Burn Injury Attorney in Cincinnati

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1.1 million Americans suffer burn injuries needing medical attention each year. Burns can occur in various accidents due to someone else’s inattention or negligence. For example, a landlord may be putting profits before tenants’ health by failing to install fire extinguishers or neglecting to upgrade faulty wiring and appliances. 

If you or a loved one suffered a significant injury, a burn injury lawyer could help you seek compensation for your damages, such as:

• Healthcare and rehabilitation costs
• Wage loss
• Pain and suffering

Having an experienced and determined advocate working tirelessly in your best interest can be crucial for prevailing with a burn injury claim in Cincinnati. Morgan & Morgan has your back. We know firsthand how devastating severe burn injuries can be for your health, career, and family life. Contact us now for a free consultation to determine if you qualify for damages.

Where Do Most Burn Injuries Occur in Cincinnati?

According to the US Fire Administration, most fire casualties in Ohio occur in buildings and car accidents. However, burn injuries can potentially occur anywhere, whether at home, eating out, or working. The most common locations for fires include: 

Apartment Building and House Fires

US Fire Departments deal with almost 350,000 apartment and house fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Fires in the home can occur due to faulty electrical wiring, defective appliances, and other reasons. If you rent your home and got hurt in a fire, you could hold your landlord accountable in certain circumstances, such as:

• Failing to follow state and federal laws intended to protect renters from hazards
• Lack of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
• Defective sprinklers, smoke detectors, or extinguishers
• Faulty wiring
• Defective electric appliances

If a landlord has neglected safety measures and maintenance, they may be liable for your injury damages. 

Workplace Fires and Explosions

Burn injuries in the workplace are common. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, the largest number of burns occur in hospitality, construction, and manufacturing. However, accidents can potentially happen anywhere, including in office environments. 

Most employees injured at work can file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits such as medical care, wage replacement, and others. In some cases, workers could hold their employer or a third party accountable for their burn injuries and monetary losses. Filing a lawsuit could allow employees to recover damages for pain and suffering and others.

For example, employees hurt due to defective industrial machinery or a subcontractor’s negligent behavior could sue the liable party for damages. Other examples of negligence include a lack of fire safety policies and failing to install appropriate equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Businesses and Commercial Properties 

In some cases, patrons and visitors to businesses and commercial properties such as restaurants and hotels can suffer injuries due to fires, scalding accidents, or chemical hazards. Businesses where burn injuries can occur:

• Hospitality venues
• Shopping malls
• Care homes
• Bars and nightclubs
• Grocery stores
• Community centers

If you suffer a significant burn at a business, you could sue the liable party for compensation. 

Car Accidents 

Severe crashes can spark fires, potentially leading to catastrophic injuries for car occupants. If another driver caused the collision you were hurt in, you could qualify for damages. 

There can be many other circumstances where individuals can get hurt due to the negligence of another individual, business, or organization. Contacting an injury lawyer in Cincinnati can help clarify your legal options if you suffer a burn injury.

How Can a Burn Injury Lawyer at Morgan & Morgan Help?

Having an experienced and determined attorney in your corner can be critical when you hope to recover compensation from the responsible party. An injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can:

• Help you get adequate medical care
• Determine your rights and the applicable laws 
• Assess whether you have a case and qualify for compensation
• Work with investigators to determine the facts of the incident
• Identify all liable parties
• Gather evidence proving your case and your damages
• Build a comprehensive case against the defendant 
• Negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance company
• Fight for maximum possible compensation at trial 

Our injury lawyers see the devastating effects of severe burn injuries every day and want to help victims hold the responsible parties to account. Burn injuries are upsetting and painful and can have a long-term impact on your physical and mental health. Victims may need ongoing medical care, costly reconstructive surgeries, and rehabilitation treatments. 

We believe that burns victims deserve the best shot at getting what they deserve. As America’s largest personal injury firm, we have the resources and stamina to fight even large corporations and powerful property owners. If your landlord or employer tried to put profits before safety, Morgan & Morgan can step in and help you get justice. 

Burn Injury Classification

Burn injuries are generally classified into four categories, depending on the severity of skin and tissue damage. 

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are superficial and only affect the outer skin layer. Although the burn site can be painful and tender, first-degree burns usually heal on their own. Long-term skin damage is unlikely. 

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect the epidermis (the first layer of skin) and the dermis, the lower layer of skin. A medical professional should treat second-degree burns as the site of injury is typically painful, swollen, and blistered. 

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns can be severe and, in addition to destroying the epidermis and dermis, can involve subcutaneous tissue, the deepest layer of skin. The burn may look blackened and charred or white.  

Fourth-Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe injuries that involve the outermost and innermost layers of skin and can destroy nerve endings, muscle, and bone.

Burn victims can face a long road to recovery or may be forever disabled by a catastrophic fire injury. A significant burn injury can cause astronomical medical expenses and financial hardship for the affected individual and their family. However, you could have legal recourse if you were seriously hurt due to another’s negligence or deliberate act.