Chicago Burn Injury Lawyers
Millions Recovered for Burn Injury Survivors | Free Consultation | Available 24/7
Serious burn injuries usually take a tremendous toll on survivors. These painful wounds go far deeper than the skin. They impact you emotionally and psychologically as much as they do physically. The pain follows you through every skin graft, bandage change, and every time you catch a glimpse of scars that were not there before.
If you are in that place right now, the Chicago burn injury lawyers at Kennedy Watkins Injury Attorneys can review your case and help you explore your legal options.
We represent burn survivors and their families across Cook County and throughout Illinois. We have secured a $34,000,000 wrongful death verdict for a family who lost a loved one in a Chicago apartment fire and other major resolutions for burn injury survivors.
Our success in this area of law and others like it reflects how seriously we take these cases and how hard we are willing to fight for the outcomes our clients truly need.
Call (312) 448-8181 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our offices are located at 350 N. Orleans St., Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654. If you can’t travel, we’ll come to you.
Why Do I Need a Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer?
Burn injury claims involve complex medical evidence, multiple potentially liable parties, and insurance companies that aggressively fight large payouts. A burn injury attorney at Kennedy Watkins will identify who is responsible, calculate the true lifetime cost of your injuries, and take on the insurers so you can focus on your recovery.
Insurance companies rarely settle burn injury cases fairly without a fight. They may have already contacted you to offer you a settlement. Unfortunately, many burn survivors welcome these initial offers because they’re in a vulnerable situation with costly medical bills, missed work, and all-around financial strain.
What many people don’t realize is that they may be eligible to collect much more. Any settlement should account for the full scope of your injuries and every way they have affected your life, both now and in the future.
Burn injuries often require years of surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy, and psychological care. Insurance companies know these claims are expensive and work hard to minimize payouts. Our burn injury lawyers at Kennedy Watkins have the experience to push back and pursue every dollar your injuries deserve.
Choosing the Right Burn Injury Lawyers in Chicago for Your Case
Attorneys Jack Kennedy and Daniel Watkins built this firm to fight for people who have suffered catastrophic injuries through no fault of their own. They collaborate on every case they take, combining their unique skills and strengths to deliver the best experience for every client.
Results
Burn injury cases are personal to this firm, and we have a history of securing significant outcomes for our clients, including:
- $34,000,000 wrongful death verdict for a family in a Chicago apartment fire (one of the largest burn injury verdicts in Illinois).
- $600,000 result for a burn victim in a church fire.
- Confidential settlement for a child burned by hot liquid at a restaurant.
Testimonials
Kennedy Watkins holds a 5-star rating across 92 client reviews. One client noted the firm “was not quick to settle” and “genuinely strived to get me the best possible outcome,” while another described the experience as “Professional. Efficient. Personable. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times.”
We Have Real Experience With Catastrophic Burn Cases
Many firms list burn injuries on their website, but rarely handle them. Our attorneys have taken these cases to verdict and secured results that changed our clients’ lives.
We Are Available 24/7 and Will Come to You
Burn survivors are often hospitalized for weeks or months. Our attorneys will visit you at the Loyola Burn Center, Stroger, Northwestern, or wherever you are recovering, anywhere in Illinois.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
We handle every burn injury case on a contingency basis. No upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no payment unless we recover compensation for you.
Our office is at 350 N. Orleans Street, Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654, in River North.
What Types of Burn Injury Cases Do We Handle in Chicago?
Our Chicago burn injury attorneys represent clients across a wide range of burn-related accidents. Each type of case involves different liable parties and different legal strategies.
Apartment and Residential Fires
Landlords who ignore fire code violations, skip smoke detector maintenance, or fail to fix faulty wiring put tenants at serious risk. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that cooking equipment, heating systems, and electrical failures are the leading causes of residential fires in the United States.
Nearly 1.4 million fires in the U.S. in one recent year caused an estimated 3,920 civilian fire deaths and resulted in 11,780 reported civilian fire injuries, according to the NFPA.
Workplace Burns and Explosions
Construction sites, factories, refineries, and commercial kitchens expose workers to fire, chemical, and electrical burn hazards every day. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) commonly cites Illinois businesses for fire and explosion safety violations every year.
Vehicle Fires
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents can cause fuel tank ruptures and post-collision fires. Our burn injury lawyers work with accident reconstructionists to determine whether a vehicle defect or another driver’s negligence caused the fire.
Chemical Burns
Exposure to acids, solvents, and industrial chemicals can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Chemical burns are common on construction sites and in manufacturing plants across the Chicago area.
Electrical Burns
Contact with exposed wiring, downed power lines, or faulty electrical equipment can cause devastating burns. Electrical injuries are often far more serious than they appear because the current damages tissue deep beneath the skin.
Defective Product Burns
Faulty appliances, space heaters, lithium-ion batteries, and flammable consumer products cause fires and burns every year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tracks product recalls related to fire and burn hazards.
Every type of burn case requires a different legal approach. A burn injury lawyer at Kennedy Watkins can evaluate the facts and determine who is responsible.
How Are Burn Injuries Classified?
The severity of a burn affects both your medical treatment and the value of your legal claim. The American Burn Association classifies burns into three main categories based on how deep the damage goes.
| Burn Classification | What It Means | Typical Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| First-degree (superficial) | Affects only the outer layer of skin | Pain management, topical treatment |
| Second-degree (partial thickness) | Damages the outer and inner skin layers | Wound care, possible skin grafts |
| Third-degree (full thickness) | Destroys all layers of skin and may reach muscle or bone | Surgery, extensive skin grafting, long-term rehabilitation |
Many Chicago burn victims receive initial treatment at the Loyola Medicine Burn Center in Maywood. It is the largest burn center in Illinois and one of the busiest in the Midwest, treating over 4,000 patients each year.
