Personal Injury Claims Involving Severe Burns

 Posted on April 20, 2023 in Personal Injury

Severe and catastrophic burn injuries can occur in a car accident, equipment-related accident, fire, workplace accident, farm accident, or a number of other situations. Suffering a severe burn injury is a life-changing experience. Not only are burns extremely painful, but they also often lead to permanent disfigurement. Furthermore, the psychological trauma associated with a severe burn may plague the burn victim for years or decades.

When a burn injury is caused by another party's recklessness, carelessness, intentional wrongdoing, or negligence, the victim may be able to take legal action against that party. A personal injury claim can be used to pursue monetary damages as well as justice for the terrible event.

Legal Rights of Burn Injury Victims in Illinois

Illinois law allows an injured person to file a civil claim for damages against the party who caused his or her injury. The party responsible for a severe burn may be a negligent driver, property owner, contractor at a construction site, product manufacturer, or numerous other parties.

To be entitled to financial compensation under Illinois law, four essential elements must be proven:

• Duty – The other party owed a duty of care. For example, companies that manufacture consumer goods have a legal responsibility to ensure that their products do not pose an unreasonable risk of fire. Businesses such as bars and restaurants have a legal duty to ensure that the building is outfitted with fire safety measures such as smoke detectors and sufficient exits. Trucking companies must properly load and secure flammable cargo so that it is not at risk of causing an explosion.

• Breach of Duty - Breach of duty occurs when a party fails to meet the accepted standard of care. What constitutes a breach will vary from case to case. In some situations, a breach of duty is obvious. For example, if a commercial truck driver carrying fuel drives while intoxicated and causes an accident, this represents a clear breach of duty.

• Causation - The third element in a burn injury case is causation. The victim’s burn injuries must be linked to the defendant’s actions or negligent inaction in order for the burn victim to be entitled to compensation.

• Damages - Damages refer to the financial losses resulting from a burn injury. Burn victims may require substantial medical intervention, including skin grafts and other types of surgery, wound care, mental health care, and more. The costs associated with these treatments can be enormous. In addition, a burn victim may be unable to work temporarily or permanently.

Through a personal injury claim, burn victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their economic losses, such as medical bills as well as the non-financial consequences of the burn, such as disfigurement and reduced quality of life.

Contact our Springfield Personal Injury Attorneys

Our Champaign personal injury lawyers understand the deep physical and psychological pain associated with a severe burn injury. Let our skilled legal team help you seek financial compensation for your losses. Call 888-826-8682 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/burns/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370545