Long Island Burn Victim

A serious burn such as a third degree contact burn is devastating physically and emotionally. Burn victims must suffer through a painful recovery, intense pain, and many require plastic surgery and skin grafts in order to heal properly. While some burn injuries occur in residential accidents, many victims suffer severe burns in the workplace such as in construction accidents or industrial accidents. Burns can be first, second or third degree, with third degree the most serious. A third degree burn involves severe damage to all layers of skin and tissue. This type of catastrophic damage to skin creates a host of complications, some of which can be fatal. If you suffered a serious burn that was caused by another person's negligence, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Long Island bun victim lawyer who will review the facts of your case and explain your options for pursuing a personal injury claim.

There are several different types of burns. People are most familiar with contact burns which result from coming in direct contact with file, or hot glass, plastic, metal or coals. Contact burns can be caused by another of accidents, include a car accident. Chemical burns are caused by contact with dangerous chemicals. Such burns often happen in factories, at construction sites, at scientific labs or at home with household cleaners. Inhalation burns are caused by breathing in noxious materials causing damage to the lungs. Electrical burns come from coming in contact with a live wire.

Burns are classified as first, second or third degree. A first degree burn involves damage to the first layer of skin. When both the first and the second layer of skin are damaged, the burn is categorized as a second-degree burn. A burn victim with a third degree burn will suffer damage to all layers of the skin. A third degree burn can cause severe permanent scarring, nerve damage, affect body chemistry and can be fatal.

As a burn victim attorney in Long Island will explain, if you file a personal injury claim naming the person responsible as the defendant, you can demand compensation to cover your losses. Defendants in a personal injury claim for a burn injury can be individuals, department stores and other retailers, apartment managers, hotels and government entities. Code violations often provide evidence of fault. For example, lack of working smoke detectors, locked or unmarked fire exits, or faulty sprinkler systems can point to liability.

• Medical expenses: The medical expenses associated with treatment of a serious burn and rehabilitation are generally substantial and may include extended stay in the hospital, pain medication, plastic surgery, multiple skin grafts, skin replacement and physical therapy. With a burn there is always the possibility of infection, making treatment and recovery more difficult and more expensive.
• Lost wages: Because you are likely to miss a significant amount of time from your job you will also suffer from a loss of income, lost benefits and loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Burn victims are often left with scarring and other types of permanent disfigurement. Because of this the responsible party will likely be required to pay you damages for physical pain and emotional suffering.

On Christopher Peat's life was forever changed when he was severely burned while refinishing the floor in an apartment complex. His suffered burns on over 50% of his body when the pilot light in the kitchen stove ignited the highly flammable lacquer that Peat was using on the floor. Peat v. Fordham Hill Owners Corp., 974 N.Y.S.2d 61 (N.Y. App. Div., 2013). Peat filed a claim against the owner of the apartment complex. The jury concluded that Fordham Hill was 100% responsible for the accident as it has the responsibility of making sure that the gas was turned off prior to Peat commencing work on the floors. As a result of the injuries, Peat had to undergo 15 surgeries, extensive physical and occupational therapy, and suffers from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The jury awarded Peat over $18 million in damages.

If you have suffered serious burns in a car accident, residential accident, or workplace accident, you are likely facing substantial medical bills, many of which may not be covered by insurance. You also may not be able to work—adding to your financial woes. We are here to help. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in representing victims suffering catastrophic injuries. Contact a burn victim attorney serving Long Island at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.