In this day and age, it seems like we hear about life-altering events occurring every day. Whether it involves an auto collision, a workplace incident, or a catastrophic event, injuries – especially burn injuries – can have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected.

At Spiros Law, P.C., we believe your injuries should never go overlooked, and those responsible for your injuries should be held accountable. As a burn injury victim, you deserve to have a trusted burn injury attorney on your side who is going to recover the compensation you need to move on and reclaim your quality of life.

Our Offices:

• Kankakee, IL
• Champaign, IL
• Danville, IL

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Do I Have A Personal Injury Claim?

At Spiros Law, P.C., our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand the long-lasting impacts a major injury can have on your life. If you have suffered injuries from a burn caused by a car crash, a workplace incident, or other catastrophic event where another party may be responsible for your injuries, contact us at 815-929-9292. We’re ready to fight for you.

Victims of burn injuries can experience permanent impairments, both physical and mental, and have a significant impact on their self-esteem. While first-degree burns are typically minor, second-, third-, and fourth-degree burns are more severe and require extensive treatment. No matter the severity, non-fatal burn injuries can have life-long impacts.

Your Illinois burn injury attorney can investigate and expertly manage your case from start to finish, recovering the damages you’ve sustained and deserve to recoup. Allow our team to file the claim on your behalf, gather evidence, and advocate for you. After enduring a burn injury, you deserve to have a tough team on your side. Schedule your free case review today!

What Are Some Common Burn Accidents?

• House Fires – Exposure to flames and intense heat
• Cooking Accidents – Damage from hot liquids (water, oil) or burns from hot surfaces
• Car Accidents – Exposure to ignited gasoline, heated metal, or hazardous chemicals
• Motorcycle Accidents – Road rash from sliding on pavement
• Workplace Accidents – Exposure to chemicals, electrical burns, or explosions
• Electrical Accidents – Exposure to live wires, faulty appliances, or lightning strikes
• Chemical Spills – Burns from strong acids, gasoline, or household cleaners
• Gas Explosions – Flash burns from propane, natural gas, or flammable liquids
• Radiation Exposure – Burns from prolonged exposure to radiation or UV rays
• Defective Appliances – Malfunctioning electrical devices that overheat or catch fire
• Recreational Accidents – Burns from campfires, fireworks, or heated surfaces
• Industrial Accidents – Exposure to high-temperature equipment, steam, or molten materials

What Are the Common Types of Burn Injuries?

Burns are often unintentional injuries, varying in cause and severity. A burn injury damages your body’s tissue, with minor burns only affecting the skin and severe burns possibly resulting in serious internal damage. The four main types of burns include:

Radiation Burns (Caused by exposure to radiation)

• Often a result of medical treatments like radiation therapy or imaging technology
• Gamma-ray burns result in deep, intense skin damage
• Beta-wave burns create shallower burns but still result in irritation

Thermal Burns (Caused by extreme heat)

• Occur when skin comes in contact with an open flame, hot surface, or boiling liquid
• The higher the heat and the longer the contact, the more severe the burn
• Often seen in kitchen incidents, house fires, and industrial settings

Electrical Burns (Caused by contact with electricity)

• Caused by an electrical current passing through the body
• Can sometimes cause severe internal injuries, including nerve and organ damage
• Most common in jobs involving exposed wires or faulty equipment

Chemical Burns (Caused by exposure to toxic substances)

• Caused by contact with strong acids, cleaning agents, or industrial chemicals
• Can cause skin damage, eye irritation, and internal injuries if inhaled
• Often seen in workplaces, factories, and home cleaning incidents

Burns can also occur from inhaling heat or toxic substances, such as hot air, smoke, or chemicals, and friction. 

What Are the Symptoms of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can involve skin, tissue, and internal organ damage, depending on the severity. Symptoms will vary based on the type of burn, the seriousness of the burn, and the length of exposure to heat, electricity, or chemicals responsible for the burn.

Skin Symptoms (Visible effects on the skin)

• Redness and/or swelling around area burned
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Charred or blackened skin with severe burns
• Peeling or white patches on the skin
• Extreme dryness/cracking of the affected area

Pain and Sensory Symptoms (How the burn feels)

• Severe pain at burned site
• Tingling or numbness (especially with electrical burns)
• Burning sensation that gets worse over time
• Loss of sensation (deep burns)

Internal and Systemic Symptoms (Whole-body effects)

• Difficulty breathing (if airway is affected by burn)
• Dizziness or confusion (can suggest internal injury or shock)
• Loss of consciousness with severe burns (may cause fainting)
• Significant bleeding (in deep tissue burns)

Additional Complications (Severe cases)

• Traumatic brain injury (if the incident also involved head trauma)
• Abdominal injury (if internal organs are affected)
• Chest injury (electrical burns or inhalation burns)

If you’re experiencing breathing problems, confusion, severe pain, or significant bleeding in addition to your burn injury, seek medical attention immediately. After seeking medical help, contact a burn injury attorney near you – like our team at Spiros Law – so you can explore the legal options available to you. 

