Burn Injury Lawyer

Seriously burned in a crash, fire, explosion or by a defective product? Severe burns can require years of surgery and care. We hold the responsible companies accountable and pursue compensation for a lifetime of needs.

On this page: Causes · Types of burns · Who is responsible · Full cost · Evidence · Deadlines and fees · FAQ

Severe burns are among the most painful and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. Treatment can involve months of wound care, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery and therapy, and many survivors live with permanent scarring, loss of function, chronic pain and emotional trauma. When a burn was caused by someone else’s negligence or a defective product, California law allows the injured person to recover the full cost of a lifetime of care. Smith Trial Group represents burn victims and their families throughout Southern California.

Common Causes of Serious Burn Injuries

• Vehicle crashes and fires, including fuel system failures and electric vehicle battery fires. See vehicle defects and truck accidents.
• Lithium-ion battery fires from e-bikes, scooters, phones, vapes and other devices.
• Gas leaks and explosions at homes, apartments, restaurants and commercial buildings.
• Electrical injuries from exposed wiring, power lines and faulty equipment.
• Apartment and building fires caused by missing smoke alarms, blocked exits or code violations.
• Workplace and construction accidents involving chemicals, explosions and electrical hazards. See construction accidents.
• Scalding and chemical burns, including from defective appliances and products.

Types and Severity of Burns

• Superficial (first-degree) burns affect the outer layer of skin.
• Partial-thickness (second-degree) burns damage deeper layers and often blister and scar.
• Full-thickness (third-degree) burns destroy the skin and often require skin grafts.
• Fourth-degree burns extend into muscle and bone and can lead to amputation.

Burns covering a large part of the body, or affecting the face, hands, feet, joints or genitals, are especially serious. Inhalation injuries from smoke and toxic gases can cause lasting lung damage.

Who Can Be Responsible

Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include a negligent driver or trucking company, a landlord or property owner who ignored fire safety codes, a utility or gas company, a contractor, an employer’s subcontractors, or the manufacturer and seller of a defective product. California applies strict liability to defective products, so an injured person generally does not need to prove the manufacturer was careless. See defective products.

The Full Cost of a Burn Injury

Burn cases require careful documentation of future needs, often with the help of burn specialists, plastic surgeons, life care planners and economists. Compensation can include:

• Emergency treatment, burn unit care, surgeries and skin grafts.
• Future reconstructive and scar revision surgeries.
• Physical and occupational therapy, and psychological care for trauma.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain, suffering, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

Preserving Evidence

Fire scenes are often cleaned up or demolished quickly, and burned products are thrown away. Keep any device, battery, charger or appliance involved, take photographs, and contact a lawyer so that fire investigators can examine the scene and the evidence before it is lost.

Deadlines and Fees

Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years. If a public entity is involved, such as a city-owned building or public utility, a government claim generally must be filed within six months. We handle burn injury cases on contingency and advance the costs of experts, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation. See also catastrophic injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for a burn injury?

It depends on the cause. A negligent driver, property owner, landlord, contractor, utility company or the manufacturer of a defective product may be responsible.

Can I sue if a battery or device caught fire?

Yes. California applies strict liability to defective products, so the manufacturer and seller of a defective battery, charger or device can be responsible for the injuries it causes.

What is a burn injury case worth?

It depends on the severity and location of the burns, the need for future surgeries and care, scarring, lost income and the available insurance. Severe burn cases often require expert testimony about lifetime care costs.

What if I was burned at work?

Workers’ compensation usually covers injuries at work, but you may also have a claim against a third party, such as an equipment manufacturer, contractor or property owner.

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim?

Generally two years. If a public entity is involved, a government claim generally must be filed within six months.

What does it cost to hire you?

Nothing up front. We work on contingency and advance case costs.