Burn Injury Lawsuit: What to Do When Others Are Negligent
Suffering a burn injury can feel painful and traumatic, especially when someone’s negligence causes it. Whether a restaurant accident, a workplace mishap, or an incident at a social event leads to burns, you have legal options to seek compensation. At MidHudson Injury Law, we recently secured a $675,000 settlement for a client who sustained burns at a reception in a completely preventable accident. If you potentially have a burn injury lawsuit, here’s what you need to do.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Burn Injury
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Burn injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Even if the burn appears mild, underlying damage may be severe. Get medical help to assess the extent of the injury and start necessary treatment.
2. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos or videos of the location where the injury happened, including any hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident. Ask a trusted friend or bystander to document the scene if you cannot.
3. Identify Witnesses
If others saw the incident, gather their contact information. Their statements can help prove negligence later.
4. Report the Incident
Notify the responsible party or business where the injury occurred. If the accident happened at a venue, restaurant, or workplace, file a formal report.
5. Preserve Evidence
For a burn injury lawsuit you need to collect as much evidence as possible. If a specific object, chemical, or unsafe environment caused your burns, keep any related evidence. This evidence may include your clothing, defective products, or documentation of previous complaints about dangerous conditions.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
When negligence causes burns, the injured party can file a personal injury claim. A successful case often depends on:
✔️ Securing Video Evidence – In our recent case, obtaining video footage of the incident without filing a lawsuit proved critical in establishing liability. If surveillance footage exists, request a copy as soon as possible.
✔️ Building a Strong Case with Expert Testimony – Compiling a forensic reel highlighting negligence, safety violations, and poor judgment can significantly strengthen your claim.
✔️ Working with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer – Expertise is crucial in negotiating settlements and holding negligent parties accountable. Our team at MidHudson Injury Law has a strong track record of securing substantial compensation for burn victims.
Notable Burn Injury Case: Liebeck v. McDonald’s
One of the most well-known burn injury cases is Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants, commonly referred to as the “McDonald’s hot coffee case.” In 1994, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns after spilling McDonald’s coffee on her lap. The coffee served at an extremely high temperature of 180-190°F, caused severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment. Liebeck filed a lawsuit, and the jury awarded her $200,000 in compensatory damages (later reduced) and $2.7 million in punitive damages, ultimately lowered to $480,000 before being settled out of court. (Read more)
This burn injury lawsuit highlights the importance of legal action in holding negligent parties accountable and securing fair compensation for burn victims.
Financial Recovery Options
Burn injury victims may qualify for compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medication)
- Lost wages (if the injury prevents you from working)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
Let MidHudson Injury Law Fight for You
If you or a loved one sustained burns due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek burn injury legal help. Our legal team works tirelessly to secure justice and fair compensation for burn victims.
📞 Contact MidHudson Injury Law today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the path to recovery with expert burn injury legal help.