California Burn Injury Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $0 MILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our California Burn Injury Lawyers Can Guide You Through Your Legal Options
Our California burn injury lawyers help victims seek compensation after serious accidents. Burn injuries are painful, slow to heal, and often leave scars or disfigurement. If you or a loved one has been hurt, call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
A personal injury claim begins with identifying how the burn happened and who may be legally responsible. Lawyers investigate the cause, whether it was a workplace accident, unsafe property, a defective product, or something else. This step is crucial to proving liability under California law.
Medical expenses are a major part of a claim. Burn survivors often need surgeries, skin grafts, and therapy, which create long-term costs. An injury lawyer aims to include these bills and future treatment needs in the damages claim.
Emotional harm is also recognized in personal injury cases. Anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress can affect daily life for years. Burn accident lawyers work to document these struggles so they are factored into the damages sought.
Lost income is another key element. Time away from work, reduced ability to perform duties, or permanent disability can change a person’s future. A claim may cover both past wages and reduced earning capacity.
Throughout the process, burn injury lawyers handle negotiations with insurers and, if necessary, take the case to court. This support allows clients to focus on recovery while their legal team pursues compensation. Arash Law attorneys in California are experienced in burn injuries. You can contact us online to talk about your case.
What Do Burn Injury Lawyers In California Do
Burn injury lawyers in California assist individuals in seeking compensation after serious accidents by investigating the cause, proving liability, and handling insurance claims. They guide clients through each stage of the process.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Investigating the Cause — Gathering fire reports, medical records, and witness statements to build the case.
- Determining Liability — Identifying negligent parties, unsafe property conditions, or defective products.
- Managing Insurance Companies — Negotiating with insurers to prevent unfair or low settlement offers.
- Calculating Damages — Reviewing medical bills, lost income, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering.
- Representing Clients in Court — Filing lawsuits and presenting evidence if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
By managing these steps, California burn injury lawyers may help you focus on your recovery while they handle the legal challenges.
Why Hire Our Burn Injury Lawyers
Choosing an experienced lawyer after a burn injury can help clarify and make the legal process less overwhelming. Our California burn injury lawyers provide personalized support, practical guidance, and access to resources that can strengthen your case.
Our approach includes:
- Knowledge of California Law — We understand state rules on personal injury, premises liability, workplace safety, and product defects that often apply in burn cases.
- Local Resources and Networks — Our team connects with medical experts, fire investigators, and specialists who can provide valuable testimony.
- Courtroom Experience — When settlement negotiations do not resolve the claim, we are prepared to present your case in California courts.
- Clear Communication — We keep clients informed at every stage, so you always know the status of your case and what to expect next.
Hiring a burn injury lawyer in California means having someone to manage insurers, safeguard your rights, and seek fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burn injury claims raise many questions about costs, compensation, and timelines. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns people have when considering a personal injury claim in California.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A California Burn Injury Attorney?
Most California burn injury attorneys do not charge upfront fees. They often work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront lawyer fees, and they only receive payment if they obtain compensation for their clients. However, certain case-related costs may apply regardless of the outcome. Your attorney can discuss it with you before moving forward with your case.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Burn Injury?
There is no set amount for burn injury settlements. The value depends on factors like the seriousness of the burn, medical treatment costs, time missed from work, and lasting effects such as scarring. Insurance limits and the strength of the evidence also play a role. A California burn injury attorney reviews these details to give you a clearer estimate.
How Is The Compensation For A Burn Injury Calculated?
Compensation is based on medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. It may also include non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, if applicable to the case. Lawyers consider future care needs, therapy, and any limits on earning capacity. Each case is unique, so the final amount is calculated based on your specific situation.
How Long Do You Have To Sue For A Burn Injury In California?
Typically, you have two years from the date of the burn to file a lawsuit in California. Claims against a government agency may have shorter deadlines, sometimes only six months. If you miss these limits, you may lose the chance to recover damages. Consulting with a burn injury lawyer in California as soon as possible helps protect your right to file a claim.
Should You File A Burn Injury Claim?
