Somerset Burn Injury Attorney

Severe burns can change everything in a matter of seconds. Painful treatment, hospital stays, the risk of infection, and worries about permanent scarring all arrive at once, often with no warning. If you or a loved one suffered a serious burn injury in Somerset, our team at Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. is here to help you understand your legal options.

We are a New Jersey trial firm that has represented injured people and families since 1974. Our attorneys handle catastrophic cases across the state, including burn injuries that require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term care. When you contact us, you can speak with a burn injury lawyer Somerset residents can turn to for thoughtful guidance and a careful review of what happened.

Two of our attorneys are certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys, a distinction held by a small percentage of lawyers statewide. We combine those trial credentials with small firm attention, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee for our services unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us today at (732) 709-4400 to schedule a free consultation with our team.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when the skin or underlying tissues are damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. These injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the depth and extent of the burn.

Burn injuries are generally classified into three main categories:

• First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness and minor pain
• Second-degree burns: Extend into deeper skin layers, leading to blistering, swelling, and more intense pain
• Third-degree burns: Penetrate all layers of the skin and may damage nerves, muscles, or bones

Severe burns often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in many different situations, often as a result of negligence or unsafe conditions. Some of the most common types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal burns: Caused by contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces
• Chemical burns: Result from exposure to hazardous substances such as acids, cleaning products, or industrial chemicals
• Electrical burns: Occur when electrical currents pass through the body, potentially causing internal damage
• Radiation burns: Often caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or medical radiation treatments
• Friction burns: Happen when skin is scraped against a rough surface, such as in a motorcycle or car accident

Each type of burn injury presents unique medical challenges and may require specialized treatment and legal consideration.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries in Somerset, NJ can result from a wide variety of accidents. In many cases, these incidents are preventable and occur due to negligence. Common causes include:

• Workplace accidents: Especially in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings
• Defective products: Faulty appliances, electronics, or machinery that overheat or malfunction
• Car accidents: Vehicle fires or explosions following a collision
• Residential fires: Caused by faulty wiring, unattended cooking, or lack of smoke detectors
• Chemical exposure incidents: Improper handling or storage of hazardous materials
• Electrical accidents: Downed power lines or unsafe wiring

When negligence plays a role, victims may have grounds to file a personal injury claim.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries often have lasting consequences that extend far beyond the initial trauma. Victims may face a lifetime of physical and emotional challenges, including:

• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance that may require reconstructive surgery
• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort and sensitivity in affected areas
• Limited mobility: Damage to muscles and tissues can restrict movement
• Infections: Burn wounds are highly susceptible to infection during recovery
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common
• Financial burden: High medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care costs

These long-term effects make it essential for victims to seek full and fair compensation.

How a Somerset Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a burn injury claim can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious injuries. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout the claims process.

We can assist by:

• Investigating the incident: Gathering evidence to determine liability
• Working with experts: Consulting medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists
• Calculating damages: Evaluating both current and future losses
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Fighting for a fair settlement
• Litigating when necessary: Taking your case to court if a settlement cannot be reached

Our goal is to ease your burden so you can focus on healing.

Compensation for Burn Injury Claims

Burn injury victims in Somerset, NJ may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the case. Potential damages include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or appearance changes
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Impact on daily activities and quality of life
• Future care costs: Long-term medical treatment and support

An experienced Somerset burn injury lawyer will ensure all damages are fully accounted for.

Burn Injury Claim FAQs

How do I know if I have a valid burn injury claim?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a property owner, employer, or manufacturer—you may have a valid claim. A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine your legal options.

How long do I have to file a claim in New Jersey?

In most cases, burn injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible.

How much is my burn injury case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and long-term impact. Each case is unique and requires careful evaluation.

Do I need to go to court?

Many burn injury cases are settled outside of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.

Why Burn Survivors Choose Our Firm

After a serious burn, most people want two things from their lawyer. They want someone who understands how high the stakes are, and they want a firm with the strength to stand up to insurers and corporate defendants. We have structured our practice around both needs.

At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., two of our attorneys are Civil Trial Specialists certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. That certification is based on significant trial experience and peer review. For burn survivors and families in Somerset, this means your case is guided by attorneys who are prepared to present complex medical evidence and tell your story in a courtroom if that becomes necessary.

Since 1974, our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including more than 40 recoveries between $1 million and $10 million in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Although every case is different and outcomes depend on many factors, this history shows that we regularly handle high-stakes litigation that involves life-changing harm.

Call (732) 709-4400 to speak with our team about your potential burn injury claim.