What to Expect in Burn Injury Cases in Illinois

 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you sustain a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled by Illinois laws to receive compensation. The at-fault party in a burn injury lawsuit is responsible for providing medical coverage and reimbursement for punitive damages. These cases are complex and challenging.  Understanding the variables that impact your case and working with a lawyer can help. This article explores the key factors you must consider during your personal injury lawsuit. 

Common Causes of Burn Injuries 

First and foremost, Illinois court only accepts personal injury claims if someone else’s negligence directly caused you or a family member to sustain severe burn injuries. 

Here are some common scenarios where victims are entitled to seek compensation:

• An electrician’s negligence led to a short circuit or electrical fire in your house. 

• You were burned during a workplace accident due to an electrical fire/chemical burn. 

• A product defect led to your burn injury. 

• You sustained burn injuries in a vehicular accident. 

• You were burned during a party or celebratory event because of the improper use of fireworks. 

Since every case is different, more than one person may be responsible for your injuries. It is important to find out whose recklessness and negligence led to the accident. 

Establishing Liability and Negligence

Determining who is liable to pay for compensation is a crucial aspect of a burn injury case. You must collect concrete evidence to prove that someone else’s wrongful actions led to the burn injuries. You can ask emergency respondents that arrived at the scene to help you gather official reports about the incident. 

Illinois courts have strict comparative negligence laws regarding personal injury cases, which means an injured party can be held responsible for contributing to the accident.

The comparative negligence law applies in cases where: 

• An injured worker violated company protocol by not wearing protective gear. 

• A customer did not follow the user manual correctly.

• An injured driver’s reckless driving, speeding, or substance use is also held responsible for the accident. 

Under these circumstances, you can qualify for compensation if you prove your fault is less than 50%. 

Calculating Compensation and Damages 

The most important factor is the severity of burn injuries. Some burns are minor, while others may cause permanent impairment, disability, and disfiguration. 

Like any other personal injury claim, seek medical treatment immediately. Medical professionals classify them by the victim’s age, percentage of total burned surface, burn degree, and symptoms. The diagnosis and follow-up treatments can help you assess compensatory fees. 

Aside from physical pain and emotional suffering, victims can ask for monetary relief for:

• Current and future medical treatment and rehabilitation needs. 

• Lost wages. 

• Coverage for property damages caused by an electrical fire/firework accident. 

Defendants may also pay a penalty for punitive damages that impacted their quality of life. 

Contact Lake County Burn Injury Lawyer 

No burn injury case is equal. The differences in your circumstances and severity of injury impact the legal process. Seeking legal counsel can allow you to navigate the complex judicial system confidently. Lawyers can guide you on the steps and the documentation needed to file a personal injury lawsuit for burns.  If you have any queries or concerns, please dial 847-662-3303 to contact Lake County burn injury attorneys from Salvi & Maher, L.L.C.

Sources

1. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-1116

2. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430795/#:~:text=%5B1%5D%5B2%5D%5B,specific%20body%20parts%20are%20involved.