Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-altering experiences anyone can endure. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden can be overwhelming for burn victims and their families. From minor injuries like first-degree burns to life-threatening injuries such as fourth-degree burns, every case requires extensive medical care and ongoing treatments. A strong support system is also crucial. Burn injury cases often stem from car accidents, apartment fires, workplace burn injury incidents, and gross negligence by individuals or organizations. When a burn injury occurs due to someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to seek compensation through a burn injury lawsuit. Understanding burn injury settlements and the legal process can help victims secure fair compensation. This includes covering medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Largest Burn Injury Lawsuits in History
Over the years, some of the most significant injury lawsuits have resulted in substantial burn injury settlements. This has helped victims recover from severe burn injuries.
- Stella Liebeck vs. McDonald’s (1994): One of the most famous personal injury cases involved a 79-year-old woman who suffered third-degree burns from a spilled cup of McDonald’s coffee. The case highlighted corporate negligence and the importance of fair settlement, with the plaintiff’s claims proving that McDonald’s coffee was served at dangerously high temperatures. The jury awarded her nearly $3 million. However, the final injury settlement was reduced.
- Ford Pinto Explosions (1970s): Due to a design flaw, Ford Pinto vehicles were prone to catching fire in rear-end collisions. This led to severe burn injuries and multiple fatalities. This resulted in one of the largest burn cases, with Ford paying out millions in injury settlements to victims and their families.
- General Motors Fuel Tank Defect (1999): A family won a $4.9 billion burn injury lawsuit after their car accident resulted in life-threatening injuries due to a defective fuel tank that exploded upon impact. The case proved negligence on the part of General Motors. Moreover, it emphasized the importance of safety in vehicle manufacturing.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT BURN INJURY SETTLEMENTS
Burn injury cases have resulted in substantial settlements, highlighting the severe impact these injuries have on victims’ lives. Many of these cases set legal precedents and emphasize the importance of holding negligent parties accountable. Thanks to legal resources like Impact Law, we can examine notable settlements that have helped burn victims secure the compensation they deserve.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
- $41.5 Million Settlement (May 2007): A 19-year-old man pursued legal action against the manufacturer of his clothing after sustaining extensive burn injuries in a dirt bike accident. He argued that the clothing lacked fire-resistant properties. These properties contributed to the severity of his burns. The court awarded him $41.5 million in compensation.
- $960,000 Settlement (September 2007): An 88-year-old man filed a personal injury lawsuit against his housing corporation after suffering severe scald burns in the shower. Investigations revealed that the water temperature was dangerously high. It was 60 degrees above the safe limit. The victim secured a $960,000 settlement.
NEGLIGENCE
- $310,000 Settlement (August 2006): A woman took legal action against Starbucks® Corporation after suffering scald burns when a cup of hot coffee spilled onto her foot. She successfully obtained $310,000 in damages.
- $31.5 Million Settlement (June 2007): A man filed a lawsuit against AAA following an accident involving a tow truck contracted by the company. The tow truck collided with his vehicle, causing it to catch fire. This resulted in third-degree burns over 58% of his body. The court awarded him $31.5 million in damages.
WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS
- $900,000 Settlement (November 2007): A factory worker filed a personal injury claim against his employer, a paint manufacturing company, after suffering severe burns in an explosion. Investigations revealed that a defective mixing device caused the blast. The victim received $900,000 in damages.
- $27.26 Million Settlement (December 2007): A worker sustained life-altering injuries when molten material from a malfunctioning machine erupted. The material covered over 65% of his body. He pursued a burn injury lawsuit against his employer and was awarded $27.26 million. Additionally, his wife received $250,000 in compensation for loss of companionship.
What Laws Protect Burn Victims?
Burn injury victims are protected by several laws that ensure they can seek maximum compensation for their injuries. Personal injury attorneys help plaintiffs navigate these laws to prove negligence and obtain fair compensation.
- Product Liability Laws: When a burn injury is caused by defective products, such as faulty wiring leading to electrical burns, companies can be held liable for damages.
- Premises Liability Laws: If an apartment fire occurs due to landlord negligence, burn victims can file a burn injury claim against the property owners.
- Workers’ Compensation Laws: If an employer failed to provide a safe work environment, workplace burn injury victims can seek legal representation to recover lost wages and medical expenses.
- Personal Injury Laws: Injury victims can file a personal injury lawsuit against any party whose negligence caused serious burn injuries. This includes car accidents and chemical burns due to industrial spills.
Types of Burn Injuries & Their Legal Implications
Burn injuries vary in severity, affecting the legal process and the compensation victims can receive.
- First-degree burns: These minor injuries affect only the outer skin layer. While they rarely lead to injury lawsuits, negligence claims can arise in cases involving unsafe conditions.
- Second-degree burns: More severe burn injuries, causing blistering and scarring, often require medical treatment and may result in permanent scarring.
- Third-degree burns: These serious burn injuries penetrate deep skin layers, causing nerve damage and requiring extensive medical care. Care may include surgeries and skin grafts.
- Fourth-degree burns: The most severe burns destroy muscles, tendons, and bones, often leading to life-threatening injuries and long-term disabilities.
- Thermal burns, electrical burns, chemical burns, and scald burns: Each type of burn injury can lead to personal injury cases if the party’s negligence caused the harm.
The Legal Process for Burn Injury Lawsuits
Filing a burn injury lawsuit requires legal expertise to ensure a fair settlement. An experienced burn injury lawyer will guide victims through the steps:
- Free Case Evaluation: A burn injury attorney will assess the case, determine if negligence is involved, and outline legal options.
- Proving Negligence: Personal injury attorneys gather evidence to show that the defendant’s gross negligence led to the burn injury.
- Filing the Burn Injury Claim: The lawyer files the lawsuit and negotiates with insurance companies for burn injury compensation.
- Medical Documentation: Extensive medical care records, medical bills, and emergency responders’ reports strengthen the plaintiff’s claims.
- Negotiation or Trial: Many injury settlements are reached through out-of-court settlements. However, some cases proceed to trial to secure maximum compensation.
Why You Need a Burn Injury Lawyer
Hiring an experienced burn injury lawyer increases the likelihood of receiving fair compensation. A burn injury attorney ensures that victims:
- Receive compensation for medical expenses, including surgeries and ongoing treatments.
- Recover lost wages due to their inability to work.
- Are compensated for emotional distress, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Navigate the legal process efficiently and receive a fair settlement.
To make an informed decision, ask these 15 crucial questions before hiring a lawyer for a burn injury claim.
Get Legal Representation Today
Burn injury victims should not have to suffer in silence. Whether you have been severely burned in a workplace burn injury, apartment fire, or car accident, you deserve justice. At Bourassa Law Group, our experienced burn injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims prove negligence and secure fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our law firm is committed to fighting for maximum compensation and helping you rebuild your life. Remember, giving up is never an option; help is always available.
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