Causes of Serious Burn Injuries
Burn injuries in Vermont result from vehicle fires after a crash, building and apartment fires, electrical accidents, scalding, chemical exposure, and defective products such as faulty wiring, heaters, or batteries. They range from painful but survivable injuries to catastrophic, disfiguring harm requiring intensive specialized care.
Severe burns frequently demand treatment at specialized burn centers, multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extended rehabilitation, along with ongoing care for scarring, infection risk, and the psychological impact of disfigurement.
Establishing Liability
Depending on how the burn occurred, responsible parties may include a negligent driver, a landlord who ignored fire-safety requirements, a property owner, an employer, or the manufacturer of a defective product. Determining the cause — and preserving evidence such as the product, scene, and fire-investigation reports — is the foundation of a strong claim.
Vermont's comparative negligence rule applies, and where a defective product caused the burn, principles of product liability may allow recovery from the manufacturer or seller.
The Compensation Burn Victims Need
Because burn treatment is so costly and prolonged, claims often involve substantial medical and future-care expenses, lost earning capacity, and significant damages for pain, disfigurement, and emotional suffering. The general three-year deadline under 12 V.S.A. § 512 applies in most cases.
Injured in Vermont? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. Our network attorneys work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless they recover compensation for you. The case review is always free.
Generally three years from the date of injury under 12 V.S.A. § 512. Claims involving a government entity under the Vermont Tort Claims Act can have shorter notice deadlines, so it is important to act quickly.
Vermont's modified comparative negligence rule (12 V.S.A. § 1036) lets you recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Vermont attorney.