Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer | Free Consultation

If you’ve suffered a burn injury in Chicago, you’re facing more than just physical pain. Burn injuries can lead to scarring, disfigurement, costly medical treatment, and time away from work. You deserve compensation from those responsible.

Our Chicago burn injury lawyers understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped burn victims across Cook County recover the money they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call today for a free consultation. No upfront costs, no pressure.

---

What Is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when skin or other body tissue is damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Even minor burns can cause lasting pain, while severe burns may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and years of rehabilitation.

According to the American Burn Association, approximately 486,000 burn injuries receive medical treatment each year in the United States. Many of these injuries happen due to someone else’s negligence—and when that’s the case, victims have the right to seek compensation.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries come in different forms, depending on what caused them:

• Thermal burns – Caused by fire, steam, hot liquids, or contact with hot surfaces
• Chemical burns – Result from exposure to acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances
• Electrical burns – Occur when electricity passes through the body, often causing internal damage
• Radiation burns – Caused by exposure to UV rays, X-rays, or radiation therapy

Burns are also classified by severity:

• First-degree burns – Affect only the outer layer of skin (redness, minor pain)
• Second-degree burns – Damage deeper layers of skin (blistering, severe pain)
• Third-degree burns – Destroy all layers of skin and may damage muscle, bone, and nerves (require immediate medical care and often surgery)

Third-degree burns and severe second-degree burns often result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability.

---

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Chicago

Burn injuries in Chicago happen in many ways. Understanding the common causes can help you identify who may be responsible for your injuries.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

Construction sites and industrial workplaces present serious burn risks. Welding equipment, electrical wiring, chemicals, and heavy machinery can all cause severe burns. If your employer failed to provide proper safety equipment or training, you may have a workers’ compensation claim—and potentially a personal injury claim against a third party.

Car and Truck Accidents

Vehicle fires and explosions can occur after car crashes, especially in high-speed collisions. Leaking fuel, electrical malfunctions, and defective parts can all lead to thermal burns. If another driver caused the accident, they may be liable for your burn injuries.

Defective Products and Appliances

Faulty appliances, electronics, and consumer products cause thousands of burn injuries each year. Space heaters, coffee makers, hair dryers, and lithium batteries can all malfunction and cause fires or explosions. When this happens, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.

Fires and Property Hazards

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. Faulty wiring, blocked exits, missing smoke detectors, and building code violations can all contribute to fire-related burn injuries. If you were burned in an apartment fire, hotel fire, or at a business, the property owner may be responsible under premises liability law.

---

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Burn Injury?

Determining liability is crucial to recovering compensation. Depending on how your burn injury occurred, the following parties may be held responsible:

• Employers – If your burn happened at work due to unsafe conditions
• Property owners – If their negligence caused a fire or hazardous condition
• Manufacturers – If a defective product caused your burn
• Drivers – If a car or truck accident led to your injury
• Contractors and subcontractors – If poor workmanship or safety violations contributed to the incident

In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. A Chicago burn injury lawyer can investigate your case and identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.

---

What Compensation Can I Recover?

Burn injury victims in Illinois may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages.

Medical Bills and Future Treatment

Burn injuries often require immediate emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and long-term treatment. You can seek compensation for:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery and skin grafts
• Pain management
• Plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications and medical equipment

Severe burns may require a life care plan—a detailed projection of future medical needs prepared by medical experts. This helps ensure you’re compensated for the full cost of your recovery.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your burn injury kept you out of work, you can recover lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, you may also recover compensation for reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering, Scarring, and Disfigurement

Beyond financial losses, burn injuries cause immense physical pain and emotional trauma. Illinois law allows victims to seek compensation for:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

These damages are harder to quantify, but an experienced Chicago burn injury attorney knows how to present your case to maximize this critical part of your compensation.

Ready to discuss your case? Contact us today for a free consultation.

---

What to Do After a Burn Injury in Chicago

The steps you take after a burn injury can impact your health and your legal claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek immediate medical care – Even if the burn seems minor, get checked by a doctor. Some burn injuries worsen over time.
2. Document the scene – If possible, take photos of where the injury occurred, any hazards, and your injuries.
3. Report the incident – Notify your employer, property owner, or other responsible party in writing.
4. Preserve evidence – Keep any clothing, products, or other items related to the injury.
5. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies – Insurers may use your words against you. Speak with a lawyer first.
6. Contact a Chicago burn injury lawyer – The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a successful claim.

According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

---

How Our Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

Burn injury cases are complex. Insurance companies often fight hard to minimize payouts, especially in cases involving serious injuries and high medical costs. Our Chicago burn injury lawyers are here to level the playing field.

Here’s how we help:

• Thorough investigation – We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case.
• Accurate valuation – We calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
• Negotiation with insurance companies – We handle all communication with insurers and fight for a fair settlement.
• Trial representation – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial in Chicago courts.
• Access to medical experts – We work with burn specialists, life care planners, and other experts to support your claim.

We understand the local courts, hospitals, and burn centers in Cook County. Our local expertise gives us an advantage in pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.

No upfront costs. No fees unless we win. Call now for your free consultation.

---

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to compensation.

There are some exceptions:

• If the victim is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18.
• If the injury wasn’t discovered right away, the deadline may be extended under the discovery rule.
• Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines.

Because deadlines vary, it’s critical to consult a Chicago burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your case—and your ability to recover compensation.

---

How Much Does a Burn Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most Chicago burn injury lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront costs – You don’t pay anything to get started.
• No fees unless we win – We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
• Percentage of recovery – Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so we’re motivated to maximize your compensation.

This fee structure makes it possible for anyone to hire an experienced burn injury attorney, regardless of their financial situation.

---

Why Choose a Chicago Burn Injury Attorney?

Hiring a local Chicago burn injury lawyer offers several advantages:

• Familiarity with Illinois laws – We know the statutes, case precedents, and legal strategies that work in Illinois courts.
• Knowledge of local courts – We regularly practice in Cook County and understand how local judges and juries view burn injury cases.
• Connections with local medical providers – We work with Chicago-area burn centers, plastic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists who can support your case.
• Understanding of local risks – From construction site accidents to apartment fires, we know the common hazards that cause burn injuries in Chicago.

A Chicago-based attorney is also more accessible. You can meet in person, and your lawyer will be nearby if your case goes to trial.

---