Founding Partner
At Parker Waichman LLP, our Brooklyn burn injury lawyers understand the challenges burn victims face. For over two decades, our firm has fought to secure full compensation for injury victims throughout New York. We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients. Additionally, we bring that same commitment to every burn injury case we handle. Our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis – you pay no upfront costs, and we collect no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at 800-968-7529 or schedule an appointment online for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Parker Waichman LLP is a personal injury and mass tort law firm with over two decades of experience representing injury victims throughout New York and nationwide. The firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients and maintains offices in Port Washington, Melville, New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bonita Springs (Florida), and West Orange (New Jersey).
Founding partner Jerrold S. Parker has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions (2010-2026) and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Partner Melanie H. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014.
The firm handles personal injury, mass torts, medical malpractice, construction accidents, defective drugs and medical devices, and complex litigation matters. Parker Waichman LLP works on a contingency fee basis—clients pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation.
Parker Waichman LLP brings over two decades of experience and over $2 billion in recoveries to every burn injury case. Our comprehensive approach maximizes compensation for Brooklyn burn injury victims.
Thorough investigation: Our attorneys conduct detailed investigations into the circumstances surrounding burn injuries. We visit accident scenes, photograph evidence, and review fire marshal reports. Additionally, we examine building code violations, analyze product defects, and identify all potentially liable parties. We work with fire investigators, engineers, and reconstruction professionals who can determine how fires started and who bears responsibility.
Medical consultation: We collaborate with burn treatment physicians, plastic surgeons, life care planners, and medical professionals who document the full extent of injuries. They provide testimony about long-term prognosis and future care needs. These professionals help juries understand the devastating impact of burn injuries. They also explain the lifetime of care many victims require.
Comprehensive documentation: We thoroughly document all aspects of your case. This includes medical records, treatment costs, lost income, and the impact on quality of life. We photograph injuries, gather employment records, obtain professional opinions, and compile evidence that supports claims for maximum compensation. This thorough documentation proves important during settlement negotiations and trial.
Aggressive negotiation: Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize payouts. We negotiate aggressively with insurers. We refuse to accept inadequate settlement offers that don’t fully compensate victims. Our reputation and track record often motivate insurance companies to make fair settlement offers rather than face us in court.
Trial preparation and litigation: When insurance companies refuse fair settlements, we prepare cases for trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and the resources to take complex burn injury cases to verdict. Insurance companies know we will go to trial when necessary. This often motivates better settlement offers.
No fee unless recovery obtained: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf. This arrangement allows burn injury victims to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
Personalized attention: Each client receives individualized attention and regular communication throughout the legal process. We understand the challenges burn victims face. We remain accessible to answer questions, address concerns, and provide updates on case progress. You may find it helpful to read client feedback that highlights the quality of our legal representation.
Parker Waichman LLP maintains offices throughout New York, including our Brooklyn office at 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010-2026. He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Partner Melanie H. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014. Our firm’s recognition reflects our commitment to excellence in representing injury victims.
Burn injuries rank among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can suffer. These catastrophic injuries destroy skin tissue, damage nerves, and often extend deep into muscle and bone. The physical consequences include severe nerve damage, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function. Many burn victims face infections, respiratory complications, and the need for multiple reconstructive surgeries over many years.
The emotional impact of burn injuries can be equally devastating. Victims often experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and profound body image issues. The visible scarring and disfigurement that accompany severe burns affect personal relationships, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Children who suffer burn injuries may face bullying and social isolation that compounds their physical trauma.
Brooklyn burn injury victims face unique challenges. Construction accidents in rapidly developing neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn expose workers to welding burns, electrical injuries, and chemical exposure. Residential fires in older buildings throughout Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, and Sunset Park often result from landlord negligence and building code violations. Restaurant workers in Brooklyn’s thriving food service industry suffer scalding injuries and kitchen fires. Industrial facilities in Red Hook and the Brooklyn Navy Yard present chemical burn hazards and explosion risks.
According to data compiled by the American Burn Association, burns are a leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. Approximately 398,000 burn injuries receive medical treatment each year. Furthermore, approximately 29,000 require hospitalization. The long-term complications from severe burns affect victims for the rest of their lives. These complications require ongoing medical care, psychological support, and adaptive equipment.
Burn injuries occur in several distinct forms. Each presents unique challenges and requires treatment approaches.
Thermal burns result from contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces. These are the most common types of burn injury. They frequently occur in house fires, cooking accidents, and workplace incidents.
