Burn Injury Lawyer in Elizabeth

Burn injuries are among the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can suffer. Whether the burns result from a fire, chemical exposure, or electrical shock, the damage can be catastrophic and life-altering. The physical, emotional, and financial impacts of these injuries last for months or years afterward.

At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we know you’re in unfathomable pain. Life after a severe burn injury can be debilitating, and you don’t need to handle an injury claim while experiencing this pain and discomfort. We’ll fight for the compensation you need to heal. Call (908) 460-7277 today or contact us online for your free consultation with an Elizabeth burn injury lawyer.

Overview of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can range broadly in severity, and even moderate cases can require extensive aftercare and have long-term effects. Burns are grouped into three categories based on their severity, including:

• First-Degree Burns – These burns generally affect the outer layer of skin, causing mild swelling, small blisters, redness, and pain. They usually heal within a few days without lasting damage.
• Second-Degree Burns – Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, causing blisters, intense pain, and possible scarring. They often require medical intervention and treatment accompanied by a longer recovery period.
• Third-Degree Burns – These burns are the most severe, destroying all layers of skin. It can cause nerve damage and destroy underlying muscles and tissues, leading to possible permanent disfigurement. Third-degree burns often need skin grafts, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Elizabeth, NJ

Burn injuries can occur anywhere, and there are various causes of severe burn injuries, including:

• Chemical Exposure – Contact with hazardous chemicals can cause serious burns, respiratory damage, and long-term health issues. These incidents often occur in industrial settings and are typically caused by improper storage or labeling.
• Home Infrastructure Explosions – Gas leaks, faulty wiring, or appliance failures can lead to devastating home explosions. Property owners or utility companies may be liable for resulting injuries.
• Defective Products – Malfunctioning appliances, heating devices, or electronics can overheat or catch fire, causing severe burns. Manufacturers and retailers must provide safe products, and if those products cause an injury, they can face liability.
• Unsafe Properties – Poorly maintained buildings can cause fire hazards or expose residents to chemical and electrical dangers. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises compliant with safety standards and codes.
• Fires – Fires in homes, public places, or vehicles can result in severe burn injuries. Negligence, which can appear as blocked exits, lack of defined evacuation procedures, or improperly installed smoke detectors, among other hazards, often contributes to the harm.
• Electrical Shock – Unsafe electrical equipment or exposed wires can cause internal injuries and electrical burns. These shocks often occur in poorly maintained properties or on construction sites.
• Workplace Accidents – Burn injuries resulting from worksites can occur due to faulty electrical wiring, explosions, hot surfaces of machinery, and chemical exposure. You may be able to pursue a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances.

What to Do After a Burn Injury

Taking the right steps immediately after a burn injury can protect your health and strengthen your claim. Some best practices after suffering a burn injury include:

• Document Medical Treatment – Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, medications, and therapies related to your burn injury. Save hospital bills, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes to help prove the extent and cost of your injury.
• Report the Accident – Notify your employer, property owner, or relevant party about the injury as soon as possible. Official reports create a record of the incident, which can be important evidence in your claim.
• Avoid Accident Discussions – Refrain from talking about the details of your injury or the accident on social media, with insurance adjusters, or anyone other than your lawyer. Statements made prematurely can be misinterpreted or used against you.
• Contact an Attorney – Call a burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you start the claims process and protect your interests from the start.

The Importance of Negligence in Burn Injury Cases

Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to your burn injury. This might include ignoring safety regulations, failing to maintain equipment, or providing inadequate warnings. Proving negligence is essential to pursuing compensation for your losses from the responsible party or parties.

Types of Compensation Available in a Burn Injury Case

Pursuing compensation after a burn injury can ease your financial burdens and help you focus on healing. You can seek compensation for various losses in a burn injury claim, including:

• Medical Expenses – You can seek compensation for various medical expenses related to your burn injury, including reconstructive surgery, hospitalization, and burn rehabilitation. In some cases, this can also include costs for assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term therapy.
• Lost Wages – You can pursue compensation for time taken off work during your recovery period, potentially including sick days, vacation days, or missed bonuses.
• Loss of Future Earning Potential – You can seek compensation if your severe burns limit your ability to work long-term and reduce your income. This can extend to retraining costs or support if you’re unable to return to your previous career.
• Pain and Suffering – You can pursue compensation to cover the emotional trauma and physical pain caused by the accident. This can include feelings of anxiety, depression, or PTSD related to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life – You can seek compensation if your injuries impact your ability to enjoy social events, hobbies, and daily life. This compensation recognizes the emotional toll of losing the ability to participate in the meaningful parts of your life.

How a Burn Injury Attorney Can Help

An experienced Elizabeth burn injury attorney can handle your injury claim so you’re able to rest and recover. A fire injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ can:

• Investigate the Accident – Your attorney will review the scene, speak with witnesses, and analyze how the burn injury occurred to build a strong case.
• Collect Evidence – They’ll gather medical records, photos, safety reports, and expert opinions to support your claim and prove the extent of your injuries.
• Determine Liability – Your lawyer will identify who is legally responsible for the accident and your injuries. This could include employers, landlords, manufacturers, retailers, or property owners.
• Calculate Losses – Your lawyer will assess your injury-related losses to determine the full value of your claim, taking into account all future injury costs you’ll need to cover.
• Negotiate with Insurers – Your attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement that will cover your current and future needs, protecting you from accepting a lowball offer.
• Pursue Potential Litigation – Your lawyer can file a lawsuit if negotiations fail and the insurer won’t make an appropriate settlement offer. At trial, your lawyer will seek compensation through a favorable verdict. They can provide fierce advocacy from trial preparation to case resolution.

Time Limits for Filing a Burn Injury Claim in New Jersey

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a burn injury lawsuit in New Jersey. You may lose your right to pursue compensation if you file outside of this window. It’s important to file as soon as possible to avoid losing the ability to pursue a claim in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries

We’ve answered some of the questions we most often get from our clients for you here.

Who is liable for a burn injury that occurred in an Elizabeth apartment or rental unit?

A landlord’s liability depends on the circumstances. If a landlord failed to maintain safe living conditions, such as failing to provide or check smoke detectors, ignoring fire hazards, or neglecting faulty wiring, they may face legal responsibility for your injuries. An Elizabeth burn injury lawyer can investigate the fire’s cause and determine whether the property owner or management company is liable for your injuries.

What legal options do I have if I was burned at a business in Union County?

If you sustained a burn injury at a business because of a chemical spill, fire, or other dangerous condition, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the business and other involved parties. If the burn injury occurred while you were working, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. A fire injury lawyer in Elizabeth, NJ, can help you explore your options and review all legal avenues to fight for the compensation you need.

How do Elizabeth courts generally handle burn injury lawsuits?

Elizabeth, Union County, courts evaluate burn injury cases like other personal injury claims. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the other party’s negligence directly caused the injury. Factors such as the severity of the burn, long-term impacts, injury-related medical costs, and emotional distress all impact the compensation you can obtain. A skilled Elizabeth burn injury attorney can help you build a trial strategy and handle the litigation process to argue for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Elizabeth Burn Injury Attorneys Today

If you’re dealing with skyrocketing medical bills, lost income, and the traumatic aftermath of an accident, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced burn injury lawyers at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can handle burn injury cases, whether they involve a product defect, unsafe property, or workplace accidents. We’re committed to you from our first meeting to the final resolution of your case. Call us at (908) 460-7277 or contact us online for your free consultation today.