serious, costly, and long-term health issues as well. Some of the complications that serious burn injuries can cause are: 

• Scarring or disfigurement – Burned skin often heals with permanent scarring or discoloration, which may cause lasting disfigurement.
• Nerve damage – Damage to nerve endings can result in chronic pain, numbness, sensitivity, or burning sensations.
• Loss of physical function or mobility – Deep burns that reach muscle or bone can limit movement or strength.
• Loss of limbs – In extreme cases, amputation may be necessary to prevent infection or manage pain.
• Organ damage – Severe burns can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that reduces oxygen flow to vital organs.
• Increased risk of infection – Burn victims are particularly vulnerable to infections during recovery.
• Inability to work – Long-term disability can prevent victims from returning to their jobs, causing significant financial strain.
• Psychological trauma – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, and emotional distress are common after serious burn injuries.

These long-term effects are a major reason burn injury cases often involve substantial compensation.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Burn Injuries?

According to the American Burn Association, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States require medical treatment for serious burns each year. Common causes include:

• Fires and explosions – Often linked to unsafe buildings, faulty wiring, or negligent property maintenance.
• Defective products – Appliances, batteries, industrial equipment, or consumer products that overheat or malfunction.
• Motor vehicle accidents – Car and truck collisions can result in fires, explosions, or chemical exposure.
• Workplace accidents – Industrial fires, electrical incidents, or chemical exposure, particularly in construction and manufacturing settings.

In many of these scenarios, a third party (such as a landlord, manufacturer, contractor, or negligent driver) may be legally responsible.

What Compensation Is Available In A Burn Injury Case?

When a burn injury is caused by negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and long-term care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life

In catastrophic cases, compensation may also account for lifelong care needs and permanent disability.

How Do You Choose A Burn Injury Lawyer?

Burn injury cases are complex and often require significant medical and technical evidence. When choosing a burn injury attorney, consider asking the following questions during a consultation:

• Have you handled cases involving severe burns, such as electrical or chemical injuries?
• Do you have experience taking catastrophic injury cases to trial?
• What types of experts do you work with (medical specialists, engineers, fire investigators)?
• How do you communicate with clients during the case?
• Do you work on a contingency fee basis?

An experienced burn injury lawyer should have the resources to handle expert testimony, litigation costs, and aggressive insurance defense tactics.

What Is the Statute of Limitations For Burn Injury Claims In Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, burn injury claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. This means victims typically have two years to file a lawsuit, or they may lose their right to compensation entirely.

There are limited exceptions, such as cases involving minors or injuries discovered later. Because these exceptions are narrow and fact-specific, it is critical to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a burn accident.

Why Choose Ross Feller Casey For Your Burn Injury Case?

At Ross Feller Casey, we understand that the pain and suffering you go through following a burn injury can only be made worse by lost income, medical debt, loss of companionship, and the upheaval of your entire life. You may also be dealing with your employer or insurance companies trying to get out of paying you what you deserve. We want to protect your rights and fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to. 

Ross Feller Casey, one of the nation's top catastrophic personal injury law firms, has the resources and expertise to help you with your burn injury claim. Our attorneys have helped burn victims like you prove negligence, win cases, and obtain substantial settlements and verdicts. Contact our office today for a free initial case evaluation. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you owe nothing until we win your case.