At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand that burn injuries can be life-altering, leading to severe pain, extensive medical treatment, and long-term consequences. Whether caused by workplace accidents, defective products, building fires, or another form of negligence, burn injuries can leave victims facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need a skilled Baltimore burn injury lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve.
With years of experience handling personal injury claims, we have helped burn victims across Maryland secure financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure that you receive the care and compensation necessary to rebuild your life.
Understanding Burn Injuries and Their Impact
Burn injuries range in severity from minor first-degree burns to catastrophic third-degree burns that require skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. The American Burn Association reports that approximately 450,000 burn injuries require medical attention in the U.S. each year.
In Maryland, severe burns can result from:
- House and apartment fires – Often caused by electrical failures, cooking accidents, or improperly maintained buildings.
- Workplace accidents – Industrial burns from chemicals, electrical malfunctions, or explosions are common in specific industries.
- Defective products – Faulty electrical appliances, malfunctioning water heaters, or poorly designed consumer products can cause severe burns.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Fuel-fed fires or explosions after crashes can lead to life-threatening injuries.
- Scalding injuries – Hot liquids, steam, or boiling water can cause second- and third-degree burns, particularly in children and elderly individuals.
A burn injury attorney in Baltimore can assess the cause of your injury and determine whether negligence played a role in your case.
What to Do After a Burn Injury in Baltimore
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe burn injury, taking the proper steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Even minor burns can lead to infections and complications. A doctor’s evaluation creates crucial medical records for your case.
- Document the injury – Take photos of the burns, the accident scene, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the injury.
- Gather witness statements – If anyone saw the accident, their testimony could support your case.
- Preserve evidence – Whether it’s a defective product, a workplace safety violation, or an unsafe building, preserving evidence is critical.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies – Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts. Let our Baltimore burn injury lawyers handle negotiations on your behalf.
Maryland Burn Injury Laws and Liability
Maryland law allows burn victims to seek compensation when their injuries result from another party’s negligence. In legal terms, negligence means that another individual or entity failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident and subsequent injuries.
To establish a successful claim, our legal team must prove the following:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligent actions or inaction.
- The breach directly caused your burn injury.
- You suffered damages, such as medical bills or lost wages, as a result.
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found to have contributed to your injury in any way, even slightly, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard underscores the importance of having an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer handle your case to ensure all evidence supports your claim.
Compensation for Burn Injury Victims in Baltimore
Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, from emergency care to reconstructive surgeries and physical therapy. Our firm fights for maximum compensation, which may include:
- Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, hospitalization, skin grafts, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity – If your injuries prevent you from working or impact your future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
- Disfigurement and scarring – Severe burns can cause permanent damage, leading to lifelong challenges.
- Home modifications and assistive devices – Some burn victims require modifications to their living spaces or specialized medical equipment.
We work with medical professionals, economic experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to calculate the full value of your claim and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Maryland
Maryland law imposes a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, burn injury victims have three years from the accident date to file a claim under the Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code § 5-101. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation.
Exceptions may apply in some instances, such as if the burn victim is a minor or if the injury is not immediately apparent. Consulting with an injury attorney in Baltimore as soon as possible ensures your case is filed within the legal timeframe.
Common Challenges in Burn Injury Claims
Burn injury claims can be complex and challenging due to the severity of injuries, high medical costs, and the legal hurdles in proving liability. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the unique challenges burn victims face when seeking compensation and work tirelessly to overcome them.
Proving Liability
One of the biggest challenges in a burn injury claim is proving who is responsible. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, such as a negligent property owner, an employer, a defective product manufacturer, or another individual whose reckless actions caused the injury.
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if the victim is found even slightly at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to have an experienced Baltimore burn injury lawyer build a strong case backed by solid evidence.
Assessing the Full Extent of Damages
Burn injuries often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial hardships. The medical costs can be substantial, especially if treatment involves skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the psychological trauma from disfigurement or permanent scarring can impact a victim’s quality of life. Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of these injuries or offer settlements that do not fully cover future expenses. We work with medical experts and financial analysts to assess the actual value of your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often seek ways to minimize payouts, delaying claims or disputing medical evidence. Without legal representation, victims may accept a low settlement offer. Our injury attorneys in Baltimore negotiate aggressively with insurers and, if necessary, take cases to court to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
As a dedicated Baltimore personal injury law firm, we have successfully represented burn injury victims in complex cases against negligent parties, corporations, landlords, and insurance companies. What sets us apart?
- Proven track record – Our results speak for themselves, with millions recovered for injury victims.
- Aggressive legal advocacy – We are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary.
- Personalized attention – We treat every client with compassion and care, guiding them through the legal process step by step.
- No fees unless we win – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
Contact a Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Baltimore, you deserve justice. The legal team at Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law is here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need for recovery.
Call us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward healing and financial security.
