KINGSTON BURN INJURY ATTORNEYS

Fighting For Burn Injury Victims in Ulster County

Burn injuries can be highly dangerous, as well as painful. After the immediate pain and suffering caused by the burn itself, sustaining burn injuries brings risk of infection and prospects of future surgeries. If you have been the victim of a burn injury as a result of the negligent acts of another person or corporation, Basch Keegan & Spada can help ensure you’re fully compensated for your medical expenses and suffering.

Complete our contact form or call (845) 251-4545 to schedule a free consultation with our burn injury lawyers in Kingston.

Understanding Burn Injuries

As you may know, burn severity is measured in degrees. First- and second-degree burns penetrate the first and second layers of skin, respectively. Third-degree burns — the most severe type of burn — penetrate all layers of skin, reaching the underlying tissues, musculature, or even bones. These types of burns pose the greatest risk of infection. Should a burn result in a bacterial infection, the body can go into sepsis and septic shock — a potentially lethal condition. Suffering a third-degree burn can result in the need for skin grafts to repair the losses in skin, cosmetic surgery, and rehabilitation to regain movement in the affected areas.

Burns that cover a greater amount of surface area on the body will lead to a greater inability for the body to regulate its own temperature. Burns on sensitive or delicate areas of the body — including the face, hands, or feet — may reduce sensation in those areas, as serious burns will destroy the nerve endings contained in the tissues.

Smoke Inhalation

Fires can cause both burns and serious smoke inhalation injuries. Breathing in hot smoke can injure the airways, lungs, and eyes. When a fire moves quickly or uses up the oxygen in a closed space, victims can suffer permanent brain damage from lack of oxygen, a condition called cerebral hypoxia.

Toxic gases present in smoke may also cause lasting respiratory issues. People in densely populated neighborhoods or older buildings, common in Kingston’s historic areas, face higher risks for long-term complications. Fast medical evaluation is key because smoke inhalation symptoms may not appear until hours later, and damage like lung scarring is sometimes permanent.

Malfunctioning Products

If a malfunctioning product causes burn injuries, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer for designing and selling a defective product. Documenting the incident and keeping the product or its remains can strengthen your claim.

Many products can pose burn and fire risks, especially if they malfunction or are poorly designed:

• Gas grills or stove-top ranges
• Car or truck fires
• Defective smoke alarms or fire extinguishers
• Defective industrial machinery

What Steps Should You Take After a Burn Injury?

Taking quick, informed action after a burn injury can protect your health and your legal rights. Seek immediate medical care for any burn, even if it appears minor, since some injuries worsen over time. Local hospitals like HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston provide crucial documentation for your condition, which can support any future claim. After addressing your health needs, document the incident thoroughly. Take photos of the injuries and the scene, keep records of faulty equipment or unsafe conditions, and write down any details while they are fresh.

Maintain a record of your medical treatment, follow-up appointments, and all related expenses. If your injury occurred at work or in a public place, notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor as soon as possible. Do not discuss fault or make detailed statements to insurance adjusters or other parties without learning about your rights, since these conversations could affect your ability to claim damages. Many people in Ulster County seek advice from personal injury lawyers who can provide guidance with complex cases. These steps can protect your health, your future, and your right to pursue compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if my burn injury happened at work?

Burn injuries at work may qualify for workers’ compensation, and in some cases, you may have an additional third-party claim if another party contributed to your injury. Review your options with a legal professional to understand the best course for your situation.

How long do burn injury cases typically take?

The timeline varies for each case. Factors like the complexity of the injury, available evidence, and negotiations with insurance companies can affect the duration. Many cases resolve in months, while others can take longer if they proceed to trial.

What types of damages can I recover for a burn injury in New York?

You may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes future care costs, depending on the details of your injury and how it impacts your life. Every case is unique, so possible compensation will depend on your circumstances.

Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyer in Kingston Today

If you’ve suffered a burn injury, make sure that the party responsible for your injury is forced to compensate you for your lost work, medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering — all brought about as a result of their negligent or reckless actions.

For a free consultation on your possible burn injury lawsuit, contact our Kingston burn injury attorney at Basch Keegan & Spada at (845) 251-4545.