Burn Injury Lawyers in Lancaster, PA
Legal help when you’re injured by fire or explosion in South Central Pennsylvania
Suffering a burn injury can be one of the most painful and traumatic experiences an individual can endure. Beyond the physical agony, these injuries often result in significant emotional distress and financial burdens. At KBG Injury Law, we understand the devastating impact burn injuries can have on victims and their families. Our experienced team of Lancaster burn injury lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive advocacy for those who have suffered burn injuries due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. With our knowledge in this complicated area of law, we strive to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, helping you rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.
How can we help?
- What are the different types of burn injuries?
- What are the degrees of burn injuries?
- What are the complications of fire and burn injuries?
- Where are burn injury centers in Pennsylvania?
- What should I do after a burn injury to protect my case?
- Do you have a Lancaster, PA burn injury attorney near me?
What are the different types of burn injuries?
Burn injuries can vary in severity and type, each requiring specific treatment approaches. Here are the different types of burn injuries:
- Thermal burns: These are the most common type of burn and occur due to contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or other hot objects.
- Chemical burns: Caused by contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, solvents, or household cleaners. These burns can continue to damage tissue until the chemical is neutralized and removed.
- Electrical burns: Result from contact with an electrical current. The severity of electrical burns depends on factors such as voltage, current, duration of contact, and the pathway the current takes through the body.
- Radiation burns: Exposure to sources of radiation, such as the sun, tanning beds, X-rays, or radioactive materials, can cause radiation burns. These burns vary in severity depending on the type and duration of exposure.
- Friction burns: Also known as abrasions, these occur when the skin is rubbed against a rough surface, causing damage to the outer layers of skin.
- Cold burns (frostbite): Extreme cold temperatures can cause frostbite, which results in damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Frostbite can occur when the skin is exposed to cold air or objects for an extended period.
Each type of burn injury requires prompt and appropriate medical care to prevent complications and promote healing. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else's negligence, it's essential to seek advice from an experienced Lancaster personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for compensation.
What are the degrees of burn injuries?
Burn injuries are classified into different degrees based on their severity and the extent of damage to the skin and underlying tissues. The degrees of burn injuries are:
- First-degree burns: These are the mildest type of burn and only affect the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Symptoms include redness, pain, and minor swelling. First-degree burns typically heal within a few days and rarely cause scarring.
- Second-degree burns: These burns affect both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the layer beneath it (dermis). They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. Second-degree burns may require medical attention to prevent infection and promote healing. They can take several weeks to heal and may result in scarring.
- Third-degree burns: Also known as full-thickness burns, these burns extend through the entire thickness of the skin and may also damage underlying tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or bones. Third-degree burns often result in white or blackened, charred skin and may cause numbness due to nerve damage. These burns typically require immediate medical attention and often necessitate skin grafting to promote healing.
- Fourth-degree burns: These are the most severe type of burn injury, extending beyond the skin to damage underlying muscle, bone, and other tissues. Fourth-degree burns often result from prolonged exposure to extreme heat or flames and require emergency medical treatment. These burns can be life-threatening and may require extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
It's important to seek medical attention for any burn injury, as even minor burns can lead to complications if not properly treated. Prompt and appropriate care can help minimize pain, reduce the risk of infection, and promote better healing.
What are the complications of fire and burn injuries?
Fire and burn injuries can lead to various complications, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Some common complications include:
- Infection: Burned skin is more susceptible to bacterial infections due to the loss of the protective barrier. Infections can delay healing, increase pain, and lead to systemic infections if left untreated.
- Fluid loss: Severe burns can damage blood vessels and cause fluid loss, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can result in complications such as shock and organ failure.
- Scarring and disfigurement: As burns heal, they often result in scarring, which can be disfiguring and affect mobility, especially if the burn occurs over a joint or a large area of the body. Scar tissue may also cause contractures, where the skin tightens and restricts movement.
- Nerve damage: Burns can damage nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the affected area. Nerve damage can also affect motor function and lead to long-term disability.
- Respiratory issues: Inhalation of smoke or hot gases during a fire can damage the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory distress, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Psychological effects: Burn injuries can cause psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and adjustment disorders. These psychological effects can significantly affect your quality of life and recovery.
- Contractures and joint stiffness: Scar tissue from burns can cause the skin to tighten and pull, leading to contractures and stiffness in the joints. This can result in decreased range of motion and functional impairment.
- Long-term health issues: Survivors of severe burns may experience long-term health issues such as chronic pain, respiratory problems, reduced mobility, and increased susceptibility to infections.
These complications highlight the importance of prompt and comprehensive medical care for individuals who have suffered fire and burn injuries. Early intervention can help prevent or minimize complications and improve your overall outcome and quality of life.
