Chicago Fire Injury Attorneys

Who hasn’t heard of the iconic McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit? While this case was all over the media, you may not know that the victim suffered serious third-degree burns on six percent of her body and even further burning to about 16% of her skin. The media often fails to expand on the severe nature of the victim’s burns.

If you’ve recently experienced a burn injury, then you know first-hand how devastating the impacts are. Not only was the ordeal painful, but you may have an extended recovery period that causes you to miss out on work. When your losses are adding up, it might be necessary to consider your legal options.

A burn injury lawyer in Chicago can help you go over the details of your accident to determine if you have the basis to pursue a compensation claim. In the best case, you’ll discover you’re eligible to pursue a lawsuit to recover from the expenses associated with the burn injury.

Learn more about how our lawyers here at Kermani LLP will help you make an informed decision on how to handle your burn case below.

Types of Burn Injuries

In general, burn injuries are categorized into three groups. 

• First-degree burns are the least severe and only impact the outer layer of the skin. These burns will cause redness, swelling, and minor pain.
• Second-degree burns will impact the outer and inner layers of the skin. This can lead to blistering.
• Third-degree burns affect the deepest layers of skin, causing the outer, burnt skin to appear either white or blackened.

Pursuing claims for burn injuries requires that you know what caused it. Typically, if you burned yourself in your own home as a result of your actions, your legal options will be limited. If someone else caused your burn, you might have the basis for a claim.

The Long-Term Effects of Severe Burns

Severe burns can be fatal. Third-degree burns can lead to long-term impacts, including permanent damage and scarring. Some burn victims never fully recover physically or mentally from the trauma of their accident. The physical and emotional effects of burns can manifest as symptoms such as a loss of sense of touch, chronic pain, ghost sensations, stress disorders, insomnia, fear, PTSD, depression, muscle wasting, and infections. Some burns are severe enough to limit a person’s mobility or ability to lead a normal life.

Causes of Burn Injuries in Chicago

There are many sources of burn injuries, but the two most common causes include being exposed to an open fire or flame and cooking. Burn injuries can happen as a result of coming into contact with hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, or hot objects.

Identifying negligence in burn accidents is key to determining your legal options. In general, you’ll only be able to pursue a lawsuit or claim for compensation if another party has a legal duty to provide for your care and fails to do so. A legal duty of care is established in many situations, like when a person gets behind the wheel of a car, opens a business, invites you onto their property, or creates a product for sale. If you’re not sure if negligence played a role in your claim, then it’s best to contact an attorney.

Navigating Your Burn Injury Claim

Do you think you have the basis to file a claim? If so, then your first step should be getting the medical help you need. From there, you’ll want to start collecting proof of your claims. Securing evidence in burn cases means collecting your medical records, documenting all your losses, and finding proof of fault. From there, you’ll want to hire an attorney to guide you through the legal process.

Statute of limitations limits the amount of time you have to file a claim. In general, you’ll only have two years from the date of your accident to pursue a lawsuit.

Compensation for Burn Injury Victims

Your burn injury settlement should accurately reflect the extent of your losses. The damages you’re entitled to will depend on your specific losses. You’ll want to consider things like your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, property damage, and potential long-term losses when valuing your claim.

The Legal Process for Burn Injury Cases

Your first step in seeking out a claim will be to schedule a consultation with a burn injury attorney. Since the legal representation you choose will make a huge impact on your claim, do your research when choosing who to represent you. Once you have an attorney, you’ll identify who might be responsible and work towards valuing your claim. In the best cases, your lawyer can secure financial compensation for burn victims without ever having to step foot inside a courtroom. Instead, they may be able to negotiate a settlement with the other party.

Expert Legal Support for Burn Injury Victims in Chicago

Hiring the right Chicago fire injury attorney is paramount to your success. We know we’re a good fit to represent you in your burn injury situation. Check out our FAQ section if you have more questions about our firm or how the personal injury process works.

Why Choose Kermani LLP for Your Burn Injury Case?

Are you ready to hire expert Chicago burn injury attorneys to help you navigate your case? If so, then look no further. Our team here at Kermani LLP is ready to advocate for you. We want your legal rights to be respected and protected throughout your claim. We also want to ensure that you get the best possible representation that maximizes your claim.

Schedule a call with our team of passionate attorneys now to get started on your pursuit of justice.