Burn injuries are complex and can affect every part of the body. It may take weeks or months to recover from a third-degree burn. You may have permanent scarring or a disability because of your burns. In these cases, your first step when trying to pursue compensation should be to identify the potential defendant(s), or the individuals who caused your injuries.
This may be the person who started the fire, your employer, a product manufacturer, or a driver who caused an accident. Any party that acted negligently, resulting in your burns, is a potential defendant. Once you identify the defendant, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them.
– Tina EshghiehManjarrez v. Global Paratransit (settled on 5/9/2019) – settlement involving a client who was struck by a vehicle and paralyzed from the waist down as a result. In addition to the $2.5 million workers’ compensation settled, Arash Law also obtained a $5,250,000 policy limit settlement on his behalf in the personal injury case.
Common Causes Of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury in the United States. According to the American Burn Association, there were 486,000 fire or burn injury ER visits between 2011 and 2015.
Between 2017 and 2019, residential building fires caused an estimated 2,770 civilian deaths each year, stemming from about 1,900 fatal incidents.
Statistics show that most burn injuries happen at home or work due to preventable accidents such as unattended cooking, dropped cigarettes, and children playing with lighters or matches. The primary causes of burn injuries include exposure to flames, scalding liquids, contact with hot objects, electrical sources, and chemicals.
Some instances arise from product defects or poor workmanship, such as faulty electrical wiring, which can ignite fires quickly when compromised in some way. Other contributions to these types of injuries around the home include the accidental ignition of flammable furnishings or clothing, HVAC and hot-water-heater failures, or other electrical appliance malfunctions, such as cell phone chargers.
Carelessness and a lack of safety precautions are often to blame for workplace accidents involving open flames and hazardous chemicals. Employees should always be mindful of wearing protective equipment in such environments as kitchens and workshops.
Motor vehicle fires are almost exclusively caused by defects or worn parts due to improper maintenance.
We all want our homes and businesses to be safe, but sometimes the people who are meant to keep them that way fail. The four most common causes of burn injuries include smoke inhalation, thermal contact, electrical equipment, and chemicals. In most instances, such fires start just because someone didn’t follow protocol or handle things correctly when there’s no emergency around them to cause such negligence.
Even more alarming is the elevated risk that Californians face due to wildfires, which not only affect homeowners (over 2 million) but also passersby. California officials rank an area’s wildfire risk as either moderate, high, or very high based on its fire history, vegetation, and topography. California is home to 58 counties, including Los Angeles County, in which a recent insurance study found more than 417,000 homes in harm’s way.
Fires continue to pose a serious threat across California. Preliminary data shows that there have been 29 wildfire-related fatalities in 2025, while 2018 remains the deadliest year on record, with 100 civilians and firefighters killed in wildfires statewide.
Proving Liability In Burn Injury Cases
To pursue compensation for a burn injury, you must show that another party’s actions or negligence caused the accident. Proving liability involves collecting evidence and applying California’s personal injury laws. A lawyer helps connect the facts of your case to the legal standards required in court or settlement negotiations.
Several types of liability may apply:
- Negligence — A person or business failed to act with reasonable care, such as a landlord ignoring fire hazards or an employer not providing safety equipment.
- Premises Liability — A property owner failed to maintain their building’s safety, resulting in burns from faulty wiring, gas leaks, or unsafe conditions.
- Product Liability — A defective product, like a faulty heater or appliance, caused the fire or burn. Manufacturers and distributors can face liability.
- Workplace Liability — Employers may be held accountable if an injury occurs on the job due to unsafe practices or a lack of protective gear.
Evidence is key in proving liability. Fire reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony can support a claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost, making it easier to build a solid case.
Deadlines For Filing A Burn Injury Lawsuit
California law sets a strict deadline for filing burn injury lawsuits. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim in civil court. If the claim involves a government agency, the deadline is much shorter, often only six months from the incident.
Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. That is why it is important to act quickly after a burn injury. A lawyer can assist you in submitting documents correctly and on time, protecting your right to pursue damages.
