Burn Injuries

Each year in the United States, 1.1 million burn injuries require medical attention, according to statistics of the American Burn Association. Defined as tissue damage caused by a variety of agents, including heat or chemicals, a burn is most commonly the result of:

• Industrial Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Explosions from Gas and other Flammable Liquids
• Scalding/ Hot Water
• Electrical Accidents
• Lighters & Matches
• Gasoline Spills
• Building Fires
• Defective Candles

At the Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, with offices in the Bronx, White Plains and a satellite office in Peekskill, New York, we have extensive experience representing the victims of burn injuries in the State and Federal Courts of New York. Our litigators recognize that in addition to the physical manifestations of burns, often the psychological injuries and effects can be more devastating, particularly when the injuries are visible to other people and cannot be covered by clothing or hair, for example. We have represented a model whose face was scarred, thus resulting in a tremendous loss of income, in addition to the physical, emotional and psychological impacts. In another case, a client who went for a facial suffered facial injuries and burns due to the application of an agent which should not have been used. In a third, a client who went to a pizza parlor with her grandkids suffered second and third degree burns to her thigh when a careless waiter dropped a pizza on her leg while she was wearing shorts.

Liability insurance companies and their defense counsel often attempt to minimize or fail to appreciate the severity of burn injuries. They request what is known as a “scar review”, during which the insurance company will retain an investigator to take photographs of the burns to evaluate the extent of any healing and the amount of scarring. The frequent refrain from these companies is: “It doesn’t look that bad”, or something to that effect. We make it abundantly clear to the claims adjusters and defense attorneys that if they do not make a settlement offer which encompasses all of the effects of the injuries, including the financial impact on those whose careers are directly related to their physical appearance, we will litigate the case to trial and let a jury make the determination.

In burn cases, it is essential that the attorneys representing the victims recognize what their clients are enduring, and where necessary, assist the clients in obtaining the experts to alleviate the physical and psychological pain and suffering. We understand that in addition to recovering the maximum amount for pain and suffering, our clients also want to ensure that their medical and hospital bills are paid, that future medical expenses are covered, any lost wages are reimbursed, and that loss of future earning capacity is taken into account where applicable.

We have the experience and expertise necessary to aggressively, effectively, and quickly litigate our clients’ cases in order to obtain the maximum possible compensation from all liable parties and insurance companies.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel represents clients in the Bronx, Westchester County and throughout the Hudson Valley. If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury, contact us online or call at (914) 428-7386 to schedule a free consultation.