Burn injuries are incredibly painful injuries that impact victims far beyond the initial trauma. Victims may face disfigurement, ongoing surgeries, psychological distress, and lifelong mobility issues. Whether a burn occurs in a workplace accident, a car crash, or a house fire, the results are often physically and emotionally overwhelming.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we have seen the devastation a serious burn injury can have on every aspect of a person’s life, and we have extensive experience helping victims seek compensation and the justice they deserve.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns are categorized based on severity and the source of the injury. Some burns may heal with basic medical care, while others require long-term treatment and reconstructive surgery. Here are the main types:
- First-Degree Burns: Affecting the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and usually healing without permanent damage
- Second-Degree Burns: Penetrates both the outer layer and the dermis beneath, and can result in blistering, swelling, and scarring
- Third-Degree Burns: Destroys all layers of the skin and may damage tissue underneath
- Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe and affects muscles, tendons, and bone, often requiring extensive surgical intervention, including possible amputation
Other Common Burn Types Include:
- Chemical Burns: From exposure to industrial or household chemicals
- Electrical Burns: Caused by contact with electricity and can result in internal injuries and cardiac complications
- Thermal Burns: Resulting from direct contact with flame, steam, or hot surfaces
- Radiation Burns: Caused by prolonged exposure to radiation sources, often in medical or industrial environments
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Toledo
Burn injuries can happen anywhere, but certain environments and circumstances increase the risk. When you add neglect and failure to follow safety protocols, the risk goes up from there. Here are some of the most common causes of burn injuries:
- Residential Fires: Faulty wiring, space heaters, candles left burning, or unattended cooking can quickly lead to devastating house fires.
- Workplace Accidents: Industrial sites, construction areas, and restaurant kitchens are high-risk environments for burns from chemicals, flames, or hot liquids.
- Car Accidents: Collisions may cause fuel leaks or fires, especially in high-speed or multi-vehicle crashes.
- Defective Products: Malfunctioning appliances, batteries, or electronics can ignite or overheat, causing burns.
- Chemical Exposure: Workers in labs, factories, or cleaning services may suffer from chemical burns due to unsafe handling or inadequate protective equipment.
- Scalding Liquids: Hot water burns are common in apartment units with poorly maintained water heaters. These may fall under premises liability if the property owner fails to ensure a safe water system.
- Electrical Accidents: Poor wiring or contact with exposed circuits can lead to serious electrical burns.
Complications and Long-Term Effects
Serious burn injuries require more than initial emergency care. They often lead to lifelong medical complications that affect the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of victims.
Many burn victims face:
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Nerve Damage
- High Risk of Infection
- Chronic Pain
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD, depression)
- Impaired Mobility
- Multiple Surgeries and Skin Grafts
The excruciating physical pain is only part of the story. Burn survivors often struggle with social isolation, inability to return to work, and a loss of confidence.
Liability in Burn Injury Cases
Understanding who is legally responsible is key to building a successful case. Our firm investigates each incident thoroughly to identify all liable parties.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Property Owners: When unsafe conditions, like faulty wiring or lack of smoke detectors, lead to fire
- Employers: For failing to provide safety equipment, adequate training, or a safe work environment
- Manufacturers: When a defective product causes fire or burns
- Chemical Manufacturers: When improper labeling, lack of warnings, or unsafe formulas lead to exposure injuries
- Landlords: When they fail to meet basic housing codes that include fire safety and water temperature
Each case requires thorough consideration, expert consultations, and a strong legal strategy to hold negligent parties accountable.
Compensation Available for Burn Injury Victims
A serious burn injury can result in significant financial strain because of the need for emergency care and ongoing treatment. Then in so many cases, the victim is unable to work, making the financial loss even more devastating. We pursue full and fair compensation that reflects the true cost of the injury so that burn victims can focus on healing. Those costs include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and specialized wound management
- Reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling and trauma support
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Burn injuries are complex and often catastrophic, requiring a lifetime of care. We work closely with medical experts, therapists, and life care planners to determine the full scope of your needs.
Why Choose Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy
With decades of experience handling burn injury cases in Ohio, we are uniquely equipped to fight for burn injury victims. Our firm offers:
- Extensive experience with catastrophic injury cases
- Access to top burn specialists and medical experts
- Thorough investigations and strong legal strategies
- A proven record of successful settlements and verdicts
- Compassionate and understanding of what burn victims face
We understand that you may be facing a long road ahead after a burn injury, and we’re here to stand beside you every step of the way.
Contact Our Team Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury in Toledo, don’t wait to get legal help. You may be entitled to compensation that can ease your financial burden and support your recovery. Contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us be there for you and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
