Severe burn injuries change lives in seconds. Whether from workplace accidents, vehicle fires, defective products, or negligence, burns cause excruciating pain, permanent scarring, and life-altering disabilities. At Dordick Law, our burn injury lawyer in Los Angeles, California understands the devastating physical, emotional, and financial impact of catastrophic burns. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your recovery.
Burn injuries are among the most serious injuries a person can sustain. They require immediate emergency medical care, extensive hospitalization, and often years of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Beyond the medical challenges, burn victims face mounting medical bills, lost income, and profound emotional trauma. If you suffered a severe burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights and options for recovery.
Contact Dordick Law today for a free consultation. We represent burn injury victims on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
How a Burn Injury Lawyer Helps You Navigate Your Case
When you suffer a severe burn injury, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Our burn injury attorneys guide you through every step. We handle the legal details while you focus on recovery and healing.
We begin with a thorough investigation of your burn injury. We visit the accident scene, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain incident reports. We preserve critical evidence before it disappears—photographs, surveillance footage, product documentation, and safety records. This investigative foundation is essential to establishing liability and building a strong claim.
We coordinate with burn specialists and medical experts who evaluate your injuries. Burn surgeons, plastic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and psychologists document the full extent of your injuries. They project your long-term medical needs. Their expert testimony strengthens your claim and supports higher compensation awards.
We determine liability by identifying all negligent parties. This might include employers who failed to maintain safe working conditions, manufacturers of defective products, property owners who failed to prevent fires, or drivers whose negligence caused vehicle fires. We pursue claims against all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We present compelling evidence of liability and damages. We demand fair compensation and negotiate strategically. When insurers refuse reasonable settlement offers, we prepare your case for trial. We know how to present complex medical evidence to juries effectively.
Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with you and your family. We keep you informed about case developments, answer your questions promptly, and involve you in major decisions. We understand that burn injuries create stress and uncertainty. We provide support every step of the way.
Why Burn Injury Cases Require Specialized Legal Representation
Burn injury cases involve extraordinary complexity. Unlike standard personal injury claims, burn cases require calculating lifetime medical costs, reconstructive surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation needs. We work with life care planners who develop detailed assessments of your future medical requirements and associated costs.
Expert testimony from burn specialists is critical. We retain experienced burn surgeons and rehabilitation experts. They explain your injuries to juries and support damage calculations. We understand burn centers, rehabilitation facilities, and the specialized care burn victims require. This knowledge allows us to pursue comprehensive compensation that covers all your needs.
Understanding Burn Injury Classifications and Severity
Burn injuries are classified by degree, reflecting the depth and severity of tissue damage. Understanding these classifications helps explain why your injuries warrant significant compensation.
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These burns cause redness, pain, and minor swelling but typically heal without scarring. First-degree burns are generally not considered catastrophic injuries.
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting the dermis layer. These burns cause blistering, severe pain, and swelling. Second-degree burns often require medical treatment and may result in scarring. Healing typically takes several weeks to months.
Third-degree burns destroy the entire thickness of the skin, reaching underlying tissue. These full-thickness burns appear charred or white and may not cause pain initially because nerve endings are destroyed. Third-degree burns always require medical treatment, often including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Scarring and contractures (tightening of skin) are common complications.
Fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin into muscle, bone, and other underlying structures. These catastrophic burns cause severe disability and often require amputation. Fourth-degree burns represent the most serious burn injuries and warrant substantial compensation.
Beyond degree classification, burn severity depends on the percentage of body surface area affected. The Rule of Nines divides the body into sections representing 9% or multiples thereof. Partial-thickness burns affecting 10% or more of body surface area typically require hospitalization at a burn center. Full-thickness burns of any size, or burns affecting the face, hands, feet, or major joints, require specialized burn center care regardless of size.
