Burn Injury Lawyers in Buffalo

Burn injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents and incidents.  While most often lawyers see burn injuries when someone has been in a fire or explosion, there are several causes of burn injuries:

1. Thermal sources such as fire, hot liquids, steam, and hot objects.
2. Chemical sources such as acids and alkalis.
3. Electrical sources such as high voltage electrical shock.
4. Radiation sources such as the sun, X-rays, and radioactive materials.
5. Friction, such as from road rash in a motorcycle accident.

How Do You Figure Out Who Is at Fault for a Fire?

When someone experiences a burn injury, they may have a claim against the person or company that caused the accident. Determining who is at fault can be a complicated process, and it may require experts to provide their input. 

The cause and origin of a fire, for example, are determined through a fire investigation process that involves various methods and techniques. Fire investigators collect evidence from the fire scene, such as burn patterns, the location and type of ignitable materials, the presence of accelerants, and the functioning of electrical and heating systems. They also interview witnesses, examine physical and fire protection systems, and review any relevant fire and building codes. The information gathered is then analyzed to determine the most probable cause and origin of the fire. This information can be used to hold responsible parties accountable and prevent future fires.

What Kind of Expert Would We Need?

In a fire burn lawsuit, several types of experts may be needed to provide testimony and analysis to support the case. Some of the common experts include:

1. Fire investigators:  To determine the cause and origin of the fire.
2. Engineers:  To examine the building construction, electrical and heating systems, and fire protection systems to determine if they were functioning properly or to examine the product that caused an explosion or fire.
3. Medical experts:  To evaluate the extent and nature of the injured person’s burns and injuries and provide testimony on their long-term impact and prognosis.
4. Chemical analysts:  To test for the presence of accelerants or other chemicals that may have contributed to the fire.
5. Meteorologists:  To provide information on weather conditions that may have affected the fire.
6. Building code experts:  To review building codes and standards to determine if the building was in compliance and if the codes were appropriate for the type of building and use.

The specific experts needed in a fire burn lawsuit depend on the circumstances of the case and the issues being litigated.

What Types of Burn Injuries Are There?

Burn injuries are classified into different degrees based on the severity of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues. The four degrees of burn injuries are:

1. First-degree burns which affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and cause mild redness, pain, and swelling.
2. Second-degree burns which affect the outer and partial layers of skin (epidermis and dermis) and cause blisters, pain, and redness.
3. Third-degree burns which affect all layers of skin and can cause white or blackened skin that may be numb, as the burn may damage or destroy nerve endings.
4. Fourth-degree burns which extend beyond the skin to damage bones, tendons, and muscles.

The degree of a burn injury affects the treatment required and the recovery process. Third-degree and fourth-degree burns often require skin grafts and can result in permanent scarring and disability. Third-degree and fourth-degree burns also require prompt and specialized medical attention. The treatment for these burns typically includes:

1. Pain management:  To manage pain, pain medications, such as opioids or nerve blocks, may be administered.
2. Debridement:  The removal of dead and damaged tissue (debridement) is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.
3. Skin grafting:  In severe cases, skin grafting may be necessary to replace damaged skin and promote healing. Skin can be taken from the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).
4. Wound care:  The wound must be kept clean and dressed to prevent infection and promote healing.
5. Rehabilitation:  Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be necessary to regain mobility and functionality in the affected area.
6. Surgery:  In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair bones, tendons, or muscles that were damaged in the burn.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for burns, especially third- and fourth-degree burns, as they can result in significant long-term consequences, including permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function. The treatment of burn injuries can be extraordinarily painful.

Can I Sue if I Am Burned?

You may be able to sue if you experienced a burn injury. Whether you can sue and who you can sue depends on the circumstances surrounding the burn injury. If the burn injury was caused by the negligence or intentional action of another person or entity, such as a company, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Kind of Lawyer Should I Look for if I Have Been Burned?

Having a lawyer who is experienced in burn cases is very important. Burn cases are unique, and they require a high degree of understanding in terms of the mechanism of the fire and understanding the medicine. It also is important to have a trauma-informed lawyer because individuals who have experienced burn injuries, or any other type of traumatic injury, may face significant physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. A trauma-informed lawyer understands the unique needs and concerns of clients who have experienced trauma and is able to provide legal representation in a manner that is sensitive to those needs. A trauma-informed lawyer:

1. Recognizes the impact of trauma on the client and the legal process.
2. Avoids retraumatizing the client by minimizing unnecessary stress and avoiding actions that may trigger traumatic memories.
3. Provides a supportive and empathetic environment for the client.
4. Takes a collaborative approach to working with other professionals, such as mental health providers, to ensure that the client receives comprehensive care.
5. Provides clear and concise information to the client about the legal process and the client’s rights.

Having a trauma-informed lawyer can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals who have experienced burn injuries or other traumatic events. It can help ensure that the legal process is manageable and that clients receive the support and compensation they need to recover and move forward.

Should I Contact a Lawyer if I Experienced a Burn Injury?

Yes. There are important and complex issues that need to be evaluated related to how the accident happened, who may be at fault, and what deadlines exist to bring a claim.  The personal injury attorneys at The Coppola Firm have decades of experience representing people who have experienced burn injuries. We are conveniently located in suburban Amherst, New York, with a ground floor office, close, free parking, and easy office access.  Our lawyers will come to meet you at your home, office, or hospital, or via call or videoconference to minimize your need to travel, if you like. The lawyers at The Coppola Firm represent people across the State of New York. Speak to a Buffalo burn injury lawyer about your case today by calling (716) 839-9700 or filling out the online contact form.