Springfield Burn Injury Attorney
Fighting for Burn Injury Victims in Springfield, IL
Severe burns can change a person’s life in an instant. From excruciating pain to permanent scarring and emotional trauma, the aftermath of a burn injury often leaves victims facing long-term recovery and overwhelming financial strain. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s carelessness—whether at work, in a vehicle accident, or on unsafe property—you deserve justice and fair compensation.
At Haxel Law, our Springfield burn injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims rebuild their lives. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that burn injuries cause, and we fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
Call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
What Is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury occurs when the skin or deeper tissues are damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Depending on the severity, burns can affect muscles, nerves, bones, and even internal organs. Burns are categorized into degrees, each representing the extent of tissue damage:
- First-degree burns – Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These typically cause redness and mild pain but usually heal without scarring.
- Second-degree burns – Extend into the second layer of skin (dermis), causing blisters, swelling, and intense pain.
- Third-degree burns – Destroy both layers of skin and may extend into fat, muscle, or bone. These burns often appear white, charred, or leathery and may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
- Fourth-degree burns – The most severe type, involving extensive damage to bones and organs. These are often life-threatening and require emergency medical care.
Burns can result from numerous preventable accidents, and when negligence plays a role, victims have the right to seek legal recourse.
Common Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen in a wide range of circumstances. Some of the most common causes include:
- Thermal Burns – Caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or heated objects. House fires, car crashes, and kitchen accidents often lead to thermal burns.
- Chemical Burns – Exposure to harsh acids, solvents, or cleaning agents can cause severe tissue damage. These burns are common in industrial settings, laboratories, or even in household cleaning incidents.
- Electrical Burns – When electrical currents pass through the body, they can cause deep internal injuries and cardiac complications. Construction workers and electricians face elevated risks for these types of burns.
- Radiation Burns – These burns are caused by prolonged exposure to radiation sources such as X-rays, cancer treatments, or even overexposure to the sun.
- Friction Burns – A combination of heat and abrasion, friction burns often occur in motorcycle or bicycle accidents, where skin scrapes against the road surface.
No matter the cause, serious burn injuries demand immediate medical attention and a thorough investigation into liability.
The Aftermath of a Burn Injury
The effects of a burn injury often extend far beyond the initial trauma. Victims face an uphill battle that may involve:
Physical Recovery
Severe burns frequently require hospitalization, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing physical therapy. Recovery can take months or even years, depending on the severity and location of the burns.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Burn scars can be permanent and highly visible, leading to emotional distress, loss of self-esteem, and even discrimination in social or professional settings.
Pain and Emotional Trauma
The pain from burns can be relentless, often requiring long-term pain management. Victims may also develop psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Financial Hardship
Medical costs, rehabilitation, lost income, and reduced earning capacity can create financial devastation for victims and their families.
An experienced Springfield burn injury attorney from Haxel Law can help you pursue compensation for all these damages, ensuring you have the resources needed to heal and move forward.
What Compensation Can Burn Victims Recover?
A successful burn injury claim can help victims recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical bills and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Much Is My PI Claim Worth?
Determining the value of your claim can be complex. It can be easy to overlook many types of compensation available to you, especially without an in-depth understanding of Illinois law. Seeking legal representation is essential to identify liable parties and calculate the total damages in your claim.
While pinpointing the exact value of your claim requires a thorough case evaluation from our attorneys, you should know that you are entitled to compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, including future costs resulting from your injuries. Our firm can negotiate effectively on your behalf to pursue the full compensation available to you.
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How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Claim?
It depends. The timeframe for settling a personal injury claim will vary based on unique factors, such as whether the insurance company is willing to make a fair offer, any potential liability disputes, and whether your case goes to trial. Many claims are settled out of court, but others can take more time to resolve. However, taking longer to settle isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While preparing for potential litigation may extend the duration of your case, it can also mean the difference between recovering maximum compensation and walking away with much less than you deserve. Our attorneys are familiar with insurance companies to pursue the fastest path to resolution without compromising the just settlement you need to focus on your recovery.
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Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?After an accident, you should avoid discussing the incident with any insurance representative without your lawyer present. Having your attorney speak directly with the insurance adjuster on your behalf is typically best to protect your rights. If you do end up talking with the insurance adjuster, you only need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, and so on. Don’t share any information that may be used against you, such as apologizing or admitting fault.
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Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
Insurance companies have a reputation for evading fair payouts by pushing quick settlements and lowball offers. This is because the majority of insurers are focused on protecting their bottom line at any cost, even when it means robbing victims of the full compensation they need for medical expenses, future treatment, and other costs.
While every case is different, it’s typically best to avoid accepting the insurer’s first settlement offer. Our attorneys can negotiate a fair settlement while protecting your rights in and out of the courtroom. We have a reputation for providing compassionate counsel in life’s toughest seasons, empowering you to get back on your feet after a serious accident.
Proving Liability in a Burn Injury Case
To succeed in a burn injury claim, your attorney must demonstrate that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Common examples include:
- Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises or comply with fire safety codes
- Employers who neglect safety training or fail to provide protective equipment
- Manufacturers that release defective or unsafe products
- Drivers whose negligence causes fiery car accidents
At Haxel Law, we conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence—such as medical reports, safety records, witness statements, and expert testimony—to prove fault and secure the compensation you deserve.
Burn Injury Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, most personal injury cases—including burn injuries—must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if I was burned at work?
If your burn occurred on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you may also file a third-party claim against another negligent party (e.g., equipment manufacturer, contractor).
How much is my burn injury case worth?
The value of a case depends on several factors, including the severity of the burns, medical expenses, long-term disabilities, and emotional suffering. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and estimate its potential worth.
Do I need an attorney for a burn injury claim?
Yes. Burn injury cases are often complex and require in-depth medical evidence and expert testimony. A knowledgeable Springfield burn injury lawyer can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Contact a Springfield Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered severe burns due to another party’s negligence, don’t face the aftermath alone. The team at Haxel Law is ready to help you pursue justice and full compensation for your losses.
We offer compassionate guidance, aggressive representation, and a commitment to securing the results you deserve.
Call (217) 215-4166 to begin moving forward.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I will definitely use Haxel Law again!"I’m so grateful for the legal assistance I received from Haxel Law. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and guided me throughout the process. I recommend Martin Haxel. He’s no nonsense and gets the job done. If needed I will definitely use Haxel Law again.- Sally B.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.