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Martin+Colin, P.C.: New York’s Burn Injury Lawyers

Burns are among the most painful and traumatic injuries anyone can suffer. If you or a loved one has experienced a chemical burn in New York City due to a workplace/construction accident, dangerous property conditions, defective product, or medical malpractice, you are not alone, and you have powerful legal options.

The burn injury attorneys at Martin+Colin, P.C. understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that burn survivors face. Severe chemical burns can result in lasting pain and suffering, scarring, and disability. Our team will:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and liability of your injury,
  • Work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your damages,
  • Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and responsible parties, and
  • Go to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.

If you or someone you love suffered a chemical burn because of another’s carelessness or wrongdoing, contact our New York City burn injury attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation.

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    Burns from Workplace or Jobsite Accidents

    New York City’s vibrant workforce includes many industries where chemicals are used daily, from construction sites and factories to hospitals and cleaning services. Sadly, inadequate safety protocols, insufficient training, or employer negligence can expose workers to hazardous substances, leading to severe chemical burns. 

    If you suffered a chemical burn at work, you may be entitled to Workers’ compensation benefits for medical bills and lost wages, claims against third parties (such as equipment manufacturers), as well as additional compensation if your employer violated company policy, and/or gross negligence was involved. The dedicated burn injury attorneys at Martin+Colin, P.C. can investigate the causes of your accident and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

    How Construction Workers Suffer Burn Injuries in NYC

    Construction sites, in particular, are some of the most dangerous environments for burn-related accidents. Workers may be exposed to open flames, welding torches, or hot machinery surfaces. Electrical hazards also pose a serious risk; contact with exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or arc flashes can cause devastating electrocution burns that may damage tissue deep beneath the skin.

    In addition, many construction tasks involve solvents, adhesives, concrete cleaners, and other caustic chemicals that can quickly burn through protective gear if mishandled or improperly stored. Even routine cleaning solutions used on job sites may contain corrosive agents strong enough to cause lasting injury if they come into contact with skin or eyes.

    Fires and explosions are another risk in New York City’s dense construction zones. Gas leaks, flammable building materials, or improper handling of fuel tanks can lead to catastrophic burns that affect multiple workers at once. In these situations, liability may extend beyond the employer to subcontractors, property owners, or manufacturers of defective equipment.

    Martin+Colin, P.C. understands the complex challenges construction workers face when recovering from serious burns. Our attorneys are prepared to investigate unsafe jobsite conditions, consult with industry and safety experts, and pursue every available avenue of compensation to support your recovery.

    Chemical Burn Injuries from Medical Malpractice

    Healthcare providers and institutions must follow strict protocols when handling chemicals. Whether while administering treatments, sterilizing equipment, or conducting procedures, tragic chemical burns can occur whenever harsh chemicals are mishandled. 

    Chemical burn injuries can occur in a variety of medical settings. They can happen during surgery, wound treatment, or diagnostic care, when another member of the staff fails to properly label, store, or dilute chemical substances. Patients may also be exposed to caustic cleaning agents or medications that are contraindicated.

    If you sustained a chemical burn in a healthcare setting, you may be a victim of medical malpractice. Proving malpractice requires extensive legal and medical knowledge; our firm works with expert witnesses to build strong cases and pursue justice for patients harmed by preventable errors.

    Burn injury in New York City? Call Martin + Colin, P.C., a Westchester County burn injury Law Firm

    Wrongful Death from Burn Injury? Call Martin + Colin, P.C.  
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    If you have lost a loved one to a fatal burn injury, your wrongful death claim could be substantial. Compensation typically covers funeral and burial costs, outstanding medical expenses, and the loss of household income caused by your loved one’s passing. Survivors may also be entitled to damages for their emotional suffering.

    For a free consultation, reach out to the burn injury attorneys at Martin + Colin, P.C. at (914) 771-7711.

    Types of Compensation in Burn Injury Cases

    Burn injury cases can involve several types of compensation, designed to address both the financial and personal impact of the injury. The main categories are as follows:

    • Economic Damages, which cover tangible losses such as medical expenses (including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future healthcare needs), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity;

    • Non-Economic Damages, which compensate for intangible harms like physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement or scarring, and negative effects on relationships with a spouse or family members; and

    • Punitive Damages, which may be awarded when the burn injury is caused by especially reckless or intentional conduct, serve to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.

    Common Issues Resulting from Burn Injuries

    Burns can cause a wide range of injuries beyond the initial skin damage. The severity and nature of these injuries depend on the depth, size, and cause of the burn. Here are the most common injuries and complications associated with burn injuries:

    Skin Damage and Wound Complications

    First-degree burns typically cause redness, swelling, and pain as they damage the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Second-degree burns, which penetrate deeper, often result in painful blisters that may peel as they heal, and can also produce skin thickening, discoloration, appearing red, white, or patchy, and, if more severe, lead to scarring.

    The most serious, third-degree burns, extend through all layers of the skin and sometimes underlying tissues, creating areas that appear charred, leathery, waxy, or white; these injuries may be painless if nerve endings are destroyed and frequently require skin grafts for recovery.

    Scarring and Contractures

    Deep burns, particularly second- and third-degree injuries, frequently result in permanent scarring as the skin heals. When burns are severe, the healing process can also cause contractures, where the skin and underlying tissues tighten and shorten, potentially limiting mobility, especially if the injury is located near joints.

    Infection

    Open burn wounds are particularly vulnerable to bacterial infection, raising the risk of both local site infections and more widespread, systemic complications. In severe cases, these infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis or septic shock, a serious, life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.

