Burns are some of the most devastating types of injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to collect compensation for your losses. A Harrisburg burn injury lawyer understands the complexities of these cases and can help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Understanding Burn Injury Claims
Burn injuries can result from a number of different scenarios — workplace accidents, car crashes, defective products, and premises liability, to name a few. Regardless of the cause, they often lead to hefty medical expenses, lost time from work, and long-term physical and emotional pain.
If someone else caused your burn injury, Pennsylvania law lets you seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Rehab and therapy
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life.
Burns often need extensive medical care that can include surgeries, skin grafts, and physical therapy — all of which can put a heavy financial strain on victims and their families. A personal injury claim can help alleviate that burden by holding the responsible party accountable. It’s a complicated process, though, especially when insurance companies try to reduce or even outright deny your claim.
Burn injuries can also have consequences that reach far beyond the initial medical challenges. Scarring, disfigurement, and reduced mobility can affect your ability to work, take part in daily activities, and enjoy your life as you used to. Seeking compensation through a legal claim can give you the resources you need to adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Workplace Accidents
Explosions, electrical burns, and chemical exposure in industrial settings often cause severe physical trauma. Many burn injuries that happen at work occur because of poor safety measures, outdated equipment, or a lack of employee training.
Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Crashes
Fires caused by collisions or fuel tank ruptures can result in devastating burn injuries. Vehicle manufacturers might also bear responsibility if it’s found that defective fuel systems or safety features contributed to the fire.
Defective Products
Faulty electrical devices, flammable materials, or products that aren’t labeled properly can pose serious dangers. In cases that involve defective items, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may share responsibility.
Premises Liability
Fires or hazards in unsafe buildings are often caused by poor property maintenance, faulty electrical systems, or disregard for fire codes. Building owners have a legal duty to make sure their property is safe for everyone who visits. Otherwise, they could open themselves up to a premises liability lawsuit.
Recreational Accidents
Burn injuries can also happen in recreational settings. Campfires, grills, and fireworks are some of the most common triggers. When these accidents happen on someone else’s property or involve defective products, the injured party could have a valid legal claim.
Our team of attorneys at Wapner Newman is here to guide you every step of the way. Call us at (215) 569-0900 to get started with a free consultation concerning your case.
Why Choose Us?
A Client-Focused Approach
When you work with a Harrisburg burn injury lawyer from our firm, you’re not just another case number. We take the time to look into your unique circumstances and put together a legal strategy that’s tailored to fit your specific needs. We believe that everyone deserves personalized attention and a legal strategy that lines up with their goals.
Whether you’re looking for compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, or the emotional impact of your injury, we focus on achieving an outcome that truly meets your needs. Our compassionate attorneys know the importance of open communication and transparency, and we want our clients to feel supported throughout the entire process.
Proven Track Record
Our firm has decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases, many of which have involved serious burn injuries. We’ve successfully recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients to help them regain financial stability and peace of mind.
We’re well-versed in the tactics that insurance companies use to undervalue and deny legitimate injury claims. Our team prepares every case as though it will go to trial, and we put our clients in the strongest possible position so they can get fair and just compensation.
At Wapner Newman, we know how challenging it can be to put your life back together after a serious burn injury. When you choose the right legal team to build your case, you can make sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Every burn injury case is different. With our personalized approach, we’ll make sure your story is told and your needs are prioritized.
What to Expect During a Burn Injury Claim
There are several important steps to filing a burn injury claim. When you have an experienced legal team on your side, you can be confident that these steps are handled correctly to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
The Investigation
Your attorney will start by doing a thorough investigation into the circumstances around your injury. This might involve collecting evidence, going over medical records, consulting with experts, and talking to witnesses.
For example, in workplace accidents, it might be necessary to look into whether proper safety practices were followed or whether faulty equipment played a role in the injury. In a premises liability case, evidence like maintenance records, eyewitness testimony, and building codes can help establish negligence.
Proving Liability
To collect compensation, you need to prove that someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior directly caused your injuries. This usually involves showing that they failed to uphold a certain standard of care, such as keeping their property safe or making sure the product that’s put out won’t hurt anyone.
Liability can vary based on the type of accident. In some cases, several parties might bear responsibility. For example, if a burn injury was caused by a defective item, both the manufacturer and distributor could be held liable. Understanding the finer details of liability is critical to creating a strong case.
Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Insurance is a for-profit industry, and adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line. Your attorney will handle negotiations to make sure you’re not pressured into taking a settlement offer that doesn’t fully address your needs.
Many burn injury victims underestimate the value of their claim, especially when they’re not aware of potential future medical expenses and long-term impacts. At Wapner Newman, we calculate the full scope of your damages so you can be adequately compensated.
If Your Case Goes to Trial
In the event that a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to represent you in court. Our goal is to get you the highest payout available under the law. Most cases will settle before they reach this point, but our willingness to litigate proves our commitment to getting justice for our clients.
FAQ
Burn injury cases can be complicated, and you likely have questions about the process. Below are some common questions and answers to help you understand your rights and options.
What’s the statute of limitations for burn injury claims?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the day the injury happened to file a lawsuit. However, certain factors can extend or shorten that deadline, so it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
How is compensation calculated?
Compensation depends on several factors. The severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, and emotional impact can all affect your final payout. Your lawyer can give a more specific estimate based on the details of your case.
Do I need to go to court to settle my claim?
Not necessarily. The majority of burn injury claims are settled through negotiation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, however, your attorney may recommend taking the matter to court.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible as long as your fault is at or below 50%. Keep in mind, though, that your payout will be reduced by that percentage.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
It’s helpful to bring any documentation related to your injury. This may include hospital records, photos of the injury or accident scene, and info about witnesses and whoever else was involved. This will help the attorney evaluate your case effectively.
Can family members file a lawsuit if a loved one dies from burn injuries?
Yes — in most cases, certain family members can file a wrongful death claim to recover payment for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional losses.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our legal team for answers.
Take the Next Step Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Harrisburg, Wapner Newman is here to help. From investigating the details of your case to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re committed to getting you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call our offices at (215) 569-0900 to set up your free consultation.