Skip to main content
Practice Area

Burn Injury Lawyers in Michigan

We only charge a 22% contingency fee of the final settlement. Other Michigan attorneys charge 331/3%.

Get in Touch With A Personal Injury Lawyer

Call Matz Injury Law: 866-226-6833

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Key Takeaways

  • Severe burns are often life-altering injuries requiring significant medical treatment, leading to high medical expenses.
  • Burn victims frequently suffer permanent scarring and disfigurement, causing them pain and mental anguish.
  • Personal injury cases stemming from burn injuries are treated similarly to other types of injury cases. Whether they are caused intentionally or accidentally, negligence must be proved.
  • Working with an experienced Michigan burn injury attorney can help you build a strong case to prove the extent of your injuries to obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and move forward with healing.

Experiencing a severe burn injury can be a life-altering event that demands significant medical care and financial resources.

Victims often struggle to navigate the complex legal and insurance processes while trying to focus on recovery. A dedicated Michigan burn injury lawyer can provide legal guidance and help victims fight for the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Do Burn Injuries Qualify for Personal Injury Claims?

When filing a personal injury claim, burn scars are considered disfigurement. In Michigan, you can make an injury claim if your injury:

  • Meets threshold for severity of injuries and how it affects your life
  • Causes serious permanent disfigurement
  • Results in death

Most burns will leave a mark even if the injury will heal. In this case, the victim must demonstrate how the burn scar affects their lives.

Defendants will often argue a healed burn does not affect a person’s life because the victim can cover the scar with clothing. A skilled personal injury lawyer can present a strong case for why this isn’t necessarily true.

Common Burn Injury Lawsuits in Michigan

Most burns occur in the workplace or the home. Common causes of burn injury lawsuits include:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Truck accidents (e.g., tanker explosions)
  • Scalding water and pipes
  • Electrical fires
  • Gas explosions
  • Defective products (e.g., heaters or work-related equipment)
  • Locked fire exits
  • Chemical fires at work

This list is not comprehensive but provides an overview of the many types of burn injuries people suffer, many of which are due to negligence.

What Percentage is Considered a Major Burn Injury?

A burn covering over 20% of the body surface is considered a major burn injury. Other severe burns, including those involving complications, such as chemical burns, high-voltage electrical burns, inhalation injuries, and other major traumas, can also be classified as major injuries.

Cases Study

Consider the experience of a Reddit user who sustained second and third-degree burns from the seemingly simple task of washing a mug in the sink when things unexpectedly went wrong.

Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts for Burn Injuries in Michigan

A human hand with visible scarring lies flat against a dark background, indicating signs of healing or a skin condition.

Like any personal injury case, settlement amounts for burn injuries will vary significantly from case to case. Courts and insurance companies consider several elements of the case, including:

  • How and where the burn occurred
  • The severity of the burn
  • The permanence of the injury
  • Total medical bills
  • Level of pain and suffering
  • Visibility of the scarring (e.g., face vs. arms or stomach, which can be covered with clothing)

Client Story: Matz Injury Law recently represented a 17-year-old male client suffering significant scarring all over his arms from shattered glass in a car accident. Our law firm was able to recover $200,000 for him. In this case, he did not need surgery, and he suffered minor issues, but he still will need to go through life with permanent, substantial scarring. While not a burn injury, his case demonstrates the type of settlement available when your injury results in lifelong scarring.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often attempt to undermine the severity of burns. Additionally, the compensation offered may be biased by whether the victim was male or female. Working with a personal injury attorney who is well-versed in Michigan laws and has experience coming up against insurance companies can make a big difference in whether you receive compensation and how much of a settlement you will receive.

How Burns Are Classified in Michigan

Burn injuries are classified into specific categories based on their severity. The amount of compensation awarded is often directly tied to the seriousness of the injury, its duration, and how it affects the victim’s life.

Different Degrees of Burn Injuries

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are the mildest of burns. They are superficial and impact the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Victims suffer redness, pain, and dryness. Blisters are usually not present. Long-term damage from first-degree burns is rare, but scarring is a strong possibility.

Second-Degree Burns

In a second-degree burn, the top layer of skin and the dermis (lower layer of skin) are injured. Victims experience redness, blisters, swelling, and pain. Some second-degree burns may result in nerve damage or require skin grafts.

