Pittsburgh Burn Injury Lawyers

A serious burn can be extremely painful and cause permanent scars and disfigurement. Following a burn injury, it is important to determine the cause of the fire or accident and hold any negligent parties responsible. Speak to an experienced Pittsburgh burn injury attorney to help you and your family hold the right people accountable after a severe injury.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury is damage to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Burns can vary in severity, from minor discomfort to life-threatening injuries, depending on the source of the burn and the depth of tissue damage.

Common types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal Burns: Caused by direct contact with hot objects, such as flames, boiling liquids, hot metals, or steam.
• Chemical Burns: Result from exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other harmful chemicals that cause tissue damage.
• Electrical Burns: Occur when electricity passes through the body, damaging internal tissues and organs, even if there is minimal external skin damage.
• Radiation Burns: Caused by exposure to radiation, including the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, or radiation therapy.
• Friction Burns: Occur when skin is scraped against a rough surface, generating heat and causing both a scrape (abrasion) and a burn.
• Cold Burns (Frostbite): Result from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, causing tissue damage similar to burns.

Here is a breakdown of the severity categories of burns:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild pain, and swelling.
• Second-degree burns: Affect both the outer layer and the underlying layer (dermis). Symptoms include blistering, severe pain, and potential scarring.
• Third-degree burns: Affect all layers of the skin and can extend to underlying tissues. These burns may appear white, charred, or leathery and may not cause pain initially due to nerve damage.
• Fourth-degree burns: Extend through the skin into muscles, bones, and other tissues. These are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury?

Liability for a burn injury depends on the circumstances surrounding the injury, such as where and how the burn occurred, as well as the parties involved. In legal cases, identifying the responsible party (or parties) is key to pursuing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Here are common scenarios where liability may arise:

• Property Owners: Property owners, including businesses and landlords, have a duty to maintain safe environments. If someone suffers a burn injury due to hazardous conditions (such as faulty wiring, unmarked hot surfaces, or flammable materials), the property owner may be liable under premises liability laws. For example, a tenant is burned by a faulty heating system in their apartment due to the landlord’s negligence in maintaining the property.
• Manufacturers: If a burn is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws. This could involve anything from a malfunctioning appliance to defective protective equipment. For instance, a space heater catches fire due to a design flaw, causing burn injuries to the user.
• Employers: In workplace accidents, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, or restaurants, burn injuries are common. Employees may be eligible for workers' compensation regardless of fault. In cases where a third party (e.g., a contractor or equipment manufacturer) is involved, they may also be liable. For instance, an employee is burned by hot oil in a commercial kitchen. The employer may owe workers' compensation, but if the oil fryer was faulty, the manufacturer could also be liable.
• Individuals or Companies: If someone's carelessness or reckless behavior leads to a burn injury, they may be held liable under personal injury or tort law. This could involve direct actions, like failing to follow safety protocols, or indirect actions, such as improper supervision or training. For example, a homeowner leaves exposed wires in their yard, leading to an electrical burn injury to a guest.
• Medical Professionals: In cases where a burn injury occurs during medical treatment, such as during surgery or radiation therapy, the medical staff may be liable for medical malpractice if negligence or improper care is involved. For example, a patient suffers burns from improperly administered radiation therapy.
• Public Entities: In some cases, local or state governments could be liable for burns caused by defective public utilities, improperly maintained public property, or negligent actions of public employees. For instance, a child is burned at a public park due to exposed electrical wiring in a light pole.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our attorneys offer nearly 40 years of personal injury and trial experience. Our firm is built on the solid foundation of unwavering service to injury victims and those who have suffered due to negligent companies. Whether you were exposed to flammable chemicals at work, you were injured in an electrical accident due to property negligence or a defective product, or you lost a loved one to electrocution, we can help you.

Our Pittsburgh burn injury lawyers have the experience and resources to take on serious cases involving:

• Third-degree burns
• Chemical burns
• Medical malpractice
• Surgical errors
• Electrocution and electrical burns
• Faulty or exposed wires
• Building fires
• Defective products
• Nursing home accidents or abuse
• Explosions
• Industrial accidents
• Smoke inhalation injuries

Schedule a Free, No-Cost Consultation

To meet with a highly knowledgeable Pittsburgh burn injury attorney, call (844) 383-0565 or contact our office online. We offer free consultations and bill on a contingency fee basis. You will only be asked to reimburse us for costs and fees if we are successful for you.