Types of burns include thermal burns from fire and hot liquids, chemical burns from caustic substances, electrical burns from contact with electrical current, and radiation burns from sun exposure or radiation therapy. Each type requires different treatment approaches and may involve different liable parties.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Los Angeles
Burn injuries in Los Angeles arise from various negligent or reckless actions. Identifying the cause is essential to establishing liability and pursuing claims against responsible parties.
Workplace accidents cause many severe burns. Construction workers suffer burns from welding equipment, open flames, and hot materials. Manufacturing and industrial workers face burns from machinery, chemical exposure, and steam. Restaurant workers sustain burns from hot oil, grease, and cooking equipment. When employers fail to provide proper safety equipment, training, or working conditions, they bear responsibility for resulting burn injuries. Workplace burn injuries can result in serious liability claims and workers’ compensation benefits.
Vehicle fires and traffic accidents cause catastrophic burns. High-speed collisions can rupture fuel tanks and ignite fires. Defective vehicles with fuel system problems may catch fire even in minor accidents. Negligent drivers who cause accidents that result in fires bear liability for burn injuries sustained by other drivers and passengers. Car accident victims may recover damages for burn injuries.
Defective products cause many burn injuries. Water heaters with faulty thermostats can cause scalding burns. Lithium-ion batteries in electronics can overheat and ignite, causing severe burns. Appliances with defective wiring or heating elements cause fires and burns. Manufacturers bear strict liability for defective products that cause injury, regardless of negligence. Product liability claims protect burn victims.
Premises liability incidents account for significant burn injuries. Property owners who fail to maintain fire safety systems, allow flammable materials to accumulate, or fail to warn of fire hazards bear responsibility for resulting burns. Inadequate security that allows arson also creates liability. Premises liability claims protect burn victims from negligent property owners.
Explosions and chemical exposure cause catastrophic burns. Industrial accidents involving chemical reactions, gas leaks, or improper handling of hazardous materials result in severe burns. Employers and companies handling dangerous materials must maintain strict safety protocols.
Wildfire-related burns affect Southern California residents. While wildfires are natural disasters, property owners and utility companies may bear liability if their negligence contributed to fire spread or if they failed to maintain defensible space or clear vegetation.
Establishing Liability in Burn Injury Cases
California law holds negligent parties responsible for injuries they cause. To establish liability, we must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury.
For workplace burns, employers have a duty to maintain safe working conditions and provide proper safety equipment. Breaches include failing to provide fire extinguishers, inadequate training, or allowing hazardous conditions.
For product liability burns, manufacturers face strict liability. We need not prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused your injury. Defects include design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to warn of dangers.
For premises liability burns, property owners must maintain reasonably safe premises. They breach this duty by allowing fire hazards, failing to maintain fire safety systems, or failing to warn of known dangers.
For vehicle fire burns, negligent drivers bear liability if their actions caused accidents resulting in fires. Manufacturers bear liability if vehicle defects caused fires.
Medical Treatment and Long-Term Care for Burn Injuries
The medical journey following a severe burn injury is long and complex. Understanding the treatment process helps explain why burn injury cases warrant substantial compensation.
Emergency treatment begins immediately. Paramedics provide first aid, cool the burn, and transport you to a hospital. Emergency room physicians assess burn severity, manage pain, and begin fluid replacement therapy. Severe burns cause significant fluid loss. Proper fluid management is critical to survival.
Burn center care provides specialized treatment. Specialized burn centers have expertise in managing severe burns. Burn surgeons perform debridement (removal of dead tissue), apply topical medications, and manage infection risk. Infection is a major complication of severe burns and can be life-threatening.
Skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries are often necessary. Autografts (skin from your own body) are preferred but may not be available in sufficient quantity for extensive burns. Temporary grafts or synthetic skin substitutes may be used initially. Multiple surgeries are often required over months or years.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation help restore function. Burn victims work with physical therapists to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Contractures (tightening of healed skin) can severely limit movement, requiring aggressive therapy and sometimes additional surgery.