Third-Degree Burns

When the epidermis and dermis layers of skin are burned deeper, it is a third-degree burn. The burn may go into the skin’s innermost layer and appear white or black with charring. Victims will often never fully heal and need to undergo skin grafts, surgeries, and other types of treatment. Even still, they may endure permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Fourth-Degree Burns

Victims suffering fourth-degree burns suffer injury to the epidermis, dermis, and deeper tissues, potentially reaching muscle and bone. Often, a person will lose feeling in the area since these serious burn injuries destroy nerve endings.

Can I Sue For a Burn Injury in Michigan?

Yes, you can file a burn injury claim in Michigan. Burns can occur accidentally or intentionally. Either way, the victim must prove another individual or entity was negligent in their decision-making or behaviors that directly led to the burn injury.

It is important to assemble evidence to back up your claim, but generally speaking, most burn injuries are preventable, so there will likely be some level of liability involved.

Different Types of Pain and Suffering Damages for Burn Injuries

Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress victims endure due to injury.

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Humiliation
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

These and other types of losses a victim suffers due to their burn do not have a receipt attached, but they still come at a high cost to their lives.

How Comparative Negligence Impacts Your Michigan Burn Injury Case

To be eligible to file a personal injury claim in Michigan, the injury must meet specific criteria based on state law. A victim must prove that the negligent party’s actions led to the injury. In some cases, a defendant will agree to a settlement, while others may dispute, and the case will go to court.

Since Michigan operates under a comparative negligence philosophy, a victim who is found partially responsible for their own injury will have their compensation reduced based on their percentage of guilt. For example, victims who are found 20% responsible for their injuries will only receive 80% of the compensation for their injuries.

When burns disrupt your life, turn to Matz Injury Law to fight for compensation.

How to File for a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Michigan

Suffering a burn leads to both physical and emotional distress. It can be overwhelming to determine what to do after experiencing such a traumatic injury.

  1. Document your physical injuries.
  2. Receive medical treatment for your injuries.
  3. Call an experienced Michigan burn injury lawyer.
  4. Investigate the cause of the accident.
  5. Gather evidence of the incident, such as police reports, witness statements, photos, videos, and any other potential supporting documentation.
  6. Negotiate with insurance companies to attempt a fair settlement.
  7. File a lawsuit if you cannot reach a settlement.
  8. Present your case in court.

You should call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can help you with the rest of the steps so that nothing important is inadvertently overlooked.

Related Resources

  • Head & Brain Injury Lawyers in Michigan: Head and brain injuries are unlike most types of injuries because they often result in permanent changes in physical, emotional, or cognitive abilities. Many victims suffer permanent disability, changes to their personality, or face other challenges.
  • Wrongful Death In Michigan Due To Negligence: Losing someone to negligence is traumatic under any circumstances. Loved ones may be eligible for compensation.

Why Clients Partner With Matz Injury Law

When you choose to work with a Matz Injury Law attorney, you will receive complete transparency, strong and regular communication about your case, and the ability to work with your attorney directly. You will never feel as if you are another case number to us. You and your family matter to us!

Testimonials

“Always happy, very personable, and always pleasant to speak with. Steve goes above and beyond for his clients and for this, I am very grateful to have worked with him.” — Jessica D.

Steve was outstanding from the first telephone conversation all the way through until he settled my case. I would highly recommend him if you ever find yourself in need of a personal injury attorney.” — Sharyn G. 

Start Healing Today With a Burn Injury Attorney

Matz Injury Law is committed to providing personalized legal services to our clients. Since 1977, the experienced attorneys at our law firm have dedicated themselves to representing Michigan’s injured. We have earned more than $300 million for our clients, traveling to all regions across Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas to meet with clients.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you will need compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other costs you incur. Take action now for your recovery with a free consultation from a Michigan personal injury lawyer at Matz Injury Law. Call us today at 1-866-22Not33 or fill out our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Burn a Traumatic Injury?

Yes, burn injuries are a type of traumatic injury. Many do not realize how burns can severely impact a victim’s life. Beyond the pain and medical expenses, the scars can affect you for the rest of your life.

How Do You Calculate Burn Injuries?

Several methods are available to determine the percentage of a burn injury to the body. The “rule of nines” indicates the head is 9%, each arm is 9%, the posterior chest and back are 18%, the anterior chest and abdomen are 18%, and the legs are 18% each.

What is the Average Settlement For Burn Injuries?

It is difficult to specifically calculate how much compensation you can get for a burn injury since it depends on your life circumstances, the severity and location of your burns, and more. Speak with an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney to understand how much your burn injuries may be worth.

