Burn injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge and are a leading cause of unintended fatalities and injuries in the United States. Recent statistics from the American Burn Association (ABA) indicate that approximately 398,000 burn injuries receive medical treatment each year in the U.S. Of these cases, about 29,165 result in hospital admissions, with a mortality rate of 2.7%. Despite the high survival rate, burn injuries can be financially overwhelming, physically debilitating, and emotionally traumatic. Severe burns often require extensive medical interventions such as surgery and rehabilitation, and they can lead to permanent physical impairments or disfigurement. The recovery process encompasses both physical and psychological challenges, particularly when the burns are a result of someone else's negligence.

Burn injuries can occur in various settings, including motor vehicle accidents, workplaces, and public areas, and they often result in severe pain. Certain types of burns are especially prone to causing scarring, disfigurement, ongoing medical complications, and restricted mobility. Knowing the appropriate steps to take following a burn injury is crucial. After seeking medical treatment, the next critical step is to consult a Massachusetts personal injury attorney who specializes in burn injuries.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our team has a proven track record of helping clients secure the compensation they deserve, including victims of burn injuries and automobile accidents. If you or a family member have been injured, contact us today for assistance. We are committed to supporting you through this challenging time.

Should I Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer After My Accident?

Ensure That Your Current and Future Medical Expenses are Covered

Burn injuries frequently result in personal injury and product liability claims. If you have suffered a burn injury, it is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly. The cost of treating burn injuries can be staggering, varying with the severity of the burns and the required medical treatments. Some burns may even require lifelong care, which can be financially overwhelming for someone already dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of their injury.

If you have sustained 2nd or 3rd-degree burns due to another's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Hiring a burn injury lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation to ease the financial strain of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Brandon J. Broderick, Expert Negotiators and Litigators

Burn injury law is intricate and challenging to navigate. However, a burn injury lawyer in Massachusetts can assist you. Being a burn victim or a family member of one during recovery can be deeply concerning. A burn injury lawyer at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, will advocate for you by handling insurance companies, collecting evidence to support your case, and negotiating settlements on your behalf.

We Are Here To Help You Heal and Protect Your Rights

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is here to provide the legal representation you need, allowing you to focus on your recovery and family. Our Massachusetts law office is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. We are committed to defending your rights and supporting you during this challenging time.

Contact us today for a no-cost consultation to discuss your legal options.

What Are the Most Common Types of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can happen in various situations, such as on construction sites in Massachusetts or in car accidents caused by reckless drivers, where fault can be attributed to the responsible party.

Here are some of the most common types of burn injuries:

  • Chemical burns: Common chemicals can cause severe burns. Some are combustible, while others can trigger life-threatening reactions upon skin contact or inhalation.
  • Car accidents: Burn injuries from car accidents are among the most severe and traumatic. These injuries often occur when a vehicle catches fire upon impact, exposing occupants to intense heat and flames. The severity can range from first-degree burns affecting only the outer skin layer to third-degree burns that damage nerves, muscles, and bones. Survivors may also experience significant psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  • Defective products: Burn injuries from defective products are a significant but often overlooked danger. These injuries can occur when products like electrical appliances, children's toys, or kitchen equipment malfunction due to design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate safety warnings. The severity can range from superficial skin damage to deep tissue injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. The psychological impact can be profound, leading to trauma, anxiety, and a loss of trust in everyday items.
  • Electrical burns: Electrical burns are common among construction workers. Electricity passing through the body can cause severe organ damage. Faulty components, wiring, or other electrical work are common causes of burn injuries. Electrical equipment is designed to be safe, but incidents of burns occur due to poor installation or maintenance. For example, a power surge in an electrical device can cause severe burns, potentially leading to permanent damage.
  • Steam burns and scalds: Burns from hot steam or water are common. Those working with hot liquids or installing pipes, particularly plumbers, are at risk of serious injury.
  • Thermal burns: Thermal burns, caused by fire, can be fatal. They occur in the presence of open flames on construction sites, welding accidents, or car accidents when a vehicle bursts into flames. These burns can result in third-degree injuries requiring skin grafts.
  • Sunburns: Employees working outside without adequate protection are susceptible to severe sunburns. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to severe burns, sun poisoning, and heatstroke.

Other significant contributors to burn injuries include smoke, fire, and toxic chemicals, which can cause burns that leave scars lasting months or years.

How Are Burns Classified?

Burns are classified into first, second, third, or fourth degree based on their depth and severity of penetration into the skin's surface. Rapid classification can be challenging, as the full extent of a burn injury may not become apparent for a day or two due to its gradual progression.

