Pennsylvania Burn Injury Attorneys

Harrisburg Burn Injury Lawyers in Carlisle, Hanover, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York, PA

Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury in the United States. According to the American Burn Association, about 398,000 people received medical treatment for burns in the U.S. in 2021. Structure fires and vehicle fires claimed 3,800 lives that same year. The path toward recovery after a serious burn or fire can be exceptionally challenging, but Handler, Henning & Rosenberg is here to help. We believe that the parties responsible for burn injuries should be held accountable.

If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries due to another’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Contact our Pennsylvania burn injury attorneys today!

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Pennsylvania

Burn injuries occur when the skin comes into contact with extreme heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, leading to damage that can range from mild to life-threatening. Understanding the common causes of burn injuries is crucial for prevention and determining legal accountability.

In Pennsylvania, burn injuries are often caused by:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Chemical plant explosions
• Manufacturing accidents
• Construction accidents
• Refinery accidents
• Electrical accidents
• Fires caused by defective products
• Chemical spills
• Trucking accidents

Our family-owned law firm has represented burn injury plaintiffs across Pennsylvania since 1922. We have offices in Carlisle, Harrisburg, York, Schuylkill County, Lancaster, and Hanover to better serve our clients. No matter the circumstances surrounding your case or the cause of your injuries, we are confident in our ability to help.

Burn Injuries & Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles, are significant causes of burn injuries. These injuries often occur when collisions result in fires or explosions. In car accidents, the fuel tank can rupture upon impact, causing gasoline to ignite and engulf the vehicle in flames. This scenario can lead to severe thermal burns for those trapped inside or trying to escape the burning vehicle.

Truck accidents, particularly those involving tanker trucks carrying flammable substances, pose an even greater risk. The sheer volume of fuel or hazardous materials in these trucks can cause massive explosions and fires when an accident occurs. The resulting inferno can spread quickly, affecting not only the truck driver but also nearby vehicles and pedestrians, leading to widespread burn injuries.

Work-Related Burn Injuries in Pennsylvania

Work-related burn injuries are a significant concern in the Commonwealth, particularly for industries such as manufacturing, construction, and food service. Employees in these sectors frequently encounter hazards that can lead to serious burns, including exposure to high temperatures, flammable materials, and dangerous chemicals. Such injuries can result in severe physical pain, long-term disability, and substantial medical expenses, making workplace safety and preventive measures crucial.

In manufacturing and industrial settings, workers may suffer burns from hot machinery, molten metal, or chemical spills. These environments often involve the use of heavy equipment and hazardous substances, increasing the risk of thermal and chemical burns. Proper safety protocols, regular equipment maintenance, and comprehensive training programs are essential to minimize these risks and protect workers.

Construction workers in Pennsylvania are also at high risk for burn injuries due to their frequent exposure to electrical hazards, open flames, and hot surfaces. Electrical burns can occur from faulty wiring or contact with live electrical components, while thermal burns might result from welding, cutting, or other activities involving high heat. Ensuring that construction sites adhere to safety regulations and that workers use appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the incidence of these injuries.

In the food service industry, burns are commonly caused by hot liquids, grease, and stovetops. Restaurant workers, including chefs and kitchen staff, must navigate tight spaces with hot surfaces and boiling liquids, leading to a higher likelihood of scalds and thermal burns. Implementing safety practices such as proper handling techniques and maintaining a clean, organized workspace can help mitigate these dangers.

Workers who suffer burn injuries on the job may be entitled to compensation through workers' comp or third-party personal injury claims. Our PA burn injury attorneys handle both.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

There are a variety of burn injuries that an individual can experience. Chemical burns occur when living tissue is exposed to a destructive chemical or its fumes. Electrical burns occur during inadvertent contact with electricity. Flash burns are caused by a sudden burst of thermal energy, as from an explosion. Thermal burns result from contact with a heated object, such as flames, steam, metal, or hot liquid.

The Four Levels of Burn Injuries

The different levels of burn injury severity depend on the amount of exposure to the source of damage. It is vital to identify which of the burn injury levels a victim has experienced to receive the proper treatment.

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn requires a small amount of treatment because it causes the least amount of damage to the skin. This burn, also known as a superficial burn, usually causes minor swelling, redness, and minor pain. When a first-degree burn occurs, running cool (not cold) water over the area may assist in reducing the pain. Method of treatment may include keeping the wound clean.

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn is more severe because it damages the outer layer of the skin. Signs of this level of burn may include blister and deeply red skin sores. These burns typically require a longer time to repair from the damages. It is advised to seek medical attention.

Third- & Fourth-Degree Burns

Third- and fourth-degree burns are more severe compared to the previous two burn levels. These burns are severe because they extend through multiple layers of skin, damaging bone, muscle, and nerve tissue.

Third and fourth-degree burn symptoms may include:

• Brown discoloration
• Charring
• Conspicuous lack of blisters
• Smooth, waxy appearance of skin
• White coloration

Pennsylvania Burn Injury Lawyers Protect Your Right to Recover

Suffering a serious burn is devastating, but you have the legal right to seek financial compensation for your losses from those responsible. If your burn injury occurred at work or was caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing, you deserve to recover from every financial loss related to your injury. Our job is to win enough compensation to cover the costs associated with your recovery and to address the impact on your life.

After a burn injury, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation costs
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity

Punitive damages may also apply in cases involving gross negligence or an extreme disregard for the safety of others. Our Pennsylvania burn injury lawyers can talk to you about your options and what your case may be worth, and we can help you take the steps needed to secure a fair result.

Call Our Pennsylvania Burn Injury Attorneys Today: (888) 498-3023

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries due to another person’s negligence or carelessness, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg is here to assist you. We understand that financial compensation cannot undo the physical damage or erase the pain; however, it can play a crucial role in securing the medical care necessary to improve your circumstances and safeguard your future. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve, providing the support needed to move forward.

Contact our Pennsylvania burn injury attorneys today for a free case review: (888) 498-3023. We take no fee unless you win the case–you pay nothing upfront.