Western New York Burn Injury Attorneys

A severe burn can devastate both victims and their families. The physical, financial, and emotional damages they must endure can seem like too much to take. Pain from a burn injury is long-lasting and described by many as more excruciating than any other type. Severe burns require specialized care and treatment, and typically leave permanent and disfiguring scars.

When that kind of misery is inflicted on you or your loved one, due to the negligence of others, it’s easy to want to settle the score with those at fault. The personal injury lawyers at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh have years of experience handling burn accident cases in Western New York. We know how to help our clients cope with painful realities of life following a severe burn. We work with the victim and family to prepare a lawsuit that includes financial compensation for:

• Pain and Suffering

• Medical Bills

• Lost or Diminished Wages (Missed Work)

• Therapy

• Permanent and Partial Disability

Over two million Americans report severe burns every year.

Burns are the second leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.

Burn injuries are most commonly caused by the following accidents:

• Vehicle Accidents

• House or Mobile Home Fires

• Industrial Accidents

• Work-Related Accidents

Highly flammable products are another common cause of burn injuries. An experienced burn injury lawyer with knowledge of product liability law can pursue a claim against negligent product manufacturers and fight to get you the money you deserve.

Types of Burns:

There are four categories, depending on the severity:

1. First-Degree Burns: These are the least severe, but are painful and produce redness and swelling. A good example is sunburn. First-degree burns affect the skin’s outer layer, known as the epidermis. Not likely to be considered a serious injury.
2. Second-Degree Burns: Sometimes referred to as “Partial Thickness Burns”, these go deeper than the outer skin, damaging the dermis, or deeper skin layer. Second-degree burns are further classified as either deep or superficial. Both kinds can heal on their own. They appear dry and white and may leave scars.
3. Third-Degree Burns: A severe burn that penetrates into the fat below the skin layers. These burns cause disfiguring scars, disability and even death. Burned area may be charred black or white. Since third-degree burns damage nerve endings, it may not be painful for the victim; however, this burn increases chance of infection.
4. Fourth-Degree Burns: Considered to be the most life-threatening and extend deep enough to damage bone. With this burn, there will be no skin that can be recovered. Burned legs or arms might need to be amputated.

Burns are also classified according to the source, including:

1. Thermal Burns: contact with fire, steam, hot liquids or hot objects
2. Electrical Burns: contact with electrical sources or lightning
3. Radiation Burns: exposure to sunlight, light bulbs, tanning beds, X-rays, or radiation treatment for cancer
4. Chemical Burns: caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals

How our Western New York Personal Injury Lawyers can help you?

The serious injury lawyers at Nicholas, Perot, Smith, Bernhardt & Zosh speak with you and your family members, medical personnel, therapists and others to form a comprehensive picture of your accident, burn injuries, treatment and future capabilities. That information helps us build a case showing how your life was altered by the accident and makes clear who bears responsibility. We know it takes this kind of effort to have the best chance of getting our clients the compensation they deserve.