Burn Injury

Helping burn victims and families in Washington and Oregon

The experienced Vancouver, WA burn injury lawyers at Philbrook Law, are respected for their strong track record of success in representing anyone who suffers injuries through negligence or product defects. We work with fire professionals, product safety experts, and others to determine the cause of a fire – and what steps should have been taken to protect you and anyone who died from burn injuries.

We demand compensation from responsible defendants for your emergency medical treatment at ERs or burn centers – and all necessary surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitative care. We also fight aggressively to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering and lost income. In many cases, we are able to settle your case for all that you are entitled to.

Statistics on deadly fires in the United States

According to the US Fire Administration, in 2018:

• There were 1,318,500 fires
• 3,655 people died due to fires
• 15,200 people were injured due to fires

Broken down into property types, these fires occurred as follows:

• 30.0% Residential
• 9.0% Nonresidential
• 14.8% Vehicle
• 40.6% Outside
• 5.5% Other

Some of the leading causes of residential fires during that year were cooking, heating, and electrical malfunctions.

“

You shouldn't have to face the insurance system alone; especially at a time when regaining your health is the most important thing. At Philbrook Law, we have a team ready to work for you. We level the playing field and take the fight to them.

Matthew PhilbrookAttorney

What are the four categories of burns?

Burns are classified according to their severity:

• First-degree burns. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn. It’s generally a manageable burn which causes redness and swelling. The burn occurs on the first layer of the epidermis.
• Second-degree. This level of burn causes skin blisters and penetrates into the underlying layer of the epidermis.
• Third-degree. Third-degree burns often appear black and leathery – because all layers of the skin and underlying tissue are affected.
• Fourth-degree. Fourth degree burns are often fatal. The burns go deep down into the bones.

The more serious the burn, the more likely surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation are required.

What symptoms and side effects are associated with serious burn injuries?

First-degree burns normally just need some first-aid at home. Second-degree burns usually require medical care – in large part to avoid infections. Some second-degree burns may need a skin graft and medications. Third-degree burns can be dangerous for many reasons, including:

What types of incidents cause burn deaths and burn injuries?

The risks of fires in homes, industries, and structures across Washington are fairly well-known. That’s why there are building code laws, federal regulations, and other rules that property owners, restaurants, hotels, and industry sectors are supposed to follow. At Philbrook Law, we fight passionately to protect clients who are hurt because of:

• Structure fires. Businesses and homes go up in flames for many reasons due to negligence, defective smoke alarms, fire emergency failures, and appliances that are defectives. Ovens, grills, space heaters, and stoves are just some of the reasons fires start and burn out of control.
• Vehicle fires. If a car catches fire because it overturns due to a collision, or due to any type of negligence, the driver should be held liable. If the driver is liable, then the owners of the car (if different from the driver) are usually also liable. If a truck crashes, then the owners, a shipping company, a broker, or other businesses may also be liable.
• Defective products. Flammable clothing regularly sends adults and children to the ER. Batteries, vaping devices, and other products can ignite. If fuel lines don’t work properly, a car or truck could ignite if there’s any type of impact. When products and instructions are defective, you will likely have a product liability claim.
• Scalding liquids and steam burns. Boiling water, inefficient radiators, hot water heater spills, and other intense heat from liquids can cause second, third, and fourth-degree burns.
• Toxic, caustic chemicals. In the home, exposure to household cleaners, lawn care, and other products can cause chemical burns if the products penetrate the skin. Industry and construction sites often use hazardous chemicals that can cause fatal or catastrophic burns.
• Construction/industrial sites. Non-employees, including contractors, can file a personal injury claim against the owners and supervisors for any type of negligence on a site that causes thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation burns. Employees are generally required to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Contact a WA lawyer if you are injured or a loved one died due to a burn accident

At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA burn injury doctors work with premier burn injury doctors and plastic surgeons who can fully document just how serious and life-altering your burn injuries are. We filed wrongful death claims and personal injury claims against all responsible parties. For 20 years, we’ve helped thousands of clients obtain strong results.

To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Portland, OR, please call 360-695-3309 or fill out our contact form. We also serve the greater Portland area and Oregon State. We represent burn injury victims on a contingency fee basis.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

by our clients

See All Reviews

×