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Illinois Burn Injury Lawyer

The American Burn Association estimates that every year approximately 1 million Americans are burned with a severity that requires medical attention. Burn injuries can result from several different negligent and reckless acts. Our skilled Illinois personal injury attorneys at The Cates Law Firm, LLC have years of experience representing people who have been severely burned due to someone else’s actions or inactions. We can help you deal with the legal issues while you focus on your recovery. Call us today at 618-277-3644 to find out how we can help you.

Compensation After Burn Injuries

A burn injury is usually damage to your tissue, not just the outer layer of skin. Many people require professional medical attention after a burn. They may also be unable to work for a period of time. The unexpected expenses and consequences of burn injuries can be overwhelming. If you were burned, you may be able to receive compensation from those who caused your injuries. We will help you obtain the maximum possible compensation through a personal injury claim.

Compensation may be available for the following past and future losses:

  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life or loss of a normal life
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages
  • Wage loss

Unfortunately, burn injuries may be so severe that they cause fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that death due to fires and burns were the fifth leading cause of non-intended deaths, and the third leading cause of deaths in a residence.

If your loved one suffered fatal injuries due to a burn, you may be able to recover the following:

  • Burial and funeral expenses
  • Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering
  • Loss of consortium, or the relationship with your loved one
  • Loss of economic support
  • Loss of instruction, moral training, and superintendence of education of children
  • Medical bills and other expenses incurred prior to the passing of your loved one

Burn Classifications Described

In the medical field, burn injuries are often classified by the severity of the burn. They may also be referenced according to the percentage of the body affected. These descriptions can help medical professionals determine what level of medical treatment you need. It can also help describe your losses when seeking compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and other damages.

Traditional burn classifications include:

  • First-degree burns – These burns are minor and usually result in red skin that is not blistered. They may require some medical treatment or at-home care, but typically heal within a few days.
  • Second-degree burns – These burns may involve some blistering and thickening of the skin. They typically affect multiple layers of skin and can result in significant pain. Medical treatment, including minor skin grafts, may be necessary.
  • Third-degree burns – These burns involve multiple layers of skin and severe blistering and thickening of the skin. The skin may appear white or leathery and will likely result in scarring. Medical treatment is necessary and skin grafts are likely.
  • Fourth-degree burns – These burns include damage to muscles, tendons, and bones. Medical treatment is always necessary and death is even possible if a significant area of the body is affected.
  • Fifth-degree burns – These burns affect all layers of skin on the burn area and can result in charring or loss of function. They require significant medical treatment, hospitalization, and can result in death.
  • Sixth-degree burns – These burns so devastatingly affect the body that they cause fatal injuries, loss of function, and permanent damage. The body is often unable to regrow tissue in areas so severely burned.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries almost always require some degree of medical care, even if it is at home. Burns are often the result of incidents that could be prevented. Their impact can be severely damaging and life-threatening.

Burn injuries can frequently be caused by:

  • Building fires
  • Chemical explosions
  • Electrical fires or shock
  • Fireworks explosions
  • Fume ignitions / explosions
  • Gas / flammable fluid explosions
  • Hot liquids / scalding
  • Industrial accidents
  • Lighters / matches
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Smoke / heat inhalation
  • Workplace accidents

Illinois Burn Injury Attorneys Can Help – Call Us Today

If you are injured by a burn, you should immediately seek medical attention. You should do so even if it appears, at first, that the burn is not that bad. If you are affected by a chemical burn, you should also seek immediate medical attention to ensure that the chemical is effectively removed.

Once you are able, obtain the help of a legal professional. Our Illinois personal injury lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC know the serious, permanent injuries caused by burns can have a devastating impact. We will strive to ensure that you and your loved ones receive compensation for the losses associated with your injuries.

If you or loved one has been injured and suffered a traumatic burn injury, we are here to speak with you. Call us at 618-277-3644 or contact us online to let us know how we can help you. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we represent clients across Southern Illinois and the Metro East region, from St. Louis to the Indiana border, including the communities of Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, St. Louis, Waterloo, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.