Chemical burns happen when skin comes into contact with acids, alkalis, solvents, or detergents. Industrial workers, cleaning staff, and laboratory personnel face a heightened risk of chemical burn injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for chemical safety in workplaces.
Electrical burns occur when electrical current passes through the body. Construction workers who contact power lines or work with faulty electrical systems often suffer these devastating injuries. Electrical burns may appear minor on the surface while causing extensive internal damage.
Radiation burns result from UV exposure, X-rays, or radiation therapy. While sunburns represent the most common form, industrial radiation exposure and medical treatment can cause severe radiation burns.
Friction burns occur when skin slides across rough surfaces at high speed. Motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and workplace accidents commonly cause friction burns.
Medical professionals classify burn severity by degree:
Brooklyn burn injuries stem from various sources. Many involve negligence or recklessness:
Workplace accidents represent a leading cause of burn injuries. Construction sites expose workers to welding burns, electrical hazards, and chemical exposure. Restaurant kitchens present scalding risks from hot oil, steam, and open flames. Manufacturing facilities and chemical plants create explosion and chemical burn hazards. Employers who fail to provide proper safety equipment, training, or protective measures may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Defective products cause thousands of burn injuries annually. Faulty appliances, malfunctioning electronics, defective heating systems, and exploding batteries can cause severe burns. Product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may bear liability when design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings lead to burn injuries.
Building fires often result from landlord negligence. Property owners who fail to maintain smoke detectors, ignore electrical hazards, or violate building codes create dangerous conditions. Inadequate fire safety measures, blocked exits, and delayed emergency response can turn minor fires into catastrophic events.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause burn injuries when vehicles catch fire after crashes. Truck accidents involving hazardous materials present particular risks. Fuel tank ruptures, electrical system failures, and cargo fires can trap occupants and cause severe burns.
Electrical accidents occur when workers contact power lines, work with faulty wiring, or suffer electrocution from defective equipment. Utility companies and property owners who fail to maintain electrical systems safely may face liability.
Chemical exposure in industrial settings, laboratories, and even residential properties can cause devastating burns. Improper storage, inadequate warnings, and safety violations contribute to chemical burn injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes standards for chemical hazard communication and worker protection.
Scalding incidents from hot water heater malfunctions, defective plumbing, and restaurant accidents cause severe burns. These particularly affect children and elderly individuals. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, scalding from tap water sends thousands of people to emergency rooms each year.
Explosions from gas leaks, industrial accidents, and propane tank failures can cause catastrophic burn injuries to multiple victims. These incidents often involve multiple liable parties and complex investigations.
Many burn injuries result from someone else’s negligence or recklessness. When property owners, employers, manufacturers, or other parties fail to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the devastating consequences.
Determining liability in burn injury cases requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge. Multiple parties may bear responsibility:
Property owners and landlords owe a duty to maintain safe premises. They face premises liability for burn injuries resulting from building code violations, inadequate fire safety equipment, faulty smoke detectors, defective heating systems, and electrical hazards. Brooklyn landlords must comply with New York City fire codes. They must maintain functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, they must keep electrical systems meeting safety standards and address known hazards promptly. When landlords neglect these responsibilities and fires result, they can be held liable for resulting burn injuries.
Employers must provide safe working environments. Workplace safety violations, OSHA non-compliance, inadequate training, and lack of protective equipment can establish employer liability. While workers’ compensation typically provides the exclusive remedy against employers, third parties who contributed to workplace burn injuries may face separate liability claims.
Product manufacturers can be held liable under product liability law when defective products cause burn injuries. Design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings about product dangers all establish grounds for liability. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in the chain of commerce may all face claims.
Negligent drivers who cause vehicle accidents resulting in fires bear liability for burn injuries to other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Improper cargo securing, vehicle maintenance failures, and reckless driving that leads to fires establish liability.
Contractors and construction companies must maintain safe work sites. Electrical hazards, welding accidents, and unsafe conditions that cause burn injuries can establish contractor liability. General contractors may face liability for subcontractor negligence under certain circumstances.
Utility companies that fail to maintain power lines, gas lines, and other infrastructure safely may be held liable for resulting burn injuries. Power line contact accidents and gas explosions often involve utility company negligence.
New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means burn injury victims can recover compensation even if they share some fault for the accident. The compensation amount reduces by the victim’s percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines total damages equal $100,000 and the victim bears 20% fault, the victim can recover $80,000 (80% of total damages). Even victims who are 99% at fault can recover 1% of their damages.