Burns are classified as follows:

  • First-Degree (Superficial) Burns: First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, and dry without blisters. A mild sunburn is an example of this type of burn. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually manifests as a change in skin color.
  • Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burns: Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, the lower layer of skin. The burn site is red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
  • Third-Degree (Full Thickness) Burns: Third-degree burns destroy both the dermis and epidermis. They may penetrate subcutaneous tissue, the innermost layer of skin. The burn site may appear charred and blackened.
  • Fourth-Degree Burns: Fourth-degree burns extend into deeper tissues, affecting the underlying layers of skin, muscle, and bone. The affected area has no sensation due to the destruction of nerve endings. These burns require immediate medical attention and extensive rehabilitation. Survivors may be left with permanent disabilities and disfigurement.

Regardless of the type of burn caused by another party's negligence or carelessness, you may have grounds to file a burn injury lawsuit or legal claim. It is important to contact a Massachusetts burn injury attorney at Brandon J. Broderick promptly to evaluate your legal options.

How is Fault Determined in a Massachusetts Burn Injury Lawsuit?

Establishing the fault of another party is crucial to receiving compensation for losses resulting from a burn injury. This process is known as "determining fault."

In most cases, the responsibility for burn injuries caused by negligent or irresponsible behavior falls on the individual or group responsible. However, you must provide evidence to prove that one or more parties were at fault.

Having an experienced burn injury attorney is highly beneficial for your case. Sometimes, the complexity of determining fault depends on the specific circumstances. A lawyer can help identify the responsible parties by thoroughly analyzing every aspect of your burn injury lawsuit.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Burn Injury?

Victims of serious burn injuries may be eligible to seek substantial compensation for their injuries. Burns can cause tissue damage down to the bone, leading to chronic pain, loss of mobility, numbness, and disfigurement. These severe injuries often necessitate extensive medical care, including costly cosmetic surgeries and long-term physical therapy.

Another important factor is the support a spouse, child, or parent offers during the healing process. Several factors will influence the amount of damages awarded, including the severity and long-term impact of the injuries, the circumstances of the accident and the responsible party, the number of victims affected, the need for ongoing medical attention, and the ability to return to work.

Which Damages Can I Pursue in a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Massachusetts?

If you have suffered a burn injury in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for various compensatory damages. The law provides compensation for the life changes brought about by a personal injury, addressing your financial, emotional, and physical needs.

A burn injury lawyer in Massachusetts will typically seek the following types of damages in a burn injury lawsuit:

  • Economic damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial losses directly related to your accident or injuries.
  • Non-economic damages: These compensate for the various types of suffering you endured as a result of your accident, including pain and emotional distress.
  • Punitive damages: In cases where gross or willful negligence caused the burn injury, punitive damages may be sought to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if a Loved One Has Died from a Burn Injury Accident in Massachusetts?

Some burn injuries can be so severe that the victim will ultimately pass away as a result. In such cases, the executor or administrator of the deceased's estate may file a wrongful death claim. This claim is similar to a negligence lawsuit but seeks to compensate the survivors or the estate for their losses resulting from the death. Additionally, survival actions enable the deceased's representative to pursue compensation for the injuries and suffering the deceased experienced from the time of the accident until their passing.

It is crucial to consult with a burn injury attorney in Massachusetts to fully understand the legal process involved in a wrongful death lawsuit.

A wrongful death lawsuit in Massachusetts is designed to provide compensation to the deceased's family for their losses. This type of lawsuit is governed by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 229, Section 2.

Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in MA: The executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate must file the lawsuit on behalf of the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries typically include the surviving spouse, children, and, in some cases, other family members.

Damages: Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include:

  • Loss of income and financial support that the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, and society.
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Compensation for the pain and suffering of the deceased before death, if applicable

Statute of Limitations: The lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of death or within three years from when the executor or administrator knew or should have known of the cause of death.

What is the Deadline to File a Burn Injury Claim in Massachusetts?

Burn injury cases are among a long list of others when discussing MA personal injury lawsuits. A burn injury lawsuit in Massachusetts is subject to the same statute of limitations as other injury cases, including dog-bites, slip-and-fall, and car accidents.

In Massachusetts, the deadline to file a burn injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that an individual who has suffered a burn injury must initiate legal proceedings within this three-year window to seek compensation for their injuries. However, if the injury's cause was not immediately apparent, the three-year period might begin from the date the injured party discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury's cause. It's crucial to adhere to this timeline, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in the loss of the right to pursue legal action. Consulting with a Massachusetts personal injury attorney promptly can ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe and all legal requirements are met.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Can Assist You in Recovering Compensation for Your Burn Injuries

A severe injury, particularly a burn injury, in Massachusetts can be traumatic for the entire family. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit that brings closure may help you move forward and recover. We recognize the trauma you and your family are experiencing and understand how crucial your case's outcome will be for your family's future.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we bring passion and care to every case. Our team will handle interactions with insurance companies and gather and review witness statements, medical reports, and other information from healthcare providers to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and establish negligence by another party.

For a free case evaluation and consultation, contact us today.

Still have questions?

Call now and be done