A burn injury is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can endure, often resulting in catastrophic and permanent harm. The path to recovery can be long, arduous, and incredibly expensive, involving multiple surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. Without the help of an experienced Michigan burn injury lawyer, you may not receive the full compensation necessary to cover lifelong medical care, reconstructive procedures, lost earning capacity, and the profound pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., we represent individuals who have suffered severe burn injuries due to various circumstances in Detroit, Michigan, and statewide. We are compassionate to your suffering and are aggressive litigators, ready and willing to take your case to court to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn injury, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries We Handle
Burn injuries can occur in numerous settings and stem from various sources of negligence. Understanding the cause is critical to identifying the liable parties.
We represent individuals who have sustained burn injuries from incidents such as:
- Vehicle Fires: Burns sustained in auto accidents, truck accidents, or motorcycle accidents due to fuel system defects or severe collisions.
- Building Fires & Explosions: Burns resulting from fires in apartments, homes, or commercial buildings due to faulty wiring, inadequate safety measures, or code violations, potentially involving premises liability.
- Workplace Accidents: Burns from explosions, chemical spills, electrical incidents, or fires on construction sites or in industrial settings.
- Defective Products: Burns caused by malfunctioning appliances, electronics, or other consumer products that overheat, explode, or catch fire, leading to product liability claims.
- Scalding Liquids (Thermal Burns): Severe burns from dangerously hot water in showers or taps (often in rented properties or hotels) or from hot liquid spills in restaurants.
- Chemical Burns: Injuries from exposure to corrosive industrial chemicals, cleaning agents, or other hazardous materials.
- Electrical Burns: Burns caused by contact with live electrical currents, often due to unsafe conditions or defective equipment.
- Flammable Clothing Incidents: Injuries exacerbated by clothing that ignites too easily or lacks appropriate fire-retardant properties.
Burn injuries can devastate your entire life, impacting your ability to work, care for yourself, and enjoy daily activities. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny responsibility. A dedicated Michigan burn injury lawyer can investigate the cause, identify all liable parties, and fight to ensure you are not shortchanged. If your injuries lead to long-term disability, The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm can also offer guidance on Social Security Disability benefits.
Understanding Burn Injury Severity and Types
Burn injuries are classified by degrees, indicating the depth of tissue damage:
- First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and pain (e.g., mild sunburn).
- Second-degree burns: Damage the epidermis and part of the dermis, resulting in blisters, severe pain, and potential scarring.
- Third-degree burns: Destroy the epidermis and dermis, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. The skin may appear white, black, or charred, and there may be numbness due to nerve damage. These always require medical grafting and result in significant scarring.
- Fourth-degree burns: Extend through the skin into underlying fat, muscle, or bone. These are catastrophic and often life-threatening, requiring extensive reconstruction and potentially leading to amputation.
The severity of the burn dictates the intensity and duration of medical treatment, the likelihood of permanent scarring and disfigurement, the risk of complications like infections, and the overall impact on the victim’s life. Determining the full scope of damages available in Michigan burn injury claims is crucial for your recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Michigan
For most burn injury claims arising from negligence (such as premises liability, defective products, or general negligence), Michigan law provides up to three years to file a lawsuit. This statute of limitations means you have three years from the date of the injury to initiate a legal claim. If you fail to file within this period, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation.
Important Note for Burn Injuries from Auto Accidents: If your burn injury was sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Michigan’s No-Fault insurance rules apply for certain benefits. You must file an application for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits with the correct insurer within one year of the accident date to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
It’s critical to act promptly to protect your rights.
How a Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help You After a Devastating Injury
After suffering a severe burn, the legal complexities can be overwhelming, especially while enduring painful treatments and emotional trauma. An experienced burn injury lawyer from The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., can provide essential support:
- Thorough Case Evaluation & Investigation: We will meticulously investigate the circumstances of your burn injury to determine all liable parties (e.g., negligent property owners, product manufacturers, employers, at-fault drivers). We assess the full extent of your immediate and long-term damages, including future medical care, reconstructive surgeries, therapy, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.
- Handling Insurance Companies: We will manage all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, who often aim to minimize payouts. We fight for the full compensation you deserve for your extensive injuries and losses.
- Expert Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our seasoned trial attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court, advocating passionately before a judge and jury.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: We ensure all sources of compensation are pursued. We have a deep understanding of what damages are available in Michigan burn injury claims and strive to secure the maximum financial recovery for your comprehensive needs.
- Protecting Your Rights: We work diligently to protect your rights, ensuring that comparative negligence rules are fairly applied and that you are not unfairly blamed.
- Guiding You Through the Process: The legal journey after a burn injury is complex. We provide clear guidance every step of the way, ensuring you understand your options and can make informed decisions.
Suffered a Burn Injury in Michigan? Contact Our Office.
Were you or a loved one severely burned due to someone else’s negligence in Michigan? Contact us to speak directly with a compassionate and experienced Michigan burn injury lawyer. All consultations are free and carry no obligation to retain our services.