Burn Injury Lawyer

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Experiencing a burn accident can be a profoundly life-altering event. Despite our best efforts to exercise caution and prioritize safety in our daily routines, burns occur more frequently than many realize. In Canada alone, there are an estimated 46,000 burn injuries annually, many of which could have been prevented. The severity of a burn can leave lasting physical scars, serving as a permanent reminder of the trauma endured and adding to the emotional distress of such injuries.

If you’ve been injured because someone else did not act reasonably to reduce the risk of an accident, you may be considering filing a lawsuit against them. In such a case, it’s important to consult with our team and work with a burn injury lawyer to explore your legal options.

What can Cause a Burn Injury?

There are many types of burn injuries. Due to the nature of your skin, any object or liquid above 52 degrees Celcius can cause a burn within two minutes of contact.¹ In addition, it is important to note that there are three main types of burns related to personal injury: thermal, chemical, and electrical. Knowing the difference between these circumstances is important to understanding the potential causes and steps to healing.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns result from exposure to extreme heat sources like fire, steam, or hot objects. They damage skin and underlying tissues, causing pain, redness, blisters, and potential scarring. Severity varies based on temperature and duration of exposure.² Some potential causes of thermal burns include:

Accidents in the kitchen
Hot water from a bathtub or tap
Touching overheating mechanical parts
Coming in contact with steam from pipes
Getting into a car accident that results in a fire

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances like acids, basic solutions, or solvents, like cleaners. In extreme cases, it is also possible for these substances to be accidentally ingested. They cause pain, redness, and potential deep tissue damage and, as a result, may have varying effects on the ongoing health of the individual.³

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns result from contact with electric current, causing injury to the skin, muscles, and organs. They may appear minor externally but can cause significant internal damage. Symptoms include burns, pain, numbness, and cardiac arrest.⁴

The Severity of Burn Injuries

Burns are classified on a scale to determine severity. These range from first-degree to fourth-degree and communicate the extent of damage to the skin and victim as deemed by medical professionals.

First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. They can cause redness and tenderness, but typically heal without scarring.
Second-degree burns penetrate the outer layer of the skin. They can cause blisters alongside intense pain, and once healed, scars may form.
Third-degree burns extend into deeper tissue layers, causing white or blackened skin, numbness, and severe scarring.⁵
Fourth-degree burns reach muscles, tendons, or bones, leading to charred skin, loss of sensation, and life-threatening complications.⁶ These burns may be more common in extreme situations, such as house fires, which are the leading cause of unintentional fire-related deaths in Canada.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for all burns, but particularly for third and fourth-degree burns, as they require specialized care to prevent infection, manage pain, and promote healing.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury?

In many cases, various people’s negligent actions may be held accountable for an accident. These might include landlords, employers, product manufacturers, and others. For example, if you live in an apartment building and your landlord did not ensure that the fire alarms and sprinkler systems were working correctly, they could be held liable if you are burned in a fire. Commercial property owners must take similar precautions to prevent and control fires by ensuring their guests are not exposed to hazardous chemicals.

After seeking immediate medical attention following a burn, it is important to speak with a burn injury lawyer to see whether you may be able to recover fair compensation for your injuries. You could receive funds to cover your medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Bergeron Clifford Can Help

At Bergeron Clifford, personal injury law is all we do. We’ve been helping people recover the fair compensation they deserve since 1999. If you’ve been badly burned, our burn injury lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim for a burn injury?

Burn injury cases can be complex, but if you’ve suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a valid claim. Factors such as the cause of the burn, extent of injuries, and liability of the responsible party will determine the validity. To discuss a potential case, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with us. During this time, we can discuss the relevant circumstances and provide expert guidance as it relates to the legal process and next steps.

What types of compensation can I pursue for a burn injury case?

In burn injury cases, compensation can cover punitive and non-punitive damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. The severity of your injuries and the impact on your life will influence the compensation you may be entitled to. Our experienced team will work diligently to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve, helping you rebuild and move forward.

Do I need to prove negligence to win a burn injury case?

Yes, establishing negligence is crucial in winning a burn injury case. We must demonstrate that the responsible party breached their duty of care, leading to your burn injuries. Our experienced legal team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling argument to prove negligence and secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Can I still pursue compensation if I was partially at fault for the burn injury?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partially at fault for the burn injury. The legal concept of comparative negligence allows for proportionate compensation based on each party’s degree of fault. We will assess the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action to maximize your recovery, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

How do I choose the right personal injury lawyer for my burn injury case?

When selecting a personal injury lawyer for your burn injury case, consider their experience, track record of success, and commitment to client care. Look for a lawyer who specializes in burn injury cases and has a compassionate approach to representing clients. Our firm offers personalized attention, extensive legal knowledge, and a proven history of achieving favourable outcomes for burn injury victims. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and providing the support you need during this challenging time.

1. Pichoff, B. E., M. Schydlower, and S. R. Stephenson. 1994. “Children at Risk for Accidental Burns from Hot Tap Water.” Texas Medicine 90 (11): 54–58. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7997963/.

2. Schaefer, Timothy J., and Shruti C. Tannan. 2023. “Thermal Burns.” PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. May 29, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430773/.

3. VanHoy, Tess B, Michael H LeWitt, Heidi Metheny, and Bhupendra C Patel. 2020. “Chemical Burns.” Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing. January 18, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499888/.

4. Bounds, Emily J., Brian West, and Stephanie J. Kok. 2020. Electrical Burns. Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519514/.

5. Warby, Rachel, and Christopher V Maani. 2019. “Burns Classification.” Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing. March 16, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539773/.

6. “Burn | Injury | Britannica.” n.d. Www.britannica.com. https://www.britannica.com/science/burn#ref45563.

Contact Bergeron | Clifford LLP

Contact us at 866-384-5886 or fill out our online form if you have had a concussion or other head injury in Eastern Ontario. We can meet you at our office locations in Kingston, Ottawa, Whitby, Carleton Place, Perth or other local offices, or wherever is most convenient for you.