Pittsburgh Burn Injury Lawyers

Fighting For Burn Injury Victims in Pittsburgh, PA

A serious burn can be extremely painful and cause permanent scars and disfigurement. Following a burn injury, it is important to determine the cause of the fire or accident and hold any negligent parties responsible. Speak to our experienced Pittsburgh burn injury attorney to help you and your family hold the right people accountable after a severe injury.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., we understand the devastating impact a burn injury can have on your life. Whether caused by a workplace accident, defective product, or someone else’s negligence, burn injuries often lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges. That’s where we come in. Our experienced legal team is here to help you navigate the complex claims process, fight for the compensation you deserve, and hold the responsible parties accountable. We’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details.

Call (844) 383-0565 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our burn injury attorneys in Pittsburgh.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury is damage to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Burns can vary in severity, from minor discomfort to life-threatening injuries, depending on the source of the burn and the depth of tissue damage.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Common types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal Burns: Caused by direct contact with hot objects, such as flames, boiling liquids, hot metals, or steam.
• Chemical Burns: Result from exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other harmful chemicals that cause tissue damage.
• Electrical Burns: Occur when electricity passes through the body, damaging internal tissues and organs, even if there is minimal external skin damage.
• Radiation Burns: Caused by exposure to radiation, including the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, or radiation therapy.
• Friction Burns: Occur when skin is scraped against a rough surface, generating heat and causing both a scrape (abrasion) and a burn.
• Cold Burns (Frostbite): Result from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, causing tissue damage similar to burns.

Categories of Burns

Here is a breakdown of the severity categories of burns:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild pain, and swelling.
• Second-degree burns: Affect both the outer layer and the underlying layer (dermis). Symptoms include blistering, severe pain, and potential scarring.
• Third-degree burns: Affect all layers of the skin and can extend to underlying tissues. These burns may appear white, charred, or leathery and may not cause pain initially due to nerve damage.
• Fourth-degree burns: Extend through the skin into muscles, bones, and other tissues. These are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Treating Burn Injuries

Each type of burn requires a different level of care, ranging from basic first aid to advanced medical interventions.

Treatment for first-degree burnsgenerally includes cool compresses, over-the-counter pain relief, and soothing topical ointments like aloe vera or antibiotic creams. These burns typically heal within a week without leaving a scar.

Treatment for second-degree burns may involve cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointments, and covering it with sterile dressings to prevent infection. Pain management is also important. In more serious cases, especially if the burn covers a large area or takes too long to heal, a skin graft may be necessary. Healing time can take several weeks and may leave scars or changes in skin pigmentation.

Third-degree burn treatment often involves hospitalization, intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and shock, antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, and surgical procedures like skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Recovery can take many months or even years and may involve long-term rehabilitation.

Ongoing care is essential for all degrees of burn injuries. Physical therapy may be needed to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness, especially if joints are affected. Scar management, including pressure garments, silicone treatments, and laser therapy, can help minimize long-term skin damage. Additionally, mental health support is often a crucial part of recovery, as burn injuries can lead to emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury?

Liability for a burn injury depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury, such as where and how the burn occurred, as well as the parties involved. In legal cases, identifying the responsible party (or parties) is key to pursuing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Here are common scenarios where liability may arise:

• Property Owners: Property owners, including businesses and landlords, have a duty to maintain safe environments. If someone suffers a burn injury due to hazardous conditions (such as faulty wiring, unmarked hot surfaces, or flammable materials), the property owner may be liable under premises liability laws. For example, a tenant is burned by a faulty heating system in their apartment due to the landlord’s negligence in maintaining the property.
• Manufacturers: If a burn is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws. This could involve anything from a malfunctioning appliance to defective protective equipment. For instance, a space heater catches fire due to a design flaw, causing burn injuries to the user.
• Employers: In workplace accidents, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, or restaurants, burn injuries are common. Employees may be eligible for workers' compensation regardless of fault. In cases where a third party (e.g., a contractor or equipment manufacturer) is involved, they may also be liable. For instance, an employee is burned by hot oil in a commercial kitchen. The employer may owe workers' compensation, but if the oil fryer was faulty, the manufacturer could also be liable.
• Individuals or Companies: If someone's carelessness or reckless behavior leads to a burn injury, they may be held liable under personal injury or tort law. This could involve direct actions, like failing to follow safety protocols, or indirect actions, such as improper supervision or training. For example, a homeowner leaves exposed wires in their yard, leading to an electrical burn injury to a guest.
• Medical Professionals: In cases where a burn injury occurs during medical treatment, such as during surgery or radiation therapy, the medical staff may be liable for medical malpractice if negligence or improper care is involved. For example, a patient suffers burns from improperly administered radiation therapy.
• Public Entities: In some cases, local or state governments could be liable for burns caused by defective public utilities, improperly maintained public property, or negligent actions of public employees. For instance, a child is burned at a public park due to exposed electrical wiring in a light pole.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Burn Injury Claim?

Damages may include:

Economic Damages

These are tangible losses directly tied to your injury, including:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from the injury.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Damages for future income loss if your injury impacts your capability to work.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged personal property, such as clothing or vehicles, in the incident.

Non-Economic Damages

These address the intangible effects of your injury, such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional trauma you’ve endured.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Damages for permanent changes to your appearance and the psychological impact they cause.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation if your injury has diminished your capability to engage in hobbies, social activities, or daily tasks.

Punitive Damages

In instances where the responsible party’s behavior was especially reckless or intentional, the court may award punitive damages. These are designed to penalize the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our Pittsburgh burn injury attorneys offer nearly 40 years of personal injury and trial experience. Our firm is built on the solid foundation of unwavering service to injury victims and those who have suffered due to negligent companies. Whether you were exposed to flammable chemicals at work, you were injured in an electrical accident due to property negligence or a defective product, or you lost a loved one to electrocution, we can help you.

Contact Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a fconsultation with our Pittsburgh burn injury lawyers.