Because every case is different, it is advisable to get legal guidance early. This helps ensure you do not encounter unexpected deadlines and gives your attorney more time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
California Burn Injury Statistics
The number of burn injuries in Southern California is a serious concern. Every year, thousands suffer from house fires and other accidents that lead to these burns across America. The majority of fires that kill or injure children around the country are residential fires. Most children ages four and younger hospitalized for burn-related injuries suffer from scald burns (65%) or contact burns (20%). Fires kill about 500 children ages 14 and under each year.
According to the American Burn Association:
- The lifetime odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames, or smoke are 1 in 1,498.
- In 2011-2015, 9 out of 10 people seen in emergency departments for fire or burn injuries were treated and released (91% treated and released, 2% with the disposition of observed/left AMA/unknown, 7% were hospitalized or transferred).
- Males are more likely to be burned than females (58% males and 42% females were seen at a burn unit).
- Most burn injuries treated in burn centers occur in the home (73%), followed by work (8%).
- Children and the disabled are especially vulnerable to burn injuries. Almost one-quarter (24%) of burn injuries occur in children under 15.
- Unintentional fire or burn injuries were the 5th leading cause of injury deaths in the United States in 2015 for children ages 1 to 4, the 3rd for those ages 5 to 9, and the 8th leading cause of death for those >65.
- From 2011 to 2015, children under five were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to suffer burn injuries that require emergency medical treatment.
- Young adults ages 20 to 29 have a probability of burn injury that is roughly 1.5 times the general population’s risk.
- Approximately 96.7% of patients treated in burn centers survive. Unfortunately, many survivors will sustain serious scarring, lifelong physical disabilities, and adjustment difficulties.
The year 2000 was a particularly challenging year for individuals injured by fires. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one person died in an American fire every two hours during this period. And these numbers don’t consider other forms of trauma sustained inside buildings consumed with flames, like being beaten against furniture because you couldn’t escape fast enough.
The High Price Of Burn Injury Care
It is a risky gamble to let your burns heal without the proper medical care. The cost of burn treatment can quickly add up, especially when you don’t have insurance that covers it all. It’s more than just basic bandages and creams, with an annual expenditure of $10 billion. In addition, burn victims may need additional treatments such as infection control, skin grafting, or plastic surgery to correct a wide array of disfigurements. Here are the common damages in burn injury cases:
- Medical Costs — Burn injuries often necessitate extensive medical care, including hospitalization, surgery, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment, resulting in substantial financial burdens.
- Lost Income — Victims may lose income due to time away from work and face challenges in returning to their previous jobs or regaining their earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering — Compensation for pain and suffering addresses physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement — These effects can significantly impact social interactions, relationships, and self-esteem, potentially requiring additional compensation.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses — This includes additional costs such as home modifications, hiring assistance, transportation for medical appointments, or purchasing specialized equipment required for rehabilitation.
California burn victims can face an exhaustive and painful road to physical, emotional, and mental recovery, but the financial aspect can be just as devastating. Burn injuries can leave you unable to work for years and limit your mobility, which affects everyday activities, like going upstairs or bending over at the waist.
After suffering severe burn injuries, we understand that people may need help with medical bills, finding doctors who can accommodate their unique treatment needs, recovering lost wages or compensation for job loss, and possibly obtaining home health care as well if needed upon discharge from hospitalization/rehabilitation facilities.
Different Types Of Burn Injuries & How They Are Graded
A burn is a type of injury caused by damage to the skin from excessive heat or other injuries. The heat source can result from thermal, electrical, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. Most burn accidents happen at home. About 75% of all burn injuries in children are preventable.
Smoking and open flames are the leading causes of burn injury for older adults. Scalding is the leading cause of burn injury for young children. Both infants and older adults are at the greatest risk for burn injury. A burn injury often results from an energy transfer to the body and is one of the most common household injuries, especially among children.
The term “burn” means more than the burning sensation associated with this injury. Burns are characterized by severe skin damage that causes the affected skin cells to die. Most people can recover from burns without serious health consequences, depending on the cause and degree of injury. More serious burns require immediate emergency medical care to prevent complications and death.
