Cleveland Burn Injury Lawyer

Severe Burn Injuries in Ohio

Moderate to severe burns are some of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. Burn injuries not only lead to physical scarring and permanent disfigurement, but they also cause immense emotional trauma. Victims face an uphill battle when it comes to recovery; many will require emergency medical care and ongoing treatments, extensive time off work to heal, and ongoing rehabilitation.

The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation to help offset some of the unexpected financial burdens you are now facing. If you suffered serious burn injuries due to another person or party’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct, then with the help of our dedicated burn attorneys, you may be able to file a catastrophic injury claim and secure compensation with the help of our Cleveland burn injury attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber.

Contact our Cleveland burn injury lawyers  today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 216-696-3232.

Types of Burn Injuries

While some burns are relatively minor and can be effectively treated at home with topical ointments and over-the-counter pain medications, others are much more serious. Burn injuries are classified according to type and severity.

The different types of burns include:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burn injuries are caused by contact with a hot object or substance, such as boiling liquids, heated metal, or fire.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burn injuries are caused by strong electrical currents entering or contacting the body.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burn injuries result when irritating chemicals—such as harsh detergents, solvents, or acids—contact the skin.
• Radiation Burns: Radiation burn injuries are caused by high-energy radiation; sunburns are a type of radiation burn, as are burns caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Friction Burns: Also known as “road rash,” friction burns are not technically burn injuries but, rather, severe abrasions caused by the skin scraping against a hard surface.
• Cold Burns: Like friction burns, cold burns (or frostbite) are not technically burns but, rather, damage to the skin and surrounding tissue caused by prolonged exposure to cold substances.

Additionally, burn injuries are categorized by severity in the following ways:

• First-Degree Burns: First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn injury, affecting the upper layer of skin (epidermis) only. They may result in localized pain, redness, and some swelling/scarring, but they can usually be effectively treated with at-home care.
• Second-Degree Burns: Considered “moderate” in severity, second-degree burns involve damage to the upper and lower layers of skin (epidermis and dermis, respectively). While superficial second-degree burns only affect part of the dermis, leading to little or no scarring, deep partial-thickness burns are more severe and may result in permanent scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn injury. They involve damage to the upper and lower layers of skin, as well as the surrounding muscles, tissues, and bones. Third-degree burns are medical emergencies and require immediate professional medical attention.

Rule of Nines

The rule of nines is used by medical personnel to calculate what percentage of your body the burn covers. Every determined section is 9% of your body each:

• Front and back of neck
• Front and back of each arm and hand
• Chest
• Stomach
• Upper back
• Lower back
• The front of each leg and foot
• Back of each leg and foot

The genital area is counted as 1%.

Treating Burn Injuries

While most first-degree burns can be treated at home, more serious burns require medical attention. If you have suffered a second- or third-degree burn, you need immediate medical care and will likely require ongoing treatment.

Serious burn injuries are often treated with:

• Over-the-counter and/or prescription pain medication
• Water-based treatments, such as ultrasound mist therapy
• Intravenous pain medication
• Topical ointments and burn creams
• Wound dressings
• Infection prevention
• Skin grafting surgery
• Plastic/reconstructive surgery
• Breathing and feeding assistance
• Intravenous fluids and other forms of dehydration prevention
• Treatment of burn scabs (eschars) to improve blood flow/circulation

The exact treatment you may need will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of the burn, the degree of the body covered by the burn, the type of burn, the amount of scabbing/scarring, the threat of infection, and more.

Damages in Your Burn Injury Case

Burns are physically and emotionally traumatic. When another person or party is responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, they can and should be held accountable. Whether you suffered serious burns in a car accident, due to a fire caused by unsafe property conditions, or as a result of medical malpractice or negligence, our burn lawyers can help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed.

We may be able to help you recover for the following damages:

• All current and future medical care costs
• Future lost earnings and lost earning capacity
• Lost income/wages and other employment benefits
• Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and distress
• Medication costs
• Disfigurement
• Ambulance, emergency room, and hospitalization fees
• Lost or reduced quality of life

We understand the pain and suffering you have been through, as well as the many challenges that lay ahead. Our Cleveland burn injury lawyers are ready to advocate for you and fight aggressively for every penny you deserve.

Cleveland Burn Injury Claims FAQs

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury?
You should seek immediate medical attention, document your injuries, preserve any evidence (photos, clothing, etc.), and avoid discussing fault until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Can I file a personal injury claim for a burn caused at work?
In most work-related cases, your primary option is a workers’ compensation claim. However, if a third party (not your employer) was involved, you may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Who can be held liable for my burn injury?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Possible parties include employers, landlords, product manufacturers (for defective products), property owners (if due to unsafe premises), or negligent drivers (in vehicle accidents).

What compensation can I receive from a burn injury claim?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, and ongoing care or rehabilitation costs.

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. For workplace injuries, workers’ comp claims must generally be filed within one year.

What if I was partially at fault for my burn injury?
Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Are there special considerations for burn injuries in rental properties?
Yes. If your burn was caused by a landlord’s negligence (e.g., faulty wiring, lack of smoke detectors), you may have a premises liability claim under Ohio law.

How are damages calculated in serious or disfiguring burn cases?
In cases involving permanent scarring, disability, or long-term psychological impact, damages can include future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and significantly higher pain and suffering awards.

Do I need a lawyer to file a burn injury claim?
While it’s not legally required, hiring our Cleveland burn injury lawyers at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation, especially in complex or severe cases.

Contact us online or by phone at 216-696-3232 to learn more during a free consultation with our burn injury attorneys in Cleveland, OH.