Not only are burn injuries painful, but they can also lead to long-term physical and emotional suffering. When a burn injury occurs, it is crucial to understand who may be held liable for the damages suffered. Identifying the responsible party is essential for pursuing legal action and seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Let’s explore the concept of burn injury liability and discuss the various parties that may be held accountable.
- Product Manufacturers and Distributors
One common scenario where burn injuries occur is through defective products. Manufacturers and distributors must ensure that the products they produce or sell are safe for consumer use. If a defective product, such as a malfunctioning electronic device or a faulty kitchen appliance, causes a burn injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable for the damages.
Product liability cases often involve proving that the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous and that the defect directly caused the burn injury.
- Property Owners and Occupiers
Burn injuries can also occur due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. Property owners and occupiers are legally obligated to keep their premises in a safe condition. Failure to address potential hazards, such as exposed wiring, flammable materials, or unsafe conditions in a building, may result in liability for any burn injuries that occur as a result.
To establish liability in premises liability cases, it is necessary to demonstrate that the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action to rectify it.
- Negligence by Individuals
An individual’s negligence can also cause burn injuries. For example, if someone acts recklessly or carelessly, such as leaving a lit candle unattended or causing a fire that leads to burn injuries, they may be held responsible for their negligent actions.
To establish liability in cases involving individual negligence, it is necessary to demonstrate that the person had a duty of care to prevent harm, breached that responsibility through their actions or inactions, and that the breach directly caused the burn injury.
- Medical Professionals
Lastly, burn injuries can occur or worsen due to medical negligence in some cases. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and surgeons, have a responsibility to provide appropriate care and treatment to burn victims. If a medical professional fails to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in further harm, they may be held liable for the damages caused.
To pursue a medical malpractice claim for a burn injury, it is essential to demonstrate that the medical professional’s actions or omissions deviated from the accepted standard of care and directly caused additional harm or aggravated the existing injuries.
Personal Injury Lawyers For Burn Injuries
There are few injuries more painful and serious than burn injuries. When severe, these injuries are often fatal, and those who survive have a lengthy, excruciating, and expensive road to recovery. If you are a victim of a burn injury, contacting an experienced lawyer is crucial. At Grabb & Durando, we specialize in personal injury claims and bring compassion and determination to every case.