Insurance companies understand comparative negligence. They often try to shift blame to the victims to reduce payouts. They may claim victims acted carelessly, ignored warnings, or contributed to the accident. An experienced Brooklyn personal injury lawyer protects victims from these tactics. We gather evidence, consult with knowledgeable professionals, and build strong cases that minimize attributed fault and maximize compensation.
Burn injury victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Severe burn cases can result in substantial compensation reflecting the life-changing nature of these injuries. Parker Waichman LLP has recovered over $2 billion for injury victims. We fight to secure maximum compensation for every burn injury client.
New York law establishes strict deadlines for filing burn injury claims. Missing these deadlines typically means losing the right to pursue compensation forever.
Three-year statute of limitations: New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214 gives burn injury victims three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to most burn injury claims against private parties. The clock starts running on the date the injury occurred, not when you discovered the full extent of your injuries.
Shorter deadlines for government claims: Claims against New York City and other municipal entities require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury under General Municipal Law § 50-e. Claims against New York State follow different procedures under the Court of Claims Act. This extremely short timeframe demands immediate action. After filing the Notice of Claim, victims must file a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. These shortened deadlines apply when government entities, employees, or property contributed to burn injuries.
Wrongful death cases: If burn injuries prove fatal, family members have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law § 5-4.1. This deadline is separate from and may differ from the personal injury statute of limitations.
Product liability claims: Burn injuries caused by defective products must be filed within three years of the injury or discovery of the defect. In some cases, the discovery rule may extend this deadline if the defect was not immediately apparent.
Beyond legal deadlines, prompt action helps preserve critical evidence. Fire scenes change quickly as cleanup and repairs begin. Witnesses’ memories fade over time. Medical records documenting the full extent of injuries must be gathered while treatment is ongoing. Product defects must be preserved and examined by knowledgeable professionals before evidence is lost or destroyed.
Insurance companies know these deadlines. They may use delay tactics, hoping victims miss filing deadlines. They may drag out negotiations, request unnecessary documentation, or make lowball offers. They hope victims will accept inadequate settlements rather than pursue legal action. Early legal representation protects victims’ rights. It also helps with compliance with all legal deadlines while maximizing case value.
Suffering a burn injury can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions. Here are some answers that may guide you through the next steps.
The value of a burn injury case depends on multiple factors unique to each case. The severity of burns significantly impacts compensation. Severe third-degree burns typically result in higher awards than first-degree burns. Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing care, factor heavily into case value. Lost income during recovery and future earning capacity if you cannot return to work, contribute to economic damages.
The degree of negligence matters. Clear liability and egregious conduct may increase compensation, particularly if punitive damages apply in rare cases of willful or reckless behavior. Long-term prognosis affects value. Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability significantly impact compensation. The impact on quality of life, including loss of enjoyment of activities and relationships, factors into non-economic damages. Age of the victim matters because younger victims with longer life expectancies may receive higher awards for future damages.
Every case is unique. An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a realistic assessment of potential compensation. Parker Waichman LLP offers free consultations where we review your case and explain what compensation you may be entitled to recover.
New York law establishes specific time limits for filing burn injury lawsuits. Personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years from the date of injury (CPLR §214). Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death if burn injuries prove fatal.
Claims against a New York City or other municipal entity require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days. After that, a lawsuit must usually be filed within one year and 90 days of the incident. Claims against the State of New York follow different procedures under the Court of Claims Act. Product liability claims typically must be filed within three years from the date of injury, although certain discovery rules can affect when the time limit starts.
Missing these deadlines typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation. This happens regardless of how strong your case may be. Courts strictly enforce these deadlines with few exceptions. Insurance companies know these deadlines. They may delay negotiations, hoping you miss the filing deadline. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a burn injury to protect your rights. This helps with compliance with all legal deadlines.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This allows burn injury victims to recover compensation even if they share some fault for the accident. Under this rule, victims can recover damages regardless of their percentage of fault. Compensation reduces by the victim’s percentage of fault. Even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of damages.
For example, if total damages equal $200,000 and a jury finds you 30% at fault, you can recover $140,000 (70% of total damages). Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim’s fault to reduce their payout. They may claim you acted carelessly, ignored warnings, or contributed to the accident. An experienced attorney gathers evidence to minimize attributed fault and maximize compensation.
