Timonium Burn Injury Attorneys

Skilled Burn Injury Lawyers Pursuing Compensation for Serious Burns in Timonium, MD

Suffering a severe burn in an accident can be traumatizing. Depending on the area and degree of the burn, survivors may be left with lasting health problems and disfiguring injuries. If the cause of the burn was related to someone else's negligence, that party could be held liable for various economic and non-economic losses. For legal advice, turn to a Timonium, Maryland burn injury lawyer.

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we take these claims seriously, seeking compensation for our clients' present and future monetary losses as well as pain and suffering. Our firm returns phone calls promptly, and you can rest assured that our attorneys will give your case personal attention.

Causes of Serious Burn Injuries in Maryland

Serious burn injuries in Maryland can result from many types of accidents, both at home and in public places. House and apartment fires are a common cause, particularly when landlords fail to maintain smoke detectors, wiring, or fire exits. Car crashes can also lead to burns when a collision causes a fuel leak or vehicle fire.

Other burns come from scalding liquids in restaurants, explosions caused by gas leaks, and contact with exposed electrical wires. Defective products, such as overheating lithium-ion batteries, faulty space heaters, and malfunctioning pressure cookers, can cause sudden fires or explosions. Chemical burns may occur when hazardous substances are improperly stored or labeled. Workplace burns are often handled through workers' compensation, but a separate injury claim may be possible if a party outside the employer caused the harm.

Degrees of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified by degree, based on how deeply the burn damages the skin and underlying tissue. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain that usually heal within a week. Second-degree burns reach the layer beneath the surface, causing blisters, swelling, and a higher risk of scarring and infection.

Third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the skin and may damage nerves, leaving the area numb. These burns typically require skin grafts and long-term wound care. Fourth-degree burns extend into muscle, tendon, or bone and can lead to amputation or other permanent damage. The percentage of the body affected also shapes how serious a burn is, as large burns can cause dangerous fluid loss and infections.

How Do You Demonstrate Fault in a Burn Injury Claim?

Demonstrating fault in a burn injury claim depends on what caused the fire, explosion, or exposure. In a rental property fire, you may need to show that the landlord ignored fire safety requirements, such as working smoke detectors or safe wiring. In a product case, the focus may be on whether a design or manufacturing defect made the item dangerous during normal use.

Evidence often includes fire marshal reports, building inspection records, photos of the scene, and the product or equipment that caused the burn. Fire investigators and engineers can examine burn patterns and damaged materials to determine where and how a fire started. Witness statements and maintenance records can also help. Under Maryland's contributory negligence rule, the other side may argue that you misused a product or ignored a warning, so a thorough investigation can be essential.

How Are Burn Injury Claims Resolved?

Burn injury claims are often resolved through settlement negotiations with the responsible party's insurance company. Many claims are not ready to settle until doctors have a clear picture of your long-term needs, which can take months for severe burns that require multiple surgeries. Settling too early could leave future grafts, therapy, and scar treatment uncovered.

If the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Many cases settle after a suit is filed, while others proceed to trial. In Maryland, most burn injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the injury.

Meet With Our Timonium, Maryland Burn Injury Lawyers

At Posner & Cord, LLC, we work to show how your burn happened and what your recovery will require in the years ahead. We wait until the full scope of your injuries is clear before pushing for a settlement that covers future surgeries and scar care. Contact our Timonium, MD burn injury attorneys or call 410-252-0600 to schedule a free consultation.