Recent Settlements

$4.15 Million Settlement in Washtenaw County

$4,150,000 settlement on behalf of the family of a college student who was killed in a traffic crash while riding a motorcycle. The settlement came from three different insurance companies.

$450,000 Settlement For a Workplace Injury in Michigan

$450,000 settlement for an injury sustained while working at a manufacturing facility in Michigan. We were able to get around the workers compensation act exclusive remedy by proving our client was not an employee but instead, an independent contractor.

$3.45 Million Settlement In Genesee County

$3.45 million settlement against a cement company whose truck crossed a center line causing three deaths and severely injuring a 4 year-old boy. The settlement was $450,000 in excess of available insurance.

$1.74 Million Settlement Awarded In Calhoun County Collision

$1.74 million settlement against a 19 year-old driver and the fraternity where he was drinking immediately prior to a head on collision that killed a 52 year-old husband and father of 3 children.

$1.3 Million Settlement In Monroe County

$1.3 million Federal District Court settlement on behalf of a mother and daughter in a car/truck collision. Mom suffered a pancreas injury but returned to full-time employment within six months; eight year old daughter suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing learning disability as well as a ruptured spleen.

$1 Million Settlement In Gravel

$1 million settlement for a 52 year-old woman in a rural county who broke both ankles and suffered a retrobulbar hemorrhage of her right eye after being struck by a gravel truck.

$1,000,000 Settlement for Rear-end Accident

Matz Injury Law obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a woman in Northern Michigan who fractured both ankles as a result of being rear-ended by a gravel truck.

$3,450,000 Settlement From Commercial Vehicle Accident

A settlement of $3,450,000 for a family who lost loved ones as a result of an inattentive cement truck driver.

$100,000 Uninsured Motorist Settlement In Detroit

$100,000 uninsured motorist settlement (policy limit) for family of passenger killed in Detroit in suspected joyriding incident.

$1,000,000 Million Settlement In Oakland County Negligence Case

$1 million settlement on behalf of a 60 year-old woman with a mild closed head injury due to County Road Commission negligence.

$950,000 Settlement On Behalf Of Hillsdale County mother

$950,000 settlement on behalf of the mother of a young boy who died while a passenger in a one-vehicle crash.

$750,000 Settlement in Kalkaska

$750,000 to the family of a passenger killed in a collision on an icy road.

    Visit Our Office

    Address:
    Matz Injury Law
    25800 Northwestern Hwy # 575
    Southfield, MI 48075
    Phone:
    +1 (866) 226-6833
    Our location:
    Customer Reviews

    We Deliver For
    Our Clients


    We have earned over 300+ million dollars
    for our Michigan clients.


    quote left solid icon
    “Steve Matz deserves more than 5 stars! He went above and beyond to help me with my automobile accident/lawsuit, and stayed in constant contact with me. He cared about me as a person and how I was feeling or doing.”
    – Holly L.
    “Mr. Matz was great helping me after my auto accident. I had no idea what was going on or where to turn but he led me the correct direction and to the right kind of doctors I needed to treat my injuries. He was there …
    – Judy W.
    “Many thanks to Jared and the staff at Matz law! You definitely helped ease a very stressful situation. I really didn’t have to do anything, you folks did it all, which I appreciated very much. It’s never a pleasant e…
    – Kim B.
    “If you are looking for the best attorney to handle your automobile accident claim, look no further! I have known Steve Matz for more than 20 years. He successfully represented me in 2001 then again in 2019 followin…
    – Gary C.
    “If you’re looking for an attorney to handle your automobile accident/injury claims, then I highly recommend Steve Matz and his team! When I fractured my skull, he helped me settle my bodily injury claim in a timely m…
    – Alicia C.
    “Following a near head on collision that left my wife with serious injuries to her leg and a head injury from the air bag that caused “instant onset dementia”, she has been deteriorating and needs constant supervision…
    – Thomas C.
    “I was advised by Steve Matz over several days regarding a previous auto accident. He was very diligent with providing me the information I needed to be successful. I was very worried and misguided about the steps I n…
    – Domonique B.
    “I cannot speak highly enough of Steve and his team! Everyone is so friendly and professional. Steve always kept me in the loop during the whole process and I tried to do the same. I love that Steve is such an honest …
    – Kristina K.
    “Steve Matz was very easy to work with. His whole staff was knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney. Thanks again Steve and staff!!”
    – Linda P.
    “Steve was outstanding from the first telephone conversation all the way through until he settled my case at an amount that exceeded my expectations. He is a consummate professional and a compassionate attorney and I …
    – Sharyn G.