Understanding Mild to Severe Burn Conditions

Burn injuries are classified based on how deeply and severely they penetrate the skin. The four degrees of burns include:

• First-Degree Burns: The most minor degree of burns affect the outermost layer of skin. These burns are often superficial and only cause mild pain and red skin.
• Second-Degree Burns: The second tier of burns are often still superficial but cause more significant pain and can require wound care/dressing. These burns may scar, but they do not require surgery.
• Third-Degree Burns: Burns of this degree penetrate the entire second layer of skin (dermis) and require protection to reduce the risk of infection.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe degree of burns involves deep tissue injury and, in some cases, can result in losing the burn-damaged body part.

The actual degree of a burn isn’t always immediately apparent, and the full extent of a burn injury may develop over several days.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Burn injuries may result from unsafe conditions, negligence, or defective products. Who is legally responsible will depend on the details of your cause, like how and where the injury happened.

Businesses

If a burn injury occurs within a business, the business owner may be liable. A business is held responsible for providing a safe environment.

Construction Companies

The construction company can be liable if a burn injury occurs from poor construction work, like an improperly installed heating system or faulty electrical wiring. Errors in construction work can create serious, life-threatening fire hazards.

Individuals

If an individual intentionally or accidentally causes any type of burn to another individual, they can be held liable. This can include incidences of intentional harm or negligence, like mishandling flammable substances or throwing hot liquid or other harmful substances on another person. 

Government Entities

Certain burn injuries may involve a government agency’s liability. This can include a public area like a park, roadway, or government building. Any government establishment or entity failing to provide safe conditions may be held responsible for failing to maintain a safe environment.

Determining who is responsible for a burn injury is complex – that’s why you deserve to have an experienced burn injury attorney by your side.

Manufacturers

A burn may be caused by a defective product. In that case, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws. A defect may involve unsafe chemicals, faulty appliances, design flaws, lack of proper safety warnings, or malfunctioning electrical devices. 

Property Owners

If hazardous conditions on someone’s property cause a burn injury, the property owner may be liable. These dangers can include poorly maintained appliances, exposed electrical wires, or faulty heating systems.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

If you’ve endured a burn injury due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to recover the compensation you deserve. Our tough personal injury team at Spiros Law can effectively handle your burn injury case so you can focus on rest and recovery. We understand the impact a burn can have on your life, so we’re here to fight for you.

Types of Compensation for a Burn Injury:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

Economic damages cover the cost of your injury – details of your injury that have a precise dollar amount, like:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Future medical costs: Ongoing treatments, medications, or long-term care.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from your job.
• Reduced earning ability: If your severe injury affects your future ability to work.

Non-Economic Damages (Life Impact)

A burn injury affects more than just your finances – it can significantly impact your quality of life, well-being, relationships, and more. Non-economic damages cover:

• Pain and suffering: Chronic headaches, dizziness, and other long-term symptoms.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mood changes caused by injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Struggling to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Loss of companionship: Strained relationships with spouse, family, or friends.
• Disfigurement or physical impairment: If the burn leaves visible scars or long-term disabilities.

How Much Can You Expect to Receive?

Your total received compensation will vary, depending on factors like:

• Severity of your burn injury
• Long-term effects on your health and ability to work
• Emotional and physical toll on your daily life

Since catastrophic injury cases, like burns, can be complex, a dedicated, experienced catastrophic injury lawyer can help you recover the full compensation you deserve. Our team of skilled attorneys will gather evidence, calculate the total cost of your injury, and fight for you to receive what is fair. Count on us to handle your case and focus on your recovery. 

Burn Injury Statistics

• The American Burn Association states that each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 emergency hospital visits involve burn injuries, with approximately 50,000 acute admissions.
• Approximately 450,000 patients receive burn injury treatment every year, with about 30,000 requiring admission to burn centers. 
• Thermal burns, the most common burn injury, comprise about 86% of burns treated in burn centers. Broken down, it includes 43% from fire/flame, 34% from scalds, and 9% from hot objects. The other 14% treated is 4% electrical burns, 3% chemical burns, and 7% other types of burns.
• Every year, there are approximately 3,400 burn-related deaths, according to the National Institute of Health. Related complications include smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide, cyanide poisoning, organ failure, or infection of the burn site.
• Approximately 72% of burn-related deaths occur from residential fires.

Why Choose Spiros?

At Spiros Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys have secured substantial settlements for clients harmed by others’ negligence.

• $9,842,900: The second-largest verdict in the history of Vermilion County for an innocent baby who suffered immense harm and required an emergency craniotomy.
• $1,450,000: The largest verdict in Ford County for a driver injured when a car ran a stop sign.
• $1,400,000: The largest settlement for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) in Champaign County, Illinois, after a 42-year-old woman was given the wrong medication at a hospital, leading to vein necrosis, chronic pain, and nerve damage.

These examples are only a glimpse into what we can do for our clients. We have vast experience dealing with a wide range of personal injury cases. We can help with any of the following cases:

• Medical Malpractice
• Car Accidents
• Defective Drugs & Devices
• Trucking Accidents
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Product Liability
• Premises Liability
• Wrongful Death
• Worker’s Compensation

At Spiros Law Firm, P.C., our team dedicates itself to clear, honest communication with our current and future clients. From the initial consultation, we are upfront about potential outcomes and understand that our clients have already suffered great pain and loss. We’re committed to being compassionate and transparent with every person who needs our help or advice.

