Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer

Burns are some of the most painful injuries that accident victims face. They can also cause scarring that constantly reminds victims of the painful experience. Burns can also require extensive hospital stays and expensive medical treatment. 

If you suffered burns because of somebody else’s negligence, you might have the right to pursue compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. represents people who have sustained life-altering burns in accidents caused by the negligence of others. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Chicago burn injury lawyer who can explain your legal rights.

Burn Injury Statistics

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 1,291,000 fires occurred in the United States for the most recent year reported. These fires were responsible for 3,704 deaths and 16,600 injuries. 1,900 of the fatal fires occurred in residential buildings. There were also 223,000 vehicle fires in the same year. 

While approximately 72 percent of fire deaths happen in residential structures, our burn injury attorneys know that fires can happen nearly anywhere. The Insurance Information Institute reports that a fire is reported approximately every 23 seconds. 

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

There are generally four causes of burn injuries:

  • Thermal burns – These burns are caused by exposure to flames or another heat source.
  • Chemical burns – These burns are caused when a victim comes into contact with an electrical current.
  • Electrical burns – Electrical burns are caused when you come into contact with a chemical. 
  • Radiation burns – Exposure to radiation causes radiation burns.

Various underlying reasons may cause these burns, such as:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Explosion accidents
  • Apartment complex fires
  • Defective products
  • Construction site accidents
  • Scalding hot water or liquid
  • Locked fire exits

Types of Burn Injuries and Medical Treatment 

There are various types of burn injuries, which can result in different types of physical effects and require different types of medical treatment. In order of least severe to most severe, these types of burns include: 

First Degree Burns 

First degree burns are the least serious type of burn. Minor sunburns, burns from hot liquids, and light burning on the skin are often first-degree burns. They only damage the outer layer of skin. However, they can still be painful and cause redness and swelling. These burns usually subside after two to three days. Treatment usually includes cooling the burn in cool tap water or with a cold compress, covering the burn, and protecting it from the sun.

Second Degree Burns 

Second degree burns permeate the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath it. These burns can cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. Many of these burns can be treated with antibiotics or doctor-prescribed ointments. Immediate medical attention is required for these burns if the affected area is large or is to a delicate skin area like the face. These burns often heal within 21 days.

Third Degree Burns 

Third-degree burns extend into deeper tissues. They can cause white or blackened, charred skin. They can also cause injuries to blood vessels, nerve endings, bones, and muscle tissue. Common causes of third-degree burns include fires, explosions, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Surgical repair is typically needed to treat these burns. Some burn injury victims need to be hospitalized in a burn unit. 

Fourth Degree Burns 

Fourth degree burns are severe burns often caused by electrical accidents. Burn injury victims may be seriously burned on  the skin, tissue, bones, tendons, and muscles. Surgery and/or hospitalization in a burn unit may be necessary for treatment. Sometimes, amputation is necessary. 

Types of Lawsuits For Burn Injuries 

Burn injuries are often caused by someone’s negligence. Burn injury victims may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the damages they suffered due to another person’s negligence. Particular types of claims and lawsuits they may be able to file might include:

  • Premises liability – Landlords and property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe manner that prevents injury to others. They may be subject to various building codes, such as the Chicago Municipal Code, which provides for proper wiring, smoke detectors, exit paths, the placement of fire extinguishers, and fire escapes.
  • Workers’ compensation – If the burn injury occurs at work, an injured worker may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.  
  • Construction site accidents are often dangerous and may involve different parties, such as property owners, developers, contractors, and subcontractors. Burn injury claims may be brought against parties responsible for the property.
  • Medical malpractice – Some burns are caused when surgeons, X-ray technicians, or other healthcare providers cause radiation burns while treating a patient.
  • Product liability – Manufacturers who sell products that cause burns or fires may be held responsible for the damage they cause through a product liability claim. These types of claims can arise when there are defects in the manufacture, design, or warnings of these products. Likewise, some detector companies may be responsible for resulting injuries if they fail to activate when there is smoke.
  • Wrongful death claim – If the burn led to a loved one’s death, the surviving family might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Is Liable for Burn Injuries?

Various people may be liable for your burn injury, depending on the cause of the injury and the circumstances surrounding it. For example, potentially liable parties may include: 

  • Landlords and property owners who fail to maintain a safe premises or does not keep the property up to code
  • Product manufacturers who make or design a product that is defective and causes fires or fails to alert consumers to fires (in the case of smoke detectors)
  • Contractors who are responsible for a construction site where a burn injury occurred
  • Other parties, such as motorists whose negligence caused the fire or burn injury

Compensation You Can Receive for Burn Injuries

Burn victims face unique challenges. These injuries sometimes cause lifelong consequences. Burn victims may require painful and extreme medical intervention, including multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and amputations. Additionally, they may require specialized care, including plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

The emotional impact of burns can be daunting, which may require ongoing counseling. Burn victims may contend with substantial physical and emotional pain and suffering.

Burn victims can also lose feeling in affected areas, so they may not be able to perform the same job as they did before the accident. 

A burn lawyer can help you see financial recovery for your: 

  • Medical expenses 
  • Anticipated medical expenses for the future 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Reduced earning capacity

Nearby Chicago Burn Treatment Centers

Some of the leading hospitals and burn treatment centers in or nearby Chicago, IL include:

The University of Chicago Medicine Burn and Complex Wound Center 

5700 S. Maryland Avenue

Chicago, IL 60637

1-888-824-0200

Loyola Medicine

2160 S. First Ave. 

Maywood, IL 60153

1-888-584-7888

The Trauma, Burn & Rehabilitation Unit at John H. Stroger, Jr.

Cook County Hospital

233 South Wacker Drive

44th Floor

Chicago, IL 60606

1-312-864-0200

Lurie Children’s Hospital 

225 E. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

1-800-543-7362

How Our Chicago Lawyers Help Burn Victims, No Matter the Cause

Whether your burn injury happened in a car accident, an apartment fire, or on a construction site, the burn injury lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are here to help. An experienced Chicago burn injury attorney from our firm can review your rights and options with you in a free consultation. 

The burn lawyer assigned to your case will work diligently to investigate your case and all potentially responsible parties. You will work with a Chicago burn injury lawyer who understands the life-changing impact of serious burn injuries and will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Since our law firm was founded, we have recovered more than $2.0 billion on behalf of our clients, hundreds of which involved recoveries of $1 million or more. 

Some of the ways our burn injury attorneys can help include:

  • Explaining your legal rights and options during your free consultation
  • Compiling evidence to support your claim
  • Consulting with highly qualified experts who can help determine how your injuries occurred and the impact the injuries will have on your life
  • Ensuring you receive proper medical treatment while your case is pending
  • Filing all necessary paperwork with insurance companies and the court, if necessary
  • Seeking a timely settlement of your claim 
  • Advising you whether or not you should accept a settlement
  • Presenting your case to a jury, if needed

You can count on your burn injury lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. to protect you at every stage of your case. Contact our office to get started on your claim.