Burn Types
- Thermal Burns — These burns are due to external heat sources that raise the temperature of the skin and tissues. These burns also cause tissue cell death or black charring. When coming in contact with the skin, hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames can cause thermal burns.
- Radiation Burns — These burns are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun and also caused by exposure to other sources of radiation, such as therapeutic cancer treatments or nuclear power plant leaks.
- Chemical Burns — These burns are caused by strong acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents coming into contact with the skin or eyes.
- Electrical Burns — These burns are caused by electrical current, whether alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
- Friction Burns — These burns are caused by direct damage to the cells resulting from the heat generated by friction. Examples include children falling on or touching a treadmill in motion or a rope burn from a rope sliding through the hands.
Burn Severity
There are three primary levels of burn severity measurements: first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Each degree is based on the severity of skin damage, with first-degree being the least severe and third-degree being the most severe. Damage includes:
- First-Degree Burns — red, non-blistered skin.
- Second-Degree Burns — blisters and some thickening of the skin.
- Third-Degree Burns — widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance.
There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn includes all of a third-degree burn’s symptoms and extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones. Such injuries are usually caused by exposure to extreme conditions, such as a nuclear explosion or volcanic eruption.
The type of burn is not based on the cause of it. For example, scalding can cause all three degrees of burns, depending on the temperature of the liquid and the duration of contact with the skin. Chemical and electrical burns require immediate medical attention because they can affect the internal organs, even if the skin damage is minor.
After any burn, research your legal options for remedy. If you think someone else’s negligence is the cause of your burn injury, you may be able to seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages.
Complications From Burn Injuries
The effects of a burn are far-reaching and can lead to serious complications if not treated properly or promptly. For example, the scarring on one’s face may prevent them from working in some cases, which may contribute to lowered self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
In addition to mental or emotional scarring, physical side effects of serious or widespread burns could lead to lifelong problems such as:
- Bacterial infection, which may lead to bloodstream infection (sepsis).
- Fluid loss, including low blood volume (hypovolemia).
- Dangerously low body temperature (hypothermia).
- Respiratory problems from the intake of hot air or smoke.
- Scars or ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).
- Bone and joint problems, such as when scar tissue causes the shortening and tightening of skin, muscles, or tendons (contractures).
- Contractures are areas of scar tissue that can tighten over time, leading to restricted movement and pain.
- Compromised immune systems are often the result of specific organ damage and infections that can have a permanent impact on the immune system.
When To See A Doctor
Any burn injury should be taken seriously, but some require immediate professional medical treatment more so than others. You should seek emergency medical assistance for any of the following:
- Burns that cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, a major joint, or a large area of the body.
- Deep burns, which means burns affecting all layers of the skin or even deeper tissues or bone.
- Burns that cause the skin to look leathery.
- Burns that appear charred or have patches of black, brown, or white.
- Burns caused by chemicals or electricity.
- Difficulty breathing or burns to the airway.
It is recommended to take basic first-aid measures to treat burn injuries while waiting for emergency assistance.
Why You May Need A California Burn Injury Lawyer
The impact of a burn injury can be devastating and sometimes permanent, even if it is relatively minor. These effects can range from severe pain to losses in quality of life and extreme emotional trauma. As a result, the aftermath of a burn injury can put a huge strain on victims, families, and finances. The good news is that you might not have to shoulder that burden alone.
Suppose you or a loved one suffered a burn injury in California caused by the negligence of another person or company. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim against them. Our California burn injury attorneys can help by providing you with a free, no-hassle initial consultation designed to give you the guidance that you need to determine how much you can pursue if you file a burn injury claim.
Our Burn Injury Lawyers In California Can Support You
Arash Law’s California burn injury lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are committed to helping you pursue compensation for your burn injuries. As a law firm dedicated to serving individuals who have suffered accidents throughout California, we can provide guidance on how to pursue compensation for your damages.
Our team can help you file a claim for just compensation for your injuries, based on the facts of your case. If you are not sure whether you have a valid burn injury claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. We can assess your case to help you understand your possible legal options. You can also call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