Don’t assume you can’t recover compensation because you may have contributed to the accident. Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and how comparative negligence may affect your case.
While not legally required, hiring an experienced burn injury attorney significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation. Burn injury cases involve complexity that most people cannot handle alone. These cases require medical testimony about injury severity and prognosis. They involve a detailed investigation into liability and may implicate multiple parties. Accurately calculating future medical expenses and lost earning capacity requires knowledge and professional testimony.
Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and attorneys whose job is to minimize payouts. They may pressure you into quick, inadequate settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They often dispute liability or injury severity. Victims without legal representation typically receive far less compensation than those with attorneys.
Attorneys understand New York burn injury laws and legal procedures. We know how to value cases accurately, including future damages. We negotiate effectively with insurance companies and can take cases to trial when necessary. Most burn injury attorneys, including Parker Waichman LLP, work on contingency. This means no upfront costs and no fee unless we recover compensation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by consulting with an attorney.
The timeline for resolving a burn injury case varies based on several factors. Simple cases with clear liability may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases with disputed liability typically take 1-3 years. Cases that go to trial may take 2-5 years or longer.
Several factors affect timeline. Medical treatment completion is important. Cases shouldn’t settle until you reach maximum medical improvement and future care needs are clear. Investigation complexity affects timing because determining liability may require extensive investigation, analysis, and discovery. The number of parties involved matters because multiple defendants complicate negotiations. Insurance company cooperation varies. Some insurers negotiate in good faith, while others delay and dispute claims. Court schedules affect timing if a case goes to trial. Court availability and docket congestion impact trial dates.
While quick resolution may seem appealing, settling too early often results in inadequate compensation that doesn’t cover future medical needs. Once you settle and sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation, even if complications arise or medical costs exceed expectations. An experienced attorney balances the desire for resolution with the need to secure maximum compensation that fully addresses your current and future needs.
Workplace burn injuries involve both workers’ compensation and potential third-party liability claims. New York law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Benefits cover medical expenses and partial wage replacement. You can receive benefits regardless of fault. This applies even if you contributed to the accident. Workers’ compensation is typically the exclusive remedy against employers. This means you cannot sue your employer directly for additional damages.
However, you may have additional claims against third parties even while receiving workers’ compensation. Equipment manufacturers may be liable if defective equipment caused the burn. Property owners may face liability if the injury occurred on a third party’s premises. Other contractors may be liable if their negligence caused your injury. Product suppliers may face claims if dangerous chemicals or materials caused the burn.
Third-party claims offer significant advantages. You can recover full compensation for pain and suffering and full lost wages—damages not available through workers’ compensation. In some cases, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may have a lien or right of reimbursement from any third-party recovery, and settlements may require approval. An experienced attorney can identify all potential sources of compensation and coordinate both your workers’ compensation and third-party claims to maximize your recovery.
Yes, landlords can be held liable for burn injuries resulting from building fires if their negligence contributed to the fire or injuries. New York law imposes specific responsibilities on landlords. They must maintain functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. They must keep electrical systems meeting code requirements and maintain heating systems safely. They must provide adequate fire exits and keep them accessible. They must comply with all building and fire codes, address known hazards promptly, and maintain fire suppression systems in applicable buildings.
Grounds for landlord liability include building code violations, defective or missing smoke detectors, and electrical hazards like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. They also include blocked fire escapes or exits, failure to repair known hazards like gas leaks or faulty appliances, and inadequate fire safety measures like missing fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems.
Proving landlord negligence requires evidence of the landlord’s duty to maintain safe premises. You need proof that the landlord breached that duty. You also need documentation that the breach caused the fire or injuries, and evidence of damages suffered. Building fire cases often involve multiple liable parties. These include landlords, contractors, product manufacturers, and utility companies. An experienced attorney investigates all potential sources of liability to maximize compensation. Parker Waichman LLP has the resources and knowledge to thoroughly investigate building fires and hold all responsible parties accountable.
If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries in Brooklyn due to someone else’s negligence, contact Parker Waichman LLP for a free case evaluation. Our firm has over two decades of experience representing burn injury victims and securing substantial compensation for their losses.
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Contact Parker Waichman LLP today at our Brooklyn office: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Call 800-968-7529 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.
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Zarahi was very professional and very Quick and very knowledgeable i realy appreciated her patience and perseverance she Deserves 100 stars 🌟 but since i can only send 5 i Guess i will just have to send that truly yours Rashine Downs
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I’m a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.
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Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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