If I Was Burned in an Accident, Can I Sue in Illinois?

 Posted on September 05, 2024 in Personal Injury

Burns can cause extensive damage, excruciating pain, and permanent scarring. While many burns result from a person’s own carelessness, others happen due to someone else’s negligence.

Can you sue for compensation for your burn injury and related losses? How do you know if you qualify to pursue a personal injury claim? Call Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. now for your free consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys so we can give you case-specific information and tell you how we can help.

What Kinds of Accidents Frequently Cause Burns?

Accidents happen daily in Illinois, producing a wide variety of injuries. Burns can result from:

• Car accidents

• Truck collisions

• Construction accidents

• Motorcycle crashes

• Fires in leased residences, offices, and retail stores

• Explosions

• Bonfires and fire pits

• Exposure to chemicals

If you are burned due to these or other causes, you may qualify to obtain compensation. However, various laws govern your eligibility.

How Do You Know If You Can Collect a Settlement?

Negligence is the cornerstone for most personal injury claims. Whether your accident involved vehicles, your workplace, or premises owned by someone else, there are specific criteria you must meet in each circumstance to prove negligence:

• Someone owed you a duty of care.

• That party failed to provide the duty of care.

• The failure directly caused your injuries.

• You suffered financial and other qualifying losses as a result of your injuries.

Although the specifics of a party’s duty differs slightly depending on the situation, your lawyer from Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will investigate your burn accident and gather evidence to support your claim.

Another determining factor in these cases is your own degree of responsibility for causing your injuries. In Illinois, you can receive a settlement if you are less than 51 percent at fault. However, the amount of your payout is reduced accordingly. For example, if you are 15 percent at fault, the most compensation you can obtain is 85 percent of your damages. If you are more than 51 percent to blame, you typically cannot get a payout.

How Much Will My Settlement Be?

Every situation is different, so Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. cannot give you a specific amount until we evaluate your unique circumstances. Burn severity ranges from first-degree to fourth-degree, with the level of damage you suffer being progressively worse. The most severe burns will likely require the most medical treatment and recovery time, and the impact on your life will probably be greater, as well.

When we calculate your damages, we will consider reimbursement or compensation for losses including:

• Medical bills

• Ongoing care

• Lost wages

• Property damage

• Permanent scarring or disability

• Home renovations required to accommodate a new disability

• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD

• Losing the ability to enjoy life

• Pain and suffering

Our goal is to help you get the highest possible amount of compensation.

Call Today To Speak With Our Dedicated Aurora, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

Burn injuries are among the worst you can experience. If someone else is responsible, you deserve compensation. Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will stand firm, protecting your best interests and providing the support you need. Call us at 630-907-0909 now for your free consultation with one of our award-winning Kane County, IL car accident attorneys.