Long Island Burn Injury Lawyer
Burn injuries are some of the most painful and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims can be immense. When these injuries result from someone else’s negligence, injury victims and their families have the opportunity to recover significant compensation to help them deal with the challenges and losses they face. At Jacobson Law, our Long Island burn injury lawyers are dedicated to helping New York burn victims seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of circumstances, many of which involve the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Workplace accidents: In industries such as construction, manufacturing, and food service, workers are often exposed to hazardous materials, open flames, and high heat. Employers are responsible for providing a safe work environment, and failure to do so may result in liability for burn injuries.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Vehicle collisions can lead to fires or explosions, causing serious burn injuries. Even without a fire, a crash can send scalding fluids and metal parts flying, injuring occupants or those nearby or ejected from the vehicle. Faulty vehicle parts, negligent drivers, or hazardous road conditions may all contribute to these types of accidents.
- Defective products: Defective appliances, electronic devices, or other consumer products can cause burns due to overheating, electrical malfunctions, or fire hazards. Manufacturers may be held liable for injuries caused by these dangerous products.
- Building fires: Residential and commercial property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises, including ensuring that fire hazards are minimized and safety equipment is functional. Faulty wiring, gas leaks, and lack of working smoke detectors can lead to devastating fires and severe burns.
- Chemical exposure: Chemical burns can occur in both workplace and non-workplace settings. In cases where toxic substances are improperly stored, labeled, or handled, the party responsible may be held accountable for any resulting injuries.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified into three categories based on their severity, from superficial first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns requiring extensive medical care, including surgery, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Burn victims often experience additional complications beyond effects to the skin, including respiratory damage, infections, and psychological trauma. The impact of these injuries can be life-changing, affecting a person’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain relationships.
Seeking Compensation for Burn Injuries
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, provided you can prove your case to the satisfaction of the insurance company outside of court or a judge and jury at trial. At Jacobson Law, we work with clients to pursue claims for the full range of compensation available, including:
- Medical expenses: Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Victims may seek compensation for both current and future medical costs.
- Lost wages: Severe burn injuries can result in time away from work, and in some cases, victims may be permanently unable to return to their previous employment. Compensation may be sought for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Burn injuries are notoriously painful, and victims may endure ongoing physical and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life may be available.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Many burn victims are left with permanent scars or disfigurements. These visible injuries can lead to emotional trauma and may also impact a person’s ability to work or engage in social activities. Victims may be entitled to compensation for these lasting effects.
- Rehabilitation and counseling: Recovering from a burn injury often requires long-term physical rehabilitation and emotional support. Compensation may cover the costs of necessary treatments and therapies.
Proving Negligence in New York Burn Injury Claims
To successfully recover compensation in a burn injury claim, the injured party must demonstrate that another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused the injury. This typically involves proving the following elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant (the party being sued) owed a legal duty to the injured party. For example, property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and employers have a duty to provide safe working conditions.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed to meet their legal duty by acting negligently or recklessly. This could involve failing to maintain fire safety equipment, driving while drunk or distracted, or failing to comply with safety regulations.
- Causation: The defendant’s actions (or failure to act) directly caused the burn injury. The injured party must show that the burn injury would not have occurred if the defendant had fulfilled their legal obligations.
- Damages: The injured party must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the burn injury.
Why Choose Jacobson Law?
At Jacobson Law, we understand the complexities of burn injury cases and are committed to providing compassionate, experienced representation to our clients. Our firm has a deep understanding of New York personal injury law and a track record of success in helping victims secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. We are trial attorneys who routinely take cases to court when necessary to get the best results for our clients. We put in the time to prepare every case for maximum recovery, and we have a long list of substantial settlements and verdicts that testify to our approach.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in a New York motor vehicle accident, dangerous premises incident, or construction accident, we are here to help. Contact Long Island burn accident attorneys at Jacobson Law today by calling 631-661-2030 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.