Psychological counseling addresses trauma and emotional impact. Severe burns cause profound psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and body image issues. Professional mental health treatment is essential to recovery.
Lifetime medical management continues long after initial healing. Burn victims require ongoing wound care, scar management, and monitoring for complications. First-year medical costs for severe burns range from $100,000 to $400,000 or more. Lifetime care costs can exceed $1 million to $5 million, depending on burn severity.
Damages and Compensation for Burn Injury Victims
California law allows burn injury victims to recover comprehensive damages reflecting the full impact of their injuries.
Medical expenses form the foundation of your claim. This includes emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing care. We calculate both past medical expenses and projected future costs based on expert testimony about your lifetime medical needs.
Lost wages and lost earning capacity compensate you for income you cannot earn. If your burn injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation, we calculate the difference between your pre-injury earning capacity and your post-injury earning potential over your remaining work life.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical agony and emotional distress you endure. Severe burns cause excruciating pain during treatment and recovery. Scarring and disfigurement cause ongoing emotional suffering.
Permanent disfigurement and scarring damages account for visible changes to your appearance. Burn scars can be extensive and permanent, affecting your self-image and social interactions. We pursue compensation for the psychological impact of disfigurement.
Loss of enjoyment of life damages recognize that burn injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you previously enjoyed. If burns limit your mobility or cause chronic pain, you lose the ability to participate in hobbies, sports, and social activities.
Psychological trauma and PTSD treatment damages cover mental health care. Severe burns cause lasting psychological effects requiring professional treatment.
Home modifications and assistive devices may be necessary. If burns cause permanent disability, you may need wheelchair accessibility modifications, specialized equipment, or home care assistance.
Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or intentional conduct. These damages punish defendants and deter similar conduct by others.
How We Calculate Your Total Damages
We work with life care planners who develop detailed assessments of your future medical needs and associated costs. These experts project your lifetime medical expenses based on your age, burn severity, and medical prognosis.
Expert testimony from vocational rehabilitation specialists addresses your earning capacity. These experts evaluate your pre-injury work history, education, and abilities. They assess how your burn injuries affect your ability to work.
We analyze quality-of-life impact by examining how your injuries affect daily activities, relationships, and psychological well-being. This analysis supports pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life damages.
We present all damages comprehensively to insurance companies and juries. We ensure no recoverable loss goes uncompensated.
Dordick Law Represents Burn Injury Victims Throughout Los Angeles
Dordick Law handles catastrophic burn injury cases throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Our attorneys understand the medical complexities of burn injuries and know how to pursue maximum compensation.
We work with burn specialists and medical experts who evaluate your injuries and provide testimony supporting your claim. We maintain relationships with burn surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and psychologists who understand the long-term impact of severe burns.
We represent burn injury victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, no hourly charges, and no costs unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that financial constraints do not prevent you from accessing quality legal representation.
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. During this consultation, we listen to your story, review your medical records, and provide an honest assessment of your claim’s value and likelihood of success.
We have recovered compensation for burn injury victims. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for our clients. View our recent settlements and verdicts to see how we’ve helped burn injury victims.
We provide compassionate client service. We understand the physical and emotional toll of severe burns. We treat each client with respect and dignity, keeping you informed and involved throughout your case.
We are available 24/7 to discuss your burn injury case. We understand that burn injuries create urgent needs. We respond promptly to client inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Claims
What is the statute of limitations for filing a burn injury claim in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have two years from the date of your burn injury to file a lawsuit. If your burn injury resulted from medical malpractice, California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5 applies a one-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered the injury or should have discovered it, or within three years from the date of injury, whichever occurs first.
If your burn injury occurred on government property or involved a government entity, you must file a notice of claim within six months of the injury. This notice requirement is separate from the statute of limitations and must be followed to preserve your rights.