Where are burn injury centers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has several burn and fire injury centers, including:
- UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center: 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh
- Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center: 1 Medical Center Blvd, Chester
- West Penn Burn Center: 4800 Friendship Ave, Pittsburgh
- Lehigh Valley Health Network Regional Burn Center: Allentown
- Jefferson Burn Center: 1100 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
- Temple Burn Center: 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia
- Christopher’s Hospital for Children: Erie Avenue at Front Street, Philadelphia
The American Burn Association (ADA) reports 398,000 burn injuries receiving medical treatment each year. They also note, “Of the total 3,800 fire/smoke inhalation deaths, 3,010 are due to structure fire, and 680 are due to motor vehicle fire. This equates to one fire related death every 2 hours and 17 minutes.”
The Lancaster burn injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law can help, no matter how or where your accident occurred. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What should I do after a burn injury to protect my case?
After sustaining a burn injury, you can take a variety of steps to protect your case if you plan to seek compensation for your damages. Here's what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are the top priorities. Seek medical care for your burn injury immediately, even if it seems minor. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures proper care for your injury but also creates a documented record of your condition, which can be essential for your case.
- Document the incident: If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos or videos of the cause of the burn injury, such as a defective product, hazardous condition, or unsafe environment. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident occur.
- Report the incident: Report the burn injury to the appropriate authorities or property owners. If the injury occurred at work, report it to your employer and file a workers' compensation claim. If it happened in a public place or due to someone else's negligence, report it to the property owner or manager.
- Preserve evidence: Preserve any evidence related to your burn injury, such as clothing worn at the time of the incident, medical records, receipts for medical expenses, and documentation of any time missed from work due to the injury.
- Avoid making statements: Be cautious about what you say to insurance companies or representatives of the party responsible for your burn injury. Refrain from providing recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting with your personal injury attorney first.
- Consult with a Lancaster burn injury attorney: An experienced attorney can assess the circumstances of your injury, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action to protect your case and pursue compensation for your damages.
- Follow medical advice: Attend all medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan to the letter. Compliance with medical treatment demonstrates that you are taking steps to recover from your injuries and can strengthen your case for compensation.
Taking these steps can help you protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your burn injury and related losses.
Do you have a Lancaster, PA burn injury attorney near me?
Our Lancaster office is located at 1776 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. We’re near Highway 30 and offer on-site parking. We can also meet clients away from the office if you are too injured to come to see us.
Lancaster burn injury attorneys on your side
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Lancaster, don't wait to seek the legal support you deserve. At KBG Injury Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that burn injuries can take on individuals and their families. To schedule your free consultation, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form to be put in touch with an experienced attorney. We maintain additional offices in York, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Hanover, and serve clients throughout South Central Pennsylvania.
Meet Our Experts
Brian P. Strong
Brian P. Strong is a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer at KBG since 2002, and has successfully achieved large verdicts for his clients. A member of multiple bar associations, he also actively supports community organizations. He started his career as a judicial clerk, then as a prosecutor, before focusing on civil litigation. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid supporter of Susquehanna Service Dogs and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Craig Milsten
Craig Milsten, an AV-Preeminent rated trial attorney, is known for his numerous courtroom victories and specializes in personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. With degrees from The American University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he has held leadership positions in the York County Bar Association. Prior to his law career, he was a sportswriter for the Washington Post. Craig is also an active community volunteer, raising significant funds for health initiatives.
Edward Kennett
Ted Kennett has spent over 30 years advocating for individuals harmed by negligence, specializing in various types of accident and negligence cases. A Temple Law School graduate, he has extensive experience, ranging from the District Attorney's office to litigation before the Supreme Court. With numerous accolades, including membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and an "AV-Preeminent" rating, Ted is currently Chair of the Lancaster Bar Association Professionalism/Ethics Section.
Evan Kline
Evan Kline, with nearly 30 years of experience, has represented hundreds of clients in complex injury claims, securing large verdicts. He is "AV-Preeminent" rated and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Nationally recognized for his use of technology in law, he speaks at numerous conferences. A believer in prioritizing clients over cases, Evan joined KBG Injury Law in 2001, having previously worked with a large Harrisburg firm and insurance companies.
Timothy Salvatore
Tim Salvatore, with nearly 30 years of legal experience, specializes in complex injury claims, often representing motorcyclists. Previously representing insurance companies, he found fulfillment in advocacy for injured individuals and joined KBG over two decades ago. A Widener University School of Law graduate, he serves in multiple local associations and has an "AV-Preeminent" rating, as well as membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Wesley A. Addington
Wesley A. Addington, a Lancaster County native and Widener Law School graduate, focuses on representing injured individuals at KBG's personal injury and wrongful death team. Prior to KBG, he gained experience in general practice law offices, the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, and a personal injury office in Lehigh Valley. He believes in informing clients about their rights and providing plain language advice. Wes is a member of the York County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Brad K. Muller
Brad K. Muller, a York County native and University of Baltimore School of Law graduate, began his legal career as a Judicial Clerk and then as a prosecutor in the York County District Attorney’s Office. Currently, at KBG Injury Law, he uses his expertise to assist clients achieve justice. Brad holds various roles within the York County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. His personal interests include cooking, board games, and traveling.