Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyer

When you or a loved one suffers burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. A skilled Baltimore burn injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our experienced attorneys have been serving burn injury victims throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area for over 50 years, providing the aggressive representation and personal attention that complex burn cases demand.

Burn injuries are among the most devastating types of personal injuries, often requiring extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Our firm understands the unique challenges that burn victims face, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions while securing maximum compensation for our clients’ losses.

Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified into different degrees based on their severity and the depth of tissue damage. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin and typically heal within a week. Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin layers and can cause blistering, scarring, and permanent discoloration. Third-degree burns are the most severe, destroying all layers of skin and potentially affecting underlying tissues, muscles, and bones.

According to the most recent available data from the American Burn Association, approximately 486,000 burn injuries receive medical treatment each year in the United States. Of these, roughly 40,000 require hospitalization, with many victims requiring specialized care at dedicated burn centers. The Johns Hopkins Burn Center, located right here in Baltimore, is one of the premier facilities treating severe burn cases throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.

The long-term implications of burn injuries often extend far beyond the initial trauma. Victims may face years of reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. The scarring and disfigurement that frequently accompany serious burns can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, career prospects, and relationships. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to ensure that all current and future needs are accounted for in your claim.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Baltimore

Burn injuries can occur in various settings throughout Baltimore, from residential neighborhoods in Federal Hill and Fells Point to industrial areas near the Inner Harbor. Workplace burns are particularly common in Baltimore’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, often involving exposure to hot liquids, steam, chemicals, or electrical sources. Construction sites around the city, including ongoing development projects near Camden Yards and the Port of Baltimore, can also present burn hazards from welding accidents, electrical malfunctions, and chemical exposures.

Vehicle accidents on major Baltimore thoroughfares like I-95, I-695, and Route 40 can result in severe burn injuries when fuel ignites or vehicles catch fire. Defective products, including appliances, space heaters, and electronic devices, can cause burns in homes throughout Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding areas. Additionally, apartment fires and building explosions in densely populated areas can lead to catastrophic burn injuries affecting multiple victims.

Premises liability cases involving burns often arise from inadequate safety measures at restaurants, hotels, and commercial properties. Hot water scalds, kitchen accidents, and faulty heating systems can all result in serious injuries when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions or provide adequate warnings about potential hazards.

Building Your Burn Injury Case

Successfully pursuing a burn injury claim requires thorough investigation and meticulous preparation. Our attorneys begin by securing all relevant medical records and working with treating physicians to document the full extent of your injuries. We collaborate with burn specialists, plastic surgeons, and other medical professionals to establish a comprehensive treatment plan and prognosis for your recovery.

Proving liability in burn injury cases often involves complex technical evidence. We work with fire investigation experts, product liability specialists, and safety engineers to determine exactly how your accident occurred and who should be held responsible. This may include analyzing workplace safety protocols, examining defective products, or investigating property maintenance records.

The economic damages in burn injury cases can be substantial, encompassing immediate medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are equally important components of your claim. Our firm’s track record includes significant settlements and verdicts for injured clients, including a $2,500,000 wrongful death settlement and a $2,000,000 negligent security case.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize burn injury claims, arguing that injuries are less severe than claimed or that pre-existing conditions contributed to the damages. Our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if necessary, utilizing our superior courtroom skills to present compelling evidence and advocate aggressively for your rights.

Baltimore Burn Injury FAQs

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Maryland?

Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What types of compensation are available in burn injury cases?

Compensation may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my burn injury?

Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which can be strict compared to other states. However, there may still be options available depending on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal options.

How much will it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options.

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury?

Seek immediate medical attention, document the accident scene if possible, preserve any evidence, report the incident to appropriate authorities or employers, and contact an experienced burn injury attorney to protect your legal rights.

How are burn injury settlements typically structured?

Settlements may be structured as lump sum payments or structured settlements providing periodic payments over time. The best approach depends on your individual circumstances, including your age, ongoing medical needs, and financial situation.

What makes burn injury cases different from other personal injury claims?

Burn injury cases often involve complex medical issues, extensive ongoing treatment, significant scarring and disfigurement, and higher damage awards. They frequently require specialized medical experts and may involve multiple liable parties, making experienced legal representation particularly important.

Serving Throughout Baltimore

• Federal Hill
• Fells Point
• Canton
• Inner Harbor
• Mount Vernon
• Roland Park
• Hampden
• Charles Village
• Bolton Hill
• Locust Point

Contact a Baltimore Burn Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced burn injury attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP, are ready to provide the aggressive representation and personal attention your case deserves. With two generations of the Iamele family protecting Maryland citizens’ rights for over 50 years, we have the knowledge, resources, and trial experience necessary to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact our firm today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with your life.