New York City Burn Injury Lawyer

When you or a loved one suffers a burn injury in New York City, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Burn injuries often result in extensive medical treatment, permanent scarring, and long-term rehabilitation needs. At Parker Waichman LLP, our experienced burn injury lawyers in New York City understand the devastating impact these injuries have on victims and their families. With over $2 billion recovered for clients nationwide, our personal injury legal team has the knowledge and resources to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our New York City personal injury lawyers have successfully represented countless victims of apartment fires, workplace accidents, construction site incidents, and other burn-related injuries throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your burn injury claim. Give us a call: 800-968-7529 or schedule an appointment online

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Burn Injury Case

At Parker Waichman LLP, we have built a reputation as one of New York’s leading personal injury law firms. Our success in burn injury cases stems from our comprehensive approach, extensive resources, and unwavering commitment to our clients.

• Proven track record of success: With over $2 billion recovered for clients nationwide, our attorneys have the experience and skill necessary to handle complex burn injury cases. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for burn injury victims, including an $11 million catastrophic injury settlement and an $8 million general negligence verdict.
• Experienced NYC burn injury attorneys: Our legal team includes partners and senior attorneys with decades of experience handling burn injury cases in New York City. Founding partner Jerrold S. Parker, along with partners Raymond C. Silverman, Brett A. Zekowski, and Melanie H. Muhlstock, brings extensive knowledge of New York City personal injury law to every case.
• Outstanding client satisfaction: We maintain high client satisfaction ratings, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation and client service.
• No fees unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case. This allows burn injury victims to access quality legal representation without upfront costs.
• We maintain offices throughout New York City, including:
  • Manhattan (NYC): 59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10038
  • Brooklyn: 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Queens: 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375
• 24/7 availability: We provide 24/7 consultation availability via 800-968-7529 for free consultations at any time.
• Comprehensive resources: As a large, well-established firm, we have the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate burn injury cases, work with medical experts, and take cases to trial when necessary.

Understanding Burn Injuries in New York City

New York City’s dense urban environment creates unique risks for burn injuries. From aging apartment buildings with outdated electrical systems to busy construction sites and industrial workplaces, NYC residents face numerous burn hazards daily. In 2023, NYC experienced over 5.8 deaths and 14.6 injuries per 1,000 residential fires on average. Additionally, fire scene injuries show decreases in injuries, with a 12.3 percent decrease in 2023, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Burn injuries are among the most painful, catastrophic, and traumatic injuries a person can experience. Unlike other types of injuries that may heal completely, severe burns often leave permanent physical and emotional scars. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 29,000 people receive and admit themselves to hospitals for medical treatment for burn injuries annually in the United States. Furthermore, victims frequently require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and years of rehabilitation. The psychological impact can be equally devastating, with many burn survivors experiencing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

When burn injuries result from someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Our NYC burn injury attorneys have extensive experience handling complex burn injury cases and understand the unique challenges these cases present. We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and other professionals to build strong cases for our clients.

Types of Burn Injuries We Handle

Burn injuries are classified by their severity and depth of tissue damage. Understanding these classifications is important for determining the appropriate medical treatment and potential compensation in a legal claim.

Degrees of Burn Injuries

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and typically heal within a few days to a week. While painful, these burns rarely result in permanent damage or scarring. Examples include mild sunburns or brief contact with hot surfaces.
• Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting both the epidermis and dermis. These burns are classified into two subtypes: superficial partial-thickness burns (healing in 10-14 days) and deep partial-thickness burns (healing in 3-6 weeks). Additionally, these burns often cause blistering, severe pain, and may result in scarring. Medical treatment is usually necessary to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
• Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and appear white, charred, or leathery. These burns may cause little initial pain due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention and typically result in permanent scarring and disability.
• Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, extending through all skin layers into muscle, tendons, and bone. These catastrophic injuries may require amputation and extensive reconstructive surgery. Victims of fourth-degree burns face lifelong challenges and require ongoing medical care.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in NYC

New York City’s unique urban environment presents numerous burn injury risks. Our attorneys have handled cases involving various types of burn accidents throughout the five boroughs.

