Burn Injury

Chicago Burn Injury Lawyers

Severe burns are one of the most painful injuries a person can experience. In extreme cases, the burn itself is not painful, but rather the recovery — excision and debridement, skin grafts, therapy, contractures, etc.. Severe burns result in total body shock to a person’s system, and even in the event of recovery, a person may be left with substantial physical and emotional impairment.

When serious burn injuries are caused by the unsafe conduct of another individual or company, Passen Powell Jenkins is there to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and that our clients are compensated to the fullest extent available under the law.

Passen Powell Jenkins has substantial experience in cases involving severe burn injury. In fact, the firm has created an entire websitededicated to burn injury information, treatment and advocacy.

Burn Injury Classification

Burn injuries are classified according to severity:

First Degree:

• Involves only the epidermis, the outer layer of skin
• Skin usually red and painful
• Healing in approximately 3-5 days

Second Degree:

• Involves the epidermis and dermis (internal layer of skin)
• Can be classified as partial thickness or full thickness
• Full thickness burns will require skin grafting
• Extremely painful
• Recovery may take weeks to months

Third Degree:

• All skin layers destroyed, including into the subcutaneous tissue
• Little to no pain (because all nerves are destroyed)
• Skin grafting necessary
• Permanent scarring and disability

Common Causes of Severe Burn Injury

Each year, over 450,000 people require medical treatment for burn injuries. The majority of those are caused in household fires. Other common causes of burn injuries, of which Passen Powell Jenkins has experience, include:

• Ignition of flammable vapors from unsafe products;
• Explosion of industrial tankers or household propane tanks;
• Vehicle fires;

For a more in-depth discussion of burn injury causation, treatment, prevention and advocacy, see our Burn Injury Firm website.

To speak with one of our burn injury attorneys regarding a potential case, call us at 312-527-4500 for a free consultation.