Severe burn patients may also be treated at Stroger Hospital, Northwestern Memorial, or Rush University Medical Center, depending on the location of the accident.
Third-degree burns often require multiple surgeries over months or years. Our burn injury attorneys at Kennedy Watkins account for every future procedure, therapy session, and medical device when calculating the full value of your claim.
Ask Kennedy Watkins About Your Chicago Burn Injury Case
Q: Can I sue my landlord for injuries from an apartment fire in Chicago?
A: Yes, you can sue your landlord for an apartment fire if their negligence contributed to the fire or made it worse. Chicago landlords must comply with fire codes, maintain smoke detectors, and keep electrical systems safe. If your landlord ignored these duties, our burn injury lawyers at Kennedy Watkins can pursue a claim.
Q: Can I file a burn injury lawsuit if I was also getting workers’ comp?
A: Yes. Workers’ compensation and a third-party lawsuit are separate legal paths in Illinois. If someone other than your employer caused your burn injury, such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, you may file a personal injury claim for additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Q: What if a defective product caused my burn injury?
A: Illinois product liability law allows burn victims to pursue claims against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of a defective product. Whether it was a faulty space heater, an exploding battery, or a flammable product, our Chicago burn injury attorneys can review the product’s history and pursue compensation.
Q: How much does a burn injury lawyer in Chicago cost?
A: A burn injury lawyer at Kennedy Watkins costs nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect a fee if we win your case. Your consultation is free and confidential.
Call Us 24/7: (312) 448-8181 | 350 N. Orleans St., Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654 | Get in Touch With Us Today.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Burn Injury in Illinois?
Burn injuries in Illinois can result from many types of negligence. Identifying every responsible party is critical to recovering full compensation. Potentially liable parties include:
- Landlords who failed to maintain smoke detectors, fire escapes, or safe electrical systems in apartment buildings
- Property owners who ignored fire code violations or hazardous conditions
- Employers who did not provide proper safety equipment or training
- Product manufacturers whose defective products caused a fire or explosion
- Contractors and subcontractors who created unsafe conditions on a job site
- Utility companies responsible for gas leaks or electrical failures
- Other drivers whose negligence caused a vehicle fire
Our Chicago burn injury lawyers will review the evidence, work with fire experts and engineers, and identify every party whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Burn Injury in Chicago?
Burn injury victims in Illinois can recover both economic and non-economic damages. There is no cap on personal injury damages in Illinois, and serious burn cases often result in significant compensation because of the long-term medical care these injuries require.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Emergency and hospital bills | Physical pain and suffering |
| Skin graft and reconstructive surgery costs | Emotional distress and PTSD |
| Ongoing wound care and medications | Permanent scarring and disfigurement |
| Physical and occupational therapy | Loss of enjoyment of life |
| Lost wages and reduced earning capacity | Loss of consortium for a spouse |
| Home modifications and adaptive equipment | Social isolation and depression |
Burn survivors often carry visible scars that affect their confidence, relationships, and ability to work. Illinois law recognizes scarring and disfigurement as compensable injuries, and our burn injury attorneys at Kennedy Watkins know how the emotional and psychological impacts of severe burns can ripple throughout your life. We make sure every aspect of your suffering is reflected in your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois gives burn injury victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a burn injury caused the death of a loved one, the family also has two years to file a wrongful death claim.
Claims against a government entity like the City of Chicago, the Chicago Housing Authority, or the CTA carry a shorter deadline of one year. Certain notice requirements apply even sooner.
Evidence from apartment fires, workplace explosions, and defective products can disappear quickly. Contacting a Chicago burn injury attorney at Kennedy Watkins early protects your ability to build the strongest possible case.
Questions Chicago Burn Injury Victims Are Asking Right Now
What is the average settlement for a burn injury in Illinois?
Burn injury settlements in Illinois vary widely depending on the severity of the burn, the extent of scarring, and future medical needs. Minor burns may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while severe burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery can result in verdicts worth millions. A Kennedy Watkins burn injury attorney can evaluate your specific case.
Can I get compensation for burn scars and disfigurement in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois law allows burn injury victims to recover compensation specifically for scarring and permanent disfigurement. This includes both the physical impact and the emotional toll of living with visible scars. Our burn injury lawyers at Kennedy Watkins work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your scarring.
What if my child was burned in an accident in Chicago?
Children are especially vulnerable to burn injuries, and parents can file a claim on their behalf. The American Burn Association reports that roughly 40% of burn center patients are children, with scald burns from hot liquids being the most common cause in kids under five. Our burn injury attorneys at Kennedy Watkins handle these sensitive cases with the compassion your family deserves.
What if the property owner’s insurance denies my burn injury claim?
Insurance companies deny burn claims for many reasons, including disputed liability, questions about the fire’s cause, or arguments that the victim was partly at fault. A denial does not mean your case is over. Our burn injury lawyers at Kennedy Watkins can challenge the denial through negotiation or litigation.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made me an offer after my burn injury?
You should talk to a burn injury attorney before accepting any offer. Insurers often make early offers that fall short of covering future surgeries, skin grafts, therapy, and the emotional impact of your injuries. Once you accept, you give up your right to pursue additional compensation.
Talk to a Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer at Kennedy Watkins Today
If a burn injury has turned your life upside down, our attorneys at Kennedy Watkins are ready to listen and fight for the compensation your injuries deserve. We know how painful this time is, and we will handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Call (312) 448-8181 or get in touch with us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are available around the clock and will come to you anywhere in Illinois if you’re unable to travel.