Burn Injury

Advocating for the rights of injured clients

A burn is one of the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer. Even mild burns can result in excruciating discomfort. Serious burns over large areas of the body can damage internal organs and compromise the delicate systems that healthy skin so successfully protects.

Seigel Law has devoted more than 35 years to advocating for victims of catastrophic accidents. Our lawyers handle personal injury litigation for clients throughout Ridgewood, Hackensack, Fair Lawn, Teaneck, Garfield, Fort Lee, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth and Clifton.

Our team guides you through the difficult time following a house fire, electrocution, X-ray accident or other burn incident. We investigate your case to determine if you have a cause of action for premises liability, product defects or medical malpractice, and we pursue your claim aggressively.

Types of burns and fire injuries

Although the majority of the approximately 450,000 burns that occur each year are caused by fires, you may suffer burns from other accidents. The type of medical care you receive depends on whether your burn is caused by:

  • Heat (thermal)
  • Electricity
  • Radiation
  • Chemicals

In addition to a burn, fire can cause smoke inhalation injuries. In fact, approximately 70 percent of fire-related deaths actually result from inhalation of toxic fumes.

Burn classifications

Burns are classified according to the damage they cause to the victim’s tissues. The level of burn determines the extent of treatment required and the chances for recovering functionality. Patients with third- and fourth-degree burns, for example, may require extensive reconstructive and skin graft surgeries.

Despite receiving quality care, you may still suffer from permanent disabilities and lifelong pain or numbness. Your doctor will diagnose your burn as:

  • First degree — Considered a minor burn, a first-degree burn affects the epidermis and can cause redness and pain, but it typically heals with at-home first aid within days or weeks.
  • Second degree — A second-degree burn damages the epidermis and dermis. It often results in blisters and scarring.
  • Third degree — When the burn penetrates the outer skin layers and damages the fat beneath the dermis, it is classified as a third-degree burn. It can destroy nerves and cause numbness.
  • Fourth degree — The most severe burns are fourth-degree burns. Bones and muscles are damaged. Because of substantial nerve damage, many fourth-degree burns generate no pain.

Get the financial recovery you deserve and the medical care you need for your burn injury

Seigel Law exclusively practices personal injury — such as serious burn claims. Call us at 201-444-4000 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation at our Ridgewood-based firm. We can also schedule your appointment at your home or a hospital anywhere in Northern New Jersey if your injuries prevent you from coming to our office. Our firm works on contingency — meaning you pay us no lawyer fees unless you win.