Burn Injury Lawyers in Edmonton

SIDHU LAWYERS, EDMONTON PERSONAL INJURY

There are around 45,000 burn injuries occur in Canada each year, with roughly 2,000 cases requiring hospitalization. Burns can result from various causes, including fire, chemicals, electricity, and hot liquids, ranging from mild first-degree to severe third-degree that affect deeper tissues.

If you or a family member has suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to speak with a burn injury lawyer in Edmonton. Personal injury lawyers help pursue the compensation you deserve for your pain, serious burns, and long-term care, especially if you sustain permanent damage.

Don’t face this difficult journey alone; you can depend on Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton. Our burn injury lawyers are here to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. 

Distinguishing Burn Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can arise from different circumstances, and each one can lead to life-altering consequences for the victim. Below are case examples that highlight the severity of each incident and the different legal outcomes associated with them:

Woman Sues Tim Hortons for Hot Tea Burns

In 2023, a Canadian woman filed a lawsuit against Tim Hortons after suffering horrific scalds from a cup of tea that spilled in her lap. She claimed that the tea was served excessively hot, causing severe burns that required medical treatment.

Cases like these highlight how negligence in everyday scenarios, such as serving dangerously hot beverages, can lead to serious burn injuries. A burn injury attorney handles similar cases where companies or individuals are held accountable for failing to provide safe products or environments.

Anderson v. Miner, 1997

In this case, a 9-year-old girl sustained severe scalds during a school field trip when a farrier’s attempt to light a forge led to an alcohol fire. She suffered significant burns, particularly on her face and neck, and underwent multiple medical procedures, including skin grafts and surgeries.

Ten years later, she continued to experience marked disfigurement and scarring. The court awarded her $170,000 in general damages. The Anderson v. Miner case illustrates the long-term effects of injuries and the importance of legal action to secure compensation for ongoing healthcare treatment and permanent scarring.

Classification of Burn Injuries

Fire-related damages are classified based on severity, determined by how deeply the scald penetrates the skin. Here are the different degrees:

Degree

Description

Indications

Compensation Range (Estimates)

First-degree

Least severe, affecting only the epidermis (outermost layer of skin)

Redness, mild swelling, pain

C$5,000 +

Second-degree 

Affects both the epidermis and part of the dermis (underlying layer of skin)

Redness, swelling, blistering, intense pain.

C$25,000 +


Third-degree 

Destroys all layers of the skin, causing permanent damage to nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands

Charring, numbness, leathery or white skin; not usually painful due to nerve damage.


C$75,000 +


Fourth-degree 

Most severe, damaging all skin layers and underlying muscles, tendons, and bones.

Intense charring, numbness, loss of function, severe nerve damage.


C$100,000 +

Note: The settlement will be lower or higher, depending on your pain and suffering. To get fair compensation, let an experienced lawyer handle the settlement negotiations.

Causes of Burn Injuries

  • Fires: Open flames are the leading cause of burn injuries. If you were burned in a hotel or apartment fire, you could hold the owner or landlord legally responsible.
  • Car Accidents: Car crash and truck accidents can lead to scalds from explosions, heat exposure, or smoke inhalation. If other’s negligence caused the car accident, the driver could be held accountable for your damages.
  • Bike or Motorcycle Accidents: Bicycle or motorcycle accidents often result in severe road rash, a type of friction blaze that can be very painful.
  • Defective Products: Faulty products can cause overheating, sparking, or combusting burns. If you were burned by a defective product, you’re eligible to file a product liability claim and hold the product manufacturers accountable.
  • Workplace Fires: Thousands of workplace fires occur each year, leading to injuries and even deaths. You are entitled to worker’s compensation if you were injured in a workplace fire. You may also sue if a third party contributed to your damages.
  • Oil Field Accidents: Oil fields are hazardous work environments with high risks. If your damages were caused by defective equipment or other third-party negligence, Sidhu Law Firm can help you file a lawsuit and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for maximum settlement. 

Effects on Victims

Victims often face significant challenges in three key areas:

Physical Toll – Scald injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, mobility issues, and other serious injuries. Victims may endure painful medical treatments, such as skin grafts and surgeries, and may suffer from long-term physical limitations.

Financial Impact – The medical expenses in treating severe burns are substantial, often including ongoing medical procedures, rehabilitation, and medications. Victims may also face lost wages due to extended recovery periods and may struggle with out-of-pocket expenses.

Psychological Effect – Victims experience emotional trauma due to traumatic injury, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The psychological toll can be as damaging as the physical, especially when victims deal with disfigurement and changes to their quality of life.

Burn Injuries: Causes, Types, and Prevention

What to Do After a Burn Incident

Taking the right steps is critical for your safety and legal protection. Here’s what you should do:

Remove yourself from the source immediately, whether it’s fire, chemicals, or a hot object. If clothing is on blaze, “stop, drop, and roll” to extinguish the flames.

No matter the extent of the situation, get medical help as soon as possible. Burns can worsen over time, and prompt treatment can prevent infection, reduce pain, and limit permanent impairment.

Take photos of the damage and the scene where it occurred. If possible, collect information from witnesses and note any conditions that may have contributed to the burn accident.

If the incident occurred at work, report it to your supervisor immediately. For other accidents, such as those involving defective products or car accidents, notify the relevant parties.

Keep any defective products, damaged clothing, or materials related to the accident. These can be important for building your claim.

Speak with an attorney to understand your legal options. We can help you pursue compensation for pain and suffering. Legal guidance is essential in protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

How Sidhu Lawyers Edmonton Can Help

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll injuries can have on victims and their families. So, our team of lawyers work hard to fight for the justice you deserve.

What to Expect From Us?

Personalized Legal Guidance

Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the full extent of your damages. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages or long-term care needs, we provide tailored legal advice to pursue just compensation. 

Aggressive Representation

We have a proven track record of holding negligent parties accountable.. Our lawyers aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the best possible settlement.

No Upfront Costs

We believe that access to legal representation should not be a financial burden. That’s why we offer free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Compassionate Support

Our Sidhu Law Firm is here to support you through every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Protect Your Rights After an Injury

Fire-related injuries can have devastating effects, impacting victims physically, financially, and psychologically. If you or a loved one has suffered due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal assistance to navigate the complexities of your case.

Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton is dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Let us provide you with the guidance and support you need. Talk to our Edmonton injury lawyers for a free case review today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a strict deadline for filing claims. Generally, accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. This deadline is crucial; if you miss it, you may lose the opportunity to recover damages. To ensure you meet this deadline and protect your rights, consult with an Edmonton lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Essential laboratory tests should be conducted for patients with severe burns or related injuries. These include a complete blood count, blood type and crossmatch, chemistry panels, coagulation profiles, arterial blood gas analysis, and, when applicable, a pregnancy test.

Depends on the location and circumstances of the incident. Healthcare expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses may be covered by your own insurance, your employer’s insurance, your landlord’s insurance, workers’ compensation, or a third-party insurer.