Syracuse Burn Injury Attorney

Fighting For Burn Injury Victims in New York

Burns are fairly common injuries. When they are mild, burns can be effectively treated with at-home care and over-the-counter pain medications. However, when they are moderate or severe, burn injuries require immediate emergency medical attention and ongoing treatment. Catastrophic burns can have a serious impact on victims’ lives and, in some cases, may even be life-threatening.

If you or someone you care about sustained severe, traumatic burns in an accident or incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you do not have to face the resulting challenges and financial burdens on your own. Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC can help you file a personal injury claim and seek fair compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages from time taken off work to heal, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We have a proven track record of success in complex injury cases and are prepared to guide you through the legal process from start to finish.

Contact our firm online or by phone at (315) 544-3332 today to get started with your free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in various situations, each presenting unique challenges and legal considerations. Some common causes of burn injuries include:

• Workplace Accidents: Burns can result from industrial accidents, fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Car Accidents: Vehicle collisions can lead to fires or explosions, causing severe burns to drivers and passengers.
• Defective Products: Malfunctioning or poorly designed products such as electronics, appliances, or industrial equipment can cause fires or explosions, resulting in burn injuries.
• Electrical Accidents: Contact with exposed wires, faulty electrical systems, or lightning strikes can cause electrical burns.
• Scalding: Burns caused by hot liquids or steam, often resulting from spills or accidents in kitchens, restaurants, or other settings.
• Residential Fires: House fires caused by electrical faults, cooking accidents, smoking, or arson can lead to serious burn injuries.
• Chemical Exposure: Contact with corrosive chemicals or substances in the workplace or elsewhere can cause chemical burns.

How Are Burn Injuries Classified?

Burn injuries are categorized according to type and severity (or “degree”). These classifications are generally used to determine how serious a burn injury is, as well as what treatment will be needed.

There are several different types of burns, including:

• Thermal Burns: These are the most common type of burns and the one that most people think of when they think of burn injuries. Thermal burns are caused by contact with hot items and surfaces, such as hot liquids, heated metals, flames, and steam.
• Chemical Burns: When powerful chemicals, acids, solvents, and other similar substances come into contact with a person’s skin, the skin cells can die. This is known as a chemical burn and can have serious, lasting effects.
• Radiation Burns: This type of burn injury occurs when a person suffers intensive radiation. Common causes of radiation burns include exposure to the sun (sunburns), x-rays, cancer treatments, and other forms of radiation.
• Electrical Burns: Strong electrical currents can burn the skin and lead to extensive damage. Electrical burns are often caused by accidental contact with exposed wiring, short-circuiting of electrical systems, and other similar accidents.

Other types of “burns” include cold burns (also known as frostbite) and friction burns (also known as road rash or rug burns).

In addition to the different types of burns, these injuries are also categorized according to degree:

• First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn injury and typically lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort or pain
• Second-degree burns are considered moderate and can lead to serious scarring, redness, and swelling and should be treated by a medical professional
• Third-degree burns are the most serious of all burn injuries, resulting in charred skin, severe redness and pain, and damage to both the upper and lower layers of skin, as well as surrounding tissue and bone

Both second- and third-degree burns require medical treatment. Depending on the location and severity of the burns, this treatment could include skin grafting and other types of surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, pain management/medications, and more.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for Burn Injuries?

Like any other personal injury case, in order to bring a claim for burn injuries, you will need to show that your injuries were caused by someone else and that they could have been prevented. First, you will need to show that another person or entity owed you a duty of reasonable care. Next, you will need to prove that this duty of reasonable care was breached and that this was the cause of your burn injuries. Lastly, you will need to demonstrate that you suffered measurable damages—whether economic or non-economic in nature—as a result.

There are many instances in which you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim for burn injuries. Some examples include when burn injuries are caused by:

• A car, truck, or motorcycle accident
• A defective product
• Dangerous conditions on someone’s property (such as exposed or faulty wiring)
• A house/property fire

Essentially, any time another person is negligent or acts wrongfully and you suffer injuries and damages as a result, you are entitled to seek financial compensation for your damages.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Burn Injury Claim in New York?

In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including burn injury cases, is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, seeking legal advice as soon as possible after sustaining a burn injury is crucial to ensure compliance with all applicable deadlines and preserve your right to compensation.

Failure to file a burn injury claim within the statute of limitations may lead to losing your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. That's why it's essential to consult with our Syracuse burn injury lawyer at Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC, as soon as possible to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Contact Our Burn Injury Attorney in Syracuse Today

After a serious accident or defective product leaves you grappling with serious, life-altering burn injuries, it can be difficult to know where to turn. The at-fault party, whether it’s another person or a product manufacturer, will likely deny liability. The insurance company may dispute the validity of your claim or offer a low-ball settlement that doesn’t even come close to covering your damages.

At Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC, we understand just how important it is that you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed. Treating severe burn injuries can be a lengthy, costly road; our Syracuse burn injury lawyers can help you seek the financial relief you need to get back on your feet. We understand that burn injuries are more than just skin deep. You deserve to be compensated for the emotional trauma and pain of lasting scars left behind by your injuries. Our attorneys are prepared to fight for you and your recovery.

We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with your burn injury claim: (315) 544-3332.