Few experiences are worse than being severely burned or losing a family member to a fatal burn injury. For most victims, such an incident results in physical, emotional, and financial setbacks that can have a devastating, lifelong impact.
If you sustained burn injuries that resulted from another party’s actions or inaction, you can count on us to help you move forward and rebuild. We can help you through these tough times by offering our sincere support in addition to our unparalleled legal expertise.
For over 30 years, we have helped thousands of Ohioans secure maximum recovery. We want you to know that when everything is on the line, our Canton burn injury attorneys are here for you. We welcome you to contact our office to arrange a complimentary case review. We will discuss the many aspects of your accident and go over the options available to help you secure the largest recovery possible.
Burn Injuries in the United States
According to the American Burn Association, nearly 94% of burn victims survive their injuries. Other burn injury statistics include:
- Nearly half of a million Americans receive treatment for burn injuries each year.
- Approximately 40% of victims experience burns over 10% of their body.
- Nearly 30% of all fire-related deaths result from direct contact with flames.
- Approximately two-thirds of burn victims are left with permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Nearly 75% of all burn injuries take place at home.
- 68% of burn victims are male and 32% are female.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result in minor wounds that heal within a matter of days. But on the other end of the spectrum, these injuries can be catastrophic and leave victims with permanent disability and disfigurement. The extent of the wounds depends greatly on the cause of the injury itself. Common types of burn injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Bonfires or fire pits
- Damaged or exposed electrical wiring
- Exposure to chemicals, such as acid, bleach, cleaning supplies, and lye
- Malfunctioning or poorly designed products
- Hot liquids, such as coffee, tea, soup, and hot tap water
- Poorly maintained or improperly used commercial equipment
- Grills, gas stoves, kerosene heaters
- Hazardous conditions (premises liability)
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Radiation exposure from defective medical or tanning equipment
Securing Damages in a Canton Burn Injury Case
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may be able to receive significant compensation for your losses by filing a burn injury or wrongful death claim. Although the nature and extent of a victim’s damages vary in each case, the following is a list of damages that may be available to you.
- Medical costs (both past and future)
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Costs for in-home or residential care
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property loss or replacement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages
Maximizing Your Compensation
Our legal team has a reputation for maximizing our client’s compensation. We take a detailed look at the extent of your injuries, your past and future medical needs, the psychological toll your injuries have caused, and how your burn injuries will impact your physical, emotional, and financial future. We take the time and effort to assess every aspect of your case so no potential opportunities for compensation are overlooked.
Ohio Statute of Limitations
In a burn injury case, you only have a certain amount of time to recover damages from the at-fault party. In Ohio, you are allowed two years from the date of the injury to commence legal action. Failing to act within those two years will likely deny you the right to pursue compensation. For this reason, we urge you to act quickly and get in contact with our skilled team of burn injury lawyers in Canton, Ohio.
What to Do – And Not to Do After a Burn Injury
Burns can occur in a split second yet result in life-long consequences. Immediately following a burn accident, you might be in complete shock and considerable pain. There are, however, some steps you can take to treat your injuries and prevent further damage. Below are things the World Health Organization recommends you should do – and not do following a burn injury accident.
What to Do
- Roll on the ground, apply a blanket, or douse the flames with water or fire-retardant liquids
- Make sure the area is safe by switching off the electricity or removing the burn source
- Remove clothing and wash the affected area to stop the burning process
- Put the wound under a stream of cold water to reduce the temperature of the burn area
- Wrap yourself or the burn victim in a clean sheet or cloth and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
What Not to Do
- Do not tend to the burn victim unless the area is safe
- Never apply ice to the burn, as it will deepen the injury.
- Do not apply oil, past, or raw cotton to the wound
- Avoid the prolonged application of cool water as it can lead to hypothermia
- Do not put anything, such as topical medication or dressing, directly on the wound until you or the victim have received the appropriate medical care
Our Canton Burn Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help
The dedicated team of attorneys at Slater & Zurz have helped victims of burn injuries in Canton, Ohio, obtain a full and fair recovery for their losses. Should you choose our firm to represent you in your burn injury case, you can count on receiving the highest level of legal representation and our support and guidance throughout the entire legal process – and after your case is resolved.
We treat our clients like family and fight aggressively to represent their best interests in and out of court. We highly value communication and ensure we are readily available to answer your questions and keep you updated with any developments in your case. We utilize all of our professional and financial resources to build a compelling case and compile an abundance of evidence that proves who and what is responsible for your injuries and the true source and amount of your damages. With so much on the line, you need a legal team who will fight for your rights and stop at nothing to secure justice – you need Slater & Zurz.
Experienced and Dedicated Burn Injury Lawyers in Canton, Ohio
Our Canton personal injury lawyers have seen first-hand the devastating impact burn injuries can cause. We know the struggles you and your family face during the healing process, both physically and financially. That is why we fight so hard to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
At Slater & Zurz, we are continually guided by our desire to help injured victims during the aftermath of their accidents. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and go after those who are responsible for serious wrongdoing. We are known as one of Ohio’s premier personal injury law firms because of our steadfast commitment to our clients and our refusal to back down from fighting to secure the compensation they so rightfully deserve. Let us put our extensive skills and unparalleled diligence to work for you. Contact us to arrange your FREE, no-obligation case review to learn more about your legal options following a burn injury. You can reach our Canton, Ohio, burn injury law firm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling (330) 968-2547 or filling out our simple online form.
It depends. Your landlord might be liable for your burn injuries and associated losses in certain situations. Landlords are often responsible for an injured victim’s damages when they fail to :
- Install smoke alarms
- Keep escape routes clear
- Maintain fire escapes
- Install fireproof doors
- Ensure electrical wiring is safe