Burn Injuries in New York City
Burn injuries range from relatively mild to catastrophic, but each can be devastating to experience. Recovery may take a long time and medical care can be incredibly expensive.
According to the American Burn Association, approximately 450,000 people require medical attention after suffering a burn injury in the United States every year. Because of how common they are, it is important to know more about burn injuries and how to treat and prevent them.
If you or a loved one have suffered burn injuries, contact our personal injury attorneys today. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Call (212) 289-8351 or fill out our online contact form today.
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Burn injuries are categorized based on their severity or “degree.” A burn may be first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns, such as superficial sunburns or frostbite, are the least severe. They mainly affect the top layer of skin and do not cause blistering. The skin may peel, become red, and swell. However, first-degree burns usually heal within a week or so and rarely cause scarring.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns penetrate the epidermis and reach the layer of skin underneath, called the dermis. The pain level increases considerably, and the skin may appear red and splotchy. Your body may respond to the injury by developing blisters to ease the pressure and heat, and these lesions are extremely painful. They can also lead to significant scarring.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and much of the skin’s dermis layer and can extend into underlying fat tissue. Surprisingly, you may not sense pain because the injury damages nerve cells. Your skin may appear charred and leathery, and the scarring can be substantial. Skin graft surgery is often necessary to replace the destroyed skin tissues.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, causing extensive damage to muscles, tissue, bone, and more. The injury site is likely numb due to nerve damage. These injuries can be fatal, and survivors often require significant skin grafts and other treatments.
Types of Burn Injuries
According to John Hopkins Medicine, there are four types of burn injuries:
1. Chemical Burns
When the skin is exposed to a chemical, it may become burned by the substance or its fumes. A chemical burn ranges from slight irritation to severe damage.
2. Electrical Burns
Electrical burns, which occur due to electric currents, are especially dangerous because they may not appear severe. Sometimes, they may even be invisible on the surface of a victim’s skin. However, electrical burns can cause significant harm. The extent of tissue damage may be difficult to determine without the aid of a doctor.
There are several subtypes of electrical burns:
- Low Voltage
- High voltage
- Arc Burns
- Flash Burns
- Oral Burns
3. Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are caused by the flames or heat of an actual fire, explosion, or related combustible substance.
Additionally, thermal burns can result from contact with a hot liquid, usually water or cooking oil. Although a scald from hot steam or liquid might sound minor compared to an actual fire, all types of thermal burns injuries can result in fourth-degree damage.
4. Radiological Burns
Radiological burns can affect cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. These burns are a common reaction to x-ray or radiation exposure, and they are often mild and treatable.
Liability for Your NYC Burn Injury
There are multiple parties who could be held liable for the damages you’ve suffered depending on the details of your case. Damages can cover lost wages, medical bills, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Liable parties in your burn injury case may include:
- Building owners, property owners, or landlords
- Manufacturers of defective products (such as smoke detectors)
- Retailers of a defective product
- Negligent motorists (if injuries are from a car accident)
- Government agencies
- Transit companies
- Cab or rideshare drivers
- Employer or employee
If it is an employer or coworker who caused your workplace burn injury, you will likely file a worker’s compensation claim. However, these claims won’t cover the entirety of your lost wages, and will not cover damages such as pain and suffering. Many people recover full compensation after a workplace injury through a third party liability claim or lawsuit.
Burn Injury Treatment
If you have suffered a burn, seek immediate medical attention or visit a nearby trauma center. You should be evaluated by a doctor regardless of your injury severity. Even minor burns may require antibiotics to prevent infection. If your burns are more severe, you may need extensive treatment such as synthetic skin grafting.
A skin graft covers the exposed tissue and helps your body heal by growing new skin. These treatments can be costly and require a significant amount of your time and energy. If you were burned as a result of someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to recover compensation.
Causes of Burn Injuries in NYC
A burn injury can happen due to:
- Sunlight radiation
- Chemicals
- Electricity
- Heat exposure
- Building fires
- Scalding hot water
Many workers are exposed to one or more of these during the job, which is why burn injuries occur frequently in workplace accidents especially accidents involving construction workers.
Burn Injuries at Work
Burn injuries are common in the workplace, with over 30,000 cases in 2020. A wide range of occupational fields can encounter these hazards, including construction, cleaning, and medicine.
Some reasons behind work-related burn injuries include:
- Concrete burns caused by the caustic mixture of cement and water
- Acid or chemical spills
- Gas explosions
- Fires sparked by welding, soldering, grinding, and other “hot work” tasks
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) generated by the electric arc in the welding process
- Exposure to x-rays or radiation
- Flammable material explosions
- Electrical fires from temporary electrical set-ups
- Explosions and fires caused by temporary heaters
- Explosions involving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, used in many construction tools
- Smoking workers
- Pipe explosions
- Explosions caused by combustible dust
Compensation in NYC Burn Injury Cases
When you are suffering from burn injuries after an accident, your mind may not be focused on compensation. You have too much to deal with at home to concentrate on a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim. One of the reasons it is so crucial to contact a burn injury attorney is to have a legal advocate on your side who can and will pursue your compensation, including:
-
- Medical Treatment Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages and Benefits
- Past and Future Medical Treatment
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced Earning Capacity
Call Our New York City Burn Injury Lawyers Today
At Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek, P.C., we know that a successful burn injury claim or lawsuit starts with the right lawyer. Our team has served clients for more than 75 collective years. Together, we have recovered millions in case settlements for personal injury victims. Let us put our experience to work for your case.
If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury in New York, reach out to Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. and see if we’re the right firm for you. Feel free to contact us online or call us at (212) 289-8351.
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09/09/2021
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08/11/2021
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06/22/2021
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04/01/2021
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03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
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02/25/2021
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02/23/2021
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
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01/18/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
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01/14/2021
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01/14/2021
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01/06/2021
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12/29/2020
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12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
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12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
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12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
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12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
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12/07/2020
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12/04/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/03/2020
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12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
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12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
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12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
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01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
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07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
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07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
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07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
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07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
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07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
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07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
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06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
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05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT