Burn Injury Attorney in Wisconsin

Burn injuries can occur in many situations, including post-crash fires on Interstate 94 or Interstate 43, workplace accidents, house fires, or contact with hazardous substances. These injuries are often severe, causing pain, scarring, reduced mobility, and emotional distress. The impact can extend to families, particularly where ongoing care, time off work, and long-term changes are involved. Treatment may include emergency care, skin grafts, surgery, and specialist rehabilitation.

Where negligence is involved, compensation may help cover medical costs, lost income, and the wider impact on your life. The burn injury attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde have represented injured individuals across Wisconsin since 1974.

Serious injuries need serious lawyers. We are prepared to stand up to insurers and secure compensation that supports your recovery and long-term needs. To request a free consultation, call (715) 425-8161 or contact our law offices online.

 

How Burn Injuries Happen in Wisconsin

Serious burns can happen in any environment where heat, electricity, chemicals, or flammable materials