Baltimore Lawyer for Injuries from an Explosion or Fire

Fires and explosions can cause catastrophic burn injuries, forever changing your life. If the fire or explosion that injured you was caused by negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. For example, you could have a personal injury case if the accident occurred because of a defective product, an unsafe property condition, or human error. If you were injured in a fire or explosion, talk to our Baltimore burns lawyer about seeking compensation for your accident.

Randolph Rice is an experienced attorney who fights for injury victims in Baltimore. From food service workers who were scalded on the job, to children burned by dangerous products, to people whose homes or apartments caught fire due to issues like faulty wiring, our law firm handles all types of injury cases involving fires and explosions. If you were the victim of a fire or explosion in Baltimore, we are here to offer guidance. Contact us online today to set up a free legal consultation, or call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.

Types of Burn Injuries from an Explosion or Fire

Burn injuries are categorized by their degree of severity. For example, first degree burns are the least severe, while third or fourth degree burns can be life-threatening, depending on factors like the size and location of the burn.

  • First Degree Burns – First degree burns cause the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, to look pink and irritated. the burnt area may feel warm and tender for several days or longer while the burn heals. First degree burns generally heal on their own at home, though aloe vera and cool water may provide additional relief.
  • Second Degree Burns – Second degree burns penetrate more deeply than first degree burns, going past the epidermis and harming the dermis beneath. the affected area will have a reddish, blistered appearance and may require several weeks or longer to heal completely. Infections and hypothermia may become a health risk.
  • Third and Fourth Degree Burns – Third and fourth degree burns are extremely serious injuries that can penetrate down to fat and muscle, causing permanent nerve damage in the affected area. the victim may require skin grafting, reconstructive surgery, or the amputation of fingers, toes, or limbs.

Other types of burn injuries include electrical burns, chemical burns, internal burns, and scald injuries, which are produced by steam or hot water. Fifth or sixth degree burns can penetrate down to the bone.

Health Complications of Burn Injuries

Burns or scald injuries can cause intense pain, permanent scarring, and permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected area. In addition to these serious and debilitating consequences of a burn injury, other potential complications of a severe burn include:

  • Bacterial infections, potentially placing the patient at risk for life-threatening sepsis (septicemia)
  • Hypothermia
  • Inability to sweat or regulate body temperature normally after the burns have healed
  • Internal injuries from smoke inhalation or the inhalation of heated air
  • Shock
  • Vision loss from damage to eyes or eyelids

Can You Sue for a Burn Injury After a Fire or Explosion in Baltimore?

If the accident which injured you resulted from negligence, you may have a lawsuit against the negligent parties. For example, if you were injured in an apartment fire caused by defective wiring or heating systems, you may have a cause of action against your landlord, the property manager, maintenance workers, or the manufacturers of defective and dangerous products. To be compensated in a personal injury lawsuit, you must generally show that:

  1. Someone owed you a duty of care, such as a landlord.
  2. The duty of care was breached.
  3. The breach of duty caused a fire or explosion to occur.
  4. You suffered damages, such as injuries and financial losses, because of the fire or explosion.

Getting Compensated for Workplace Burn Injuries in Baltimore

If you were injured in a job-related accident, such as a workplace fire or explosion, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workman’s compensation benefits replace part of your lost wages, in addition to providing compensation for medical care and other expenses.

If you file a Workers’ Compensation claim in Maryland, you may lose some of your rights to sue your employer. However, you could have a case against parties other than your employer, such as a company that manufactured faulty propane tanks, batteries, or other equipment leading to a fire or explosion.

Call Baltimore Attorney for Injuries from an Explosion or Fire Randolph Rice

Severe burns are painful, debilitating injuries that often take a heavy financial toll. You deserve an aggressive attorney who will fight tirelessly to investigate your accident and maximize your recovery. the people at fault for the fire or explosion may be responsible for your medical bills, your future treatment needs, and other losses, including lost wages. If you were injured at work, workers’ compensation may also be available.

Talk to our Baltimore explosion injury lawyer to find out whether you could have a case. Call 24/7 at (410) 694-7291 for a free legal consultation, or contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online.