Contact Us

If you suspect your or a loved one’s injury is a result of another party’s negligence, don’t hesitate to call. Contact our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys at Spiros Law Firm, P.C., at 815-929-9292 or request a free consultation. 

In most personal injury cases, time is of the essence, so let our compassionate, committed, and experienced legal professionals help you understand your rights and options. We are here to help at any stage of your case. Our tough personal injury attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are here to fight for your rights.

FAQs

What is Medically Considered a Burn Injury?

A burn injury is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue caused by thermal heat, radiation, electricity, friction, or chemicals. From a medical standpoint, the severity of a burn is classified by the “degree” of the burn, ranging from superficial first-degree burns to life-threatening fourth-degree burns. These tiers define how deep the burn goes into the skin.

What are the Common Types of Burn Injuries?

The most common types of burns include:

• Radiation Burns (Exposure to radiation)
• Thermal Burns (Exposure to extreme heat)
• Electrical Burns (Contact with electricity)
• Chemical Burns (Exposure to toxic substances)

Burns can also occur from inhalation of heat or toxic substances and friction. Each type of burn requires its own specific treatment. 

How Much Will My Medical Bills Be After a Burn Injury?

Immediate medical care following a burn injury can help prevent further damage. Treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the injury. Medical costs may include:

• Emergency care (hospital stays, surgeries, and intensive treatment)
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans)
• Medications (manage symptoms and prevent complications)
• Rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling)
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, communication aids, and home modifications)

Medical costs can add up quickly, especially for extensive or permanent injuries. Having an experienced burn injury attorney by your side is essential to ensure all responsible parties and their insurance companies are held liable and cover your medical expenses. After an injury, focus on the recovery, and we’ll handle the financial burden. 

How Common are Work-Related Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries are one of the leading work-related injuries. Approximately 14,000 people miss at least one day of work due to a burn. Many occupations can lead to an employee experiencing a burn injury, but some of the most high-risk jobs include: 

• Food services
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Health care and social assistance

Workplace burns can arise from chemicals, steam, fires, friction, and electricity. If you’ve been burned on the job, contact your trusted Illinois burn injury attorney at Spiros Law today. We can discuss your rights and help you determine fault and apportion liability. Workers’ compensation often fails to deliver enough compensation for burn victims, and that’s why we’re here to fight for you.

What Complications Can Burns Lead to?

Burn injuries, depending on the severity, can come with complications. This may look like minor issues or life-threatening conditions. Complications of a burn injury can include:

Common Complications

• Infections: Damaged skin is incapable of blocking germs, making burns prone to infection.
• Scarring: Deep burns may not heal properly and form thick scar tissue.
• Swelling (Edema): Burns can cause swelling near the injured site or in other body parts.

Severe Complications

• Dehydration and shock: Severe burns can cause fluid and blood loss, causing dangerous drops in blood pressure.
• Compartment syndrome: Swelling can cut off blood circulation, resulting in severe pain and tissue damage.
• Breathing problems: Burns on the face or throat can block airways.
• Hypothermia: Damaged skin can’t properly regulate body temperature, which can cause dangerously low body heat.
• Organ damage: The kidneys and liver can be overwhelmed by filtering damaged tissue from the blood.
• Digestive issues: Burns and related complications can disrupt metabolism and digestion.
• Sepsis: Severe infections can trigger a life-threatening immune response.
• Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop due to limited movement and circulation issues.

The complication risk varies based on the person and their individual circumstances. Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend proper treatment for your burn.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Burn Injury?

Burn injuries can result from defective products, negligence, or unsafe conditions. Depending on the details of your burn injury, different parties may be liable. 

The responsibility may be placed on the following:

• Businesses
• Construction companies
• Individuals/civilians
• Government entities
• Manufacturers
• Property owners

One of our Illinois burn injury attorneys will investigate the incident, identify liable parties, and build a strong case to get the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Receive for a Burn Injury?

If your burn injury was the result of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time away from work and reduced earning potential.
• Rehabilitation costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive care.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and impacted quality of life.
• Loss of companionship: If the injury affects relationships, such as those with a spouse or any family members.

A skilled burn injury attorney will be able to calculate the value of your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation?

The time it takes to settle a burn injury case depends on many factors unique to your injury, such as:

• The severity of the burn and how long treatment takes
• The insurance company’s response to the claim and their cooperation
• How complex your case is and whether a lawsuit is necessary

Having a burn injury lawyer by your side can help speed up the process and ensure you receive a fair settlement.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help My Case?

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. A burn injury attorney will: 

• Investigate the details of your injury and gather solid evidence.
• Handle the insurance companies on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement.
• Calculate the extent of your damages, including future medical costs.
• Provide representation in court if necessary and fight for your justice.

At Spiros Law, P.C., our legal team has a proven track record of winning millions for catastrophic injury victims across Illinois. If you need trusted legal representation, schedule a free case review today!