Suffering a burn injury can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Whether caused by a car accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice, burn injury claims involve legal complexities that require an experienced lawyer. Choosing the right burn injury attorney makes all the difference in securing fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term medical treatment.
To make an informed decision, ask these 15 crucial questions before hiring a lawyer for a burn injury claim.
1. How Many Burn Injury Cases Have You Handled?
Not all personal injury lawyers specialize in burn injury law. A prospective lawyer should have a strong track record in burn injury cases, demonstrating their ability to navigate the legal system effectively.
Ask about past clients and case results.
Ensure the lawyer’s expertise extends to handling complex burn injury claims.
Confirm they understand the nuances of medical devices, skin grafts, and long-term treatment needs.
2. Are You Aware of the Laws Protecting Burn Injury Victims?
Burn injury cases involve specific laws related to liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. An experienced attorney must be well-versed in these laws to advocate for your best interests.
Premises Liability Laws: Protect victims injured due to negligence in public or private spaces.
Product Liability Laws: Apply when defective products cause burns.
Workplace Safety Regulations: Govern employer responsibilities in workplace accidents.
Traffic Laws: Determine liability in a car crash that resulted in burns.
3. What Is Your Success Rate in Burn Injury Claims?
Your potential lawyer should be able to provide data on how many successful verdicts they have secured in burn injury claims. This will give you confidence in their legal representation.
Check if they have won substantial settlements.
Ask about their litigation process and trial experience.
Find out how they negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
4. Do You Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Ask if they require upfront legal fees.
Clarify what percentage they take from your settlement.
Confirm additional costs, such as filing fees and expert witness expenses.
5. What Are the Biggest Challenges in My Case?
A skilled burn injury lawyer should be honest about potential challenges and have a clear strategy to address them allowing you to feel confident about your case.
Liability Disputes: Proving fault can be complicated.
Insurance Company Tactics: Companies often undervalue claims.
Long-Term Medical Expenses: Burns require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
Pain and Suffering Compensation: Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify.
6. Will You Personally Handle My Case, or Will It Be Assigned to Someone Else?
Some law firms pass cases to junior attorneys or paralegals. It’s essential to know who your main contact person will be.
Ensure direct communication with the attorney handling your case.
Ask about the law office’s support staff and their role in your case.
Stay informed about the case’s progress.
7. Have You Handled Cases Involving Medical Malpractice Burns?
If your burn injury resulted from a medical procedure gone wrong, you need an attorney with experience in medical malpractice claims. Many personal injury cases settle successfully instead of going to court when a professional personal injury attorney is representing the plaintiff and knows what they’re talking about. In this case, personal injury claims or burn injury claims resulting from neglect at a hospital require legal representation from a burn injury attorney who is well versed in medical malpractice.
Ensure they understand medical negligence laws.
Ask about past settlements in similar cases.
Confirm their ability to consult with medical experts.
8. What Compensation Can I Expect for My Burn Injury Claim?
A knowledgeable injury attorney should be able to outline potential compensation, including:
Medical Bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, skin grafts.
Lost Wages: Income lost due to an inability to work.
Future Medical Expenses: Long-term care, rehabilitation, medical devices.
Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional trauma damages.
9. How Will You Negotiate With the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney’s approach should be aggressive and strategic.
Ask how they counter low settlement offers.
Inquire about their negotiation tactics.
Ensure they are prepared for litigation if necessary.
10. How Do You Prove Negligence in Burn Injury Cases?
The legal process requires proving negligence to secure compensation.
Gathering Evidence: Accident reports, medical records, witness statements.
Expert Testimony: Fire safety experts, medical professionals.
Legal Precedents: Previous successful verdicts in similar cases.
11. What Legal Fees Should I Expect?
Understanding case-related costs upfront prevents financial surprises.
Ask about additional fees beyond the contingency fee.
Clarify costs for expert witnesses, filing fees, and court expenses.
Ensure transparency in billing practices.
12. How Long Will the Legal Proceedings Take?
Burn injury claims can take months or years to resolve, depending on complexity.
Ask about estimated timelines.
Understand potential delays.
Set realistic expectations for settlement or trial.
13. What Happens If We Don’t Win the Case?
A reputable attorney should be clear about what happens if the case is unsuccessful.
Confirm whether you’ll owe any legal fees.
Ensure you won’t be responsible for case-related costs.
Discuss the possibility of an appeal.
14. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?
Hearing from past clients can give you confidence in a lawyer’s experience and professionalism.
Ask for testimonials or case studies.
Read online reviews.
Contact former clients if possible.
15. Do You Offer a Free Consultation?
A free consultation allows you to evaluate whether the attorney is the right fit for your case.
Use this opportunity to assess their knowledge and communication style.
Prepare questions about the legal system and your rights.
Ensure they genuinely care about your case and well-being.
Finding the Right Attorney for Your Burn Injury Claim
Choosing the right burn injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. A good attorney plans to fight for your best interests, secure fair compensation, and guide you through the legal process with confidence.
At Bourassa Law Group, we have extensive experience handling burn injury claims and are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
1-800-870-8910