• Apartment fires and building accidents are unfortunately common in NYC, particularly in older buildings with outdated electrical systems or inadequate fire safety measures. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain safe premises, including proper smoke detectors, fire escapes, and electrical systems. When property owners fail to meet these obligations, they can be held liable for resulting burn injuries under premises liability laws.
• Workplace burn injuries occur frequently in NYC’s diverse industrial environment. Construction workers, restaurant employees, factory workers, and maintenance personnel face daily exposure to burn hazards. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers are required to provide proper safety equipment and training to prevent workplace burn accidents. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also provides comprehensive workplace burn prevention guidelines. When employers fail to provide adequate safety measures in their workplaces, injured workers may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
• Construction site accidents are a leading cause of severe burn injuries in NYC. With constant construction and renovation projects throughout the city, workers face risks from electrical hazards, hot materials, chemical exposure, and equipment malfunctions. Construction companies and property owners have strict safety obligations under New York law, including compliance with Labor Laws 240, 241, and 200, which create absolute liability for construction site safety.
• Electrical burns can occur in various settings, from faulty wiring in apartments to power line accidents. These burns often cause internal damage that may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation important. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides comprehensive electrical safety standards to prevent such injuries.
• Chemical burns result from exposure to acids, bases, or other corrosive substances. These injuries are common in industrial settings but can also occur in residential environments due to improperly stored cleaning products or other chemicals.
• Scalding injuries from hot liquids or steam are particularly common in restaurant and food service environments. These burns can be severe and may require extensive treatment.

New York Burn Injury Laws and Your Rights

New York state law provides important protections for burn injury victims. Understanding your legal rights is important for pursuing fair compensation after a burn accident.

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your burn injuries. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible, as evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories can fade over time.

New York follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still pursue a claim as long as you were less than 100% responsible for the accident.

Other Laws Relevant

Premises liability laws in New York hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. If your burn injury occurred due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, such as faulty wiring or inadequate fire safety measures, the property owner may be liable for premises liability damages.

Product liability claims may apply if your burn injury was caused by a defective product, such as a malfunctioning appliance, faulty electrical equipment, or a dangerous chemical product. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all be held liable for injuries caused by defective products.

For workplace burn injuries, workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, but it typically doesn’t cover all damages. In many cases, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit against parties other than your employer who contributed to your injury. Workers have 30 days to report workplace injuries to their employer and 2 years to file a workers’ compensation claim, while maintaining a 3-year statute of limitations for third-party personal injury claims.

Compensation Available for Burn Injury Victims

Burn injury victims in New York City may be entitled to substantial compensation for their damages. The amount of compensation depends on various factors, including the severity of the burns, the extent of medical treatment required, and the impact on the victim’s life and ability to work.

• Medical expenses are often the largest component of a burn injury claim. This includes emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, skin grafts, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost wages and earning capacity compensation cover income lost due to time away from work during recovery. For severe burn injuries that result in permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may also recover compensation for reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for the physical pain and emotional trauma associated with burn injuries. Burn injuries are among the most painful injuries a person can experience, and the recovery process is often lengthy and difficult.
• Disfigurement and scarring compensation addresses the permanent physical changes that often result from severe burn injuries. This includes compensation for the psychological impact of visible scarring and the effect on the victim’s quality of life.
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling needed to help burn victims recover and adapt to their injuries.
• Home modification expenses may be necessary for victims with severe burn injuries who require wheelchair accessibility or other accommodations in their homes.

Our NYC Burn Injury Legal Process

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP to represent you in your burn injury case, you can expect a thorough, professional approach designed to maximize your recovery.

• Free initial consultation: We begin with a comprehensive consultation to discuss your case, evaluate your claim, and explain your legal options. This consultation is completely free, and you’re under no obligation to hire us.
• Thorough case investigation: Our attorneys conduct a detailed investigation of your burn injury accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. We also obtain all relevant medical records and documentation related to your injuries.
• Medical expert collaboration: Burn injury cases often require testimony from medical experts who can explain the extent of your injuries, the treatment required, and the long-term prognosis. We work with respected medical professionals to build strong cases for our clients.
• Insurance company negotiations: Our attorneys handle all communications with insurance adjusters and companies and work aggressively to negotiate fair settlements. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter their strategies.
• Trial preparation and litigation: While many burn injury cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and makes us ready to present your case to a jury if necessary.
• Settlement and recovery: Once we reach a favorable settlement or obtain a jury verdict, we handle all aspects of the recovery process, making sure you receive your compensation promptly and efficiently.

Additional Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Burn Injury
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Facial injuries
• Birth injuries
• Severe scarring
• Electrocutions
• Internal organ damage

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Claims

Contact a NYC Burn Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in New York City, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free consultation with an experienced burn injury attorney in New York City. Call us 24/7 at 800-968-7529 or visit one of our convenient New York City office locations. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless our firm wins your case. With our skills and experience, we can give you the compensation you deserve.