Vancouver, WA Burn Injury Lawyers
Helping burn victims and families in Washington and Oregon
Burn injuries are beyond horrible. They cause searing and unbearable pain if they’re anything more than a first-degree burn. Victims often are left with unsightly scars and disfigurement, which can require extensive plastic surgery. And those that suffer third-degree burns are typically never the same.
The experienced Vancouver, WA burn injury lawyers at Philbrook Law Office, PS, are respected for their strong track record of success in representing anyone who suffers injuries through negligence or product defects. We work with fire professionals, product safety experts, and others to determine the cause of a fire – and what steps should have been taken to protect you and anyone who died from burn injuries.
We demand compensation from responsible defendants for your emergency medical treatment at ERs or burn centers – and all necessary surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitative care. We also fight aggressively to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering and lost income. In many cases, we are able to settle your case for all that you are entitled to.
Statistics on deadly fires in the United States
According to the US Fire Administration, in 2018:
- There were 1,318,500 fires
- 3,655 people died due to fires
- 15,200 people were injured due to fires
Broken down into property types, these fires occurred as follows:
- 30.0% Residential
- 9.0% Nonresidential
- 14.8% Vehicle
- 40.6% Outside
- 5.5% Other
Some of the leading causes of residential fires during that year were cooking, heating, and electrical malfunctions.
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What are the four categories of burns?
Burns are classified according to their severity:
- First-degree burns. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn. It’s generally a manageable burn which causes redness and swelling. The burn occurs on the first layer of the epidermis.
- Second-degree. This level of burn causes skin blisters and penetrates into the underlying layer of the epidermis.
- Third-degree. Third-degree burns often appear black and leathery – because all layers of the skin and underlying tissue are affected.
- Fourth-degree. Fourth degree burns are often fatal. The burns go deep down into the bones.
The more serious the burn, the more likely surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation are required.
What symptoms and side effects are associated with serious burn injuries?
First-degree burns normally just need some first-aid at home. Second-degree burns usually require medical care – in large part to avoid infections. Some second-degree burns may need a skin graft and medications. Third-degree burns can be dangerous for many reasons, including:
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What types of incidents cause burn deaths and burn injuries?
The risks of fires in homes, industries, and structures across Washington are fairly well-known. That’s why there are building code laws, federal regulations, and other rules that property owners, restaurants, hotels, and industry sectors are supposed to follow. At Philbrook Law Office, we fight passionately to protect clients who are hurt because of:
- Structure fires. Businesses and homes go up in flames for many reasons due to negligence, defective smoke alarms, fire emergency failures, and appliances that are defectives. Ovens, grills, space heaters, and stoves are just some of the reasons fires start and burn out of control.
- Vehicle fires. If a car catches fire because it overturns due to a collision, or due to any type of negligence, the driver should be held liable. If the driver is liable, then the owners of the car (if different from the driver) are usually also liable. If a truck crashes, then the owners, a shipping company, a broker, or other businesses may also be liable.
- Defective products. Flammable clothing regularly sends adults and children to the ER. Batteries, vaping devices, and other products can ignite. If fuel lines don’t work properly, a car or truck could ignite if there’s any type of impact. When products and instructions are defective, you will likely have a product liability claim.
- Scalding liquids and steam burns. Boiling water, inefficient radiators, hot water heater spills, and other intense heat from liquids can cause second, third, and fourth-degree burns.
- Toxic, caustic chemicals. In the home, exposure to household cleaners, lawn care, and other products can cause chemical burns if the products penetrate the skin. Industry and construction sites often use hazardous chemicals that can cause fatal or catastrophic burns.
- Construction/industrial sites. Non-employees, including contractors, can file a personal injury claim against the owners and supervisors for any type of negligence on a site that causes thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation burns. Employees are generally required to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Contact a WA lawyer if you are injured or a loved one died due to a burn accident
At Philbrook Law Office, our Vancouver, WA burn injury doctors work with premier burn injury doctors and plastic surgeons who can fully document just how serious and life-altering your burn injuries are. We filed wrongful death claims and personal injury claims against all responsible parties. For 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of clients obtain strong results.
To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA, please call 360-695-3309 or fill out our contact form. We also serve the greater Portland area and Oregon State. We represent burn injury victims on a contingency fee basis.