Acting quickly is essential. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and documents may be lost. We recommend contacting a burn injury attorney immediately after your injury to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
How much is my burn injury case worth?
The value of your burn injury case depends on multiple factors including the severity of your burns, your age, your occupation, the percentage of body surface area affected, and the extent of scarring and disfigurement.
First-degree burns typically result in lower settlements because they usually heal without permanent scarring. Second-degree burns may result in moderate settlements depending on scarring and functional limitations.
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns warrant substantial damages. These full-thickness burns cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and often permanent disability. Severe burns affecting 40% or more of body surface area typically result in multi-million dollar claims.
Lifetime care needs significantly increase case value. If your burns require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or home care for the rest of your life, damages increase substantially.
We evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a realistic assessment of your case’s value during your free consultation.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the burn injury?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence doctrine, which allows recovery even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault and the total damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000. Even if you were 50% or more at fault, you may still recover under California’s pure comparative negligence rule.
We evaluate your potential liability and advise you on how it affects your case. Even partial fault does not bar recovery in California.
What types of burn injuries qualify for legal action?
Workplace burns qualify for legal action when employers fail to maintain safe working conditions, provide proper safety equipment, or adequately train employees. You may pursue a workers’ compensation claim and potentially a third-party liability claim against other responsible parties.
Product liability burns result from defective products. Manufacturers bear strict liability for defective products that cause injury, regardless of negligence.
Premises liability burns occur when property owners fail to maintain safe premises or allow fire hazards. Property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions.
Vehicle fire burns result from negligent drivers who cause accidents resulting in fires, or from manufacturers of vehicles with defective fuel systems or safety features.
Medical malpractice burns result from healthcare provider negligence during treatment. This might include burns from surgical equipment, radiation therapy, or chemical treatments.
How long does a burn injury case typically take?
Simple burn injury cases with clear liability may settle within 6-12 months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, significant medical issues, or disputed liability typically take 1-3 years to resolve.
Cases proceeding to trial may take 2-4 years or longer. The timeline depends on case complexity, the clarity of liability, the availability of medical experts, and court schedules.
We work efficiently to resolve your case while ensuring we pursue maximum compensation. We keep you informed about case progress and discuss settlement options as they arise.
What should I do immediately after a severe burn injury?
Seek emergency medical treatment immediately, even if you think the burn is minor. Some serious injuries develop symptoms over hours or days. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Document the incident with photographs or video if it is safe to do so. Photograph the burn, the accident scene, and any hazardous conditions that caused the burn.
Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimony may be important to establishing liability.
Report the incident to appropriate authorities. If it were a workplace accident, report it to your employer and OSHA. If it occurred on someone else’s property, report it to the property owner. If it involved a vehicle, contact police.
Preserve evidence at the scene. Do not clean up or remove items that might be evidence. Photographs and physical evidence are critical to your case.
Contact a burn injury attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or obtain statements that harm your case. An attorney protects your rights during these interactions.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most burn injury cases settle without going to trial. Approximately 85-90% of personal injury cases resolve through settlement. Settlement negotiations typically occur after your medical condition stabilizes and we have a clear understanding of your injuries and prognosis.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. We conduct discovery, retain expert witnesses, prepare you and other witnesses for testimony, and develop trial strategy.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court if necessary. However, we also negotiate strategically to achieve fair settlements without unnecessary delay.
You maintain control over settlement decisions. We advise you on settlement offers and recommend acceptance or rejection based on our assessment of your case’s value and trial prospects. The final decision is yours.
Contact Dordick Law Today for Your Free Consultation
If you suffered a severe burn injury in Los Angeles, you have legal rights and options for recovery. Dordick Law represents burn injury victims and fights to hold negligent parties accountable. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Our burn injury attorneys understand the devastating impact of severe burns. We bring experience, resources, and determination to pursue maximum compensation for your recovery. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Dordick Law today. Call (310) 551-0949 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your burn injury case and begin fighting for your recovery.
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