    Breathing Problems

    Inhalation of smoke, steam, or chemical fumes can cause burns to the airway, leading to symptoms such as burned lips, mouth, coughing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and potentially swelling that can block the airway. When these injuries are severe, they can progress to respiratory failure, making emergency medical intervention necessary.

    Systemic Complications

    Major burns can lead to shock, which is characterized by pale, clammy skin, weakness, blue lips or fingernails, and reduced alertness, primarily due to significant fluid loss and tissue damage. Extensive burns may also cause hypovolemia, where fluid loss results in dangerously low blood volume, and hypothermia, as the loss of the skin’s protective barrier allows body heat to escape more easily. Additionally, burn injuries elevate the risk of tetanus, a serious bacterial infection that can affect the nerves and muscles.

    Disfigurement

    Severe burns to the face, hands, feet, or major joints may result in lasting physical limitations or deformities if not properly treated. This can affect the victim’s ability to earn a living, as well as their emotional health and self-image. Disfigurement is sometimes modifiable through cosmetic surgery; in severe cases, it is a lifelong condition.

    Choosing the Best Burn Injury Lawyer For Your Case
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    Selecting the right attorney for your burn injury case involves more than just searching “burn injury lawyer near me”. When choosing legal representation, it’s important to evaluate a law firm’s specific experience handling burn injury claims and workers’ compensation claims. Your attorney should have a deep understanding of burn injuries and the complex challenges these cases can present.

    New Yorkers have trusted the burn injury attorneys at Martin Colin, P.C. for decades; now let us help you. Call (914) 771-7711 for a free case evaluation.  

    Common Causes of Burn Injuries in New York

    New York burn injuries can occur for a variety of reasons. The NIH, AHRQ, and CDC  list several common causes, including but not limited to:

    • Motor vehicle fires
    • Contact with hot liquids or steam (scalds)
    • Contact with hot objects or surfaces
    • Fire and flames (including house fires and explosions)
    • Chemical exposure (caustic or corrosive substances)
    • Electrocution
    • Radiation (e.g., welding flash)
    • Friction (e.g., conveyor belts, machinery)

    Speak to a New York Burn Injury Lawyer: (914) 771-7711

    Common Types of Burn Injuries

    Chemical Burns

    Chemical burns are caused by exposure to harmful substances like acids or alkalis, which can eat away at the skin and deeper tissues. Symptoms may include pain, redness, blisters, and, in some cases, systemic effects depending on the chemical. Immediate rinsing and medical attention are crucial to limit further damage. These are common on job sites, restaurants, and chemical facilities, and are among the most common causes of fourth-degree burns (categorized as the most severe).

    Electrical Burns

    Electrical burns happen when electricity passes through the body, burning tissue both on the surface and deep inside. Even small surface wounds can hide significant internal injury to organs or nerves. Victims often require cardiac monitoring due to the risk of heart arrhythmias. These serious burns can occur anywhere, but are common in the trades and construction work. Electrical burns can occur after a lightning strike or arc flash event.

    Radiation Burns

    Radiation burns occur from exposure to ultraviolet light (like the sun) or other radiation sources, damaging skin cells and underlying tissues. Symptoms may range from mild redness to deep ulcerations with chronic or intense exposure. Sunburn and radiation therapy burns are common examples. While they may not present severely, radiation burns can accompany the other types of worker mistreatment and increase the victims’ likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.

    Friction Burns

    Friction burns result from skin rubbing against a rough surface, creating a combination of heat and abrasion injuries. These burns are common in sports or traffic accidents, such as “road rash” from falling off a bicycle or motorcycle. They can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring wound care or antibiotics. Friction burns can present in a shape that clearly indicates the surface that caused the injury.

    Burn Injuries in NYC: Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do I have to file a burn injury case in New York?

    New York’s statute of limitations generally allows three (3) years from the date of the incident to file a burn injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases under EPT § 5-4.1, surviving family members typically have two (2) years from the date of death to file a claim. If your case involves a government entity, you usually must file within fifteen months. Workers’ compensation claims must be submitted within two years of the injury and must be reported to your employer within 30 days.

    Burn injury victims are encouraged to protect their right to legal action by promptly calling the legal team at Martin+Colin P.C.: (914) 771-7711.

    If you suffered a burn injury at work in New York, report the injury to your employer right away (within 30 days), seek medical care, and file a workers’ compensation claim within two years. This claim can help cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you recover.

    Additionally, you may be able to bring a civil lawsuit against your employer if your burn was the result of their negligence. Liable parties may include:

    • General managers who failed to prevent hazardous conditions at their place of business
    • General contractors who were unable to protect people from burn risk
    • Electrical parts manufacturers who sold a faulty product, or products, that were found to be responsible for a fire
    • Property owners and/or managers who did not adequately protect workers and other business inhabitants from fire risk
    • The power company would be held liable if it failed to secure flammable materials or electrical sources.

    You have the right to handle your burn injury case on your own, but hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference, often leading to higher settlements and a quicker outcome. Burn injury claims are usually more complicated than they first appear.

    Our New York burn injury attorneys are committed to supporting you throughout the entire legal process. We start by thoroughly investigating your accident to gather key evidence that proves both responsibility and the extent of your losses.

    Once liability is established, we advocate for your interests during negotiations with insurance companies to ensure your claim is accurately valued. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to take your case to court to seek the compensation you deserve.

    If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, contact Martin+Colin, P.C. today at 914) 771-7711.

    Practice Areas

    • Car Accidents
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    • Construction Accidents
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    • Premise Liability
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    • Traumatic Brain Injury
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    • Trucking Accidents
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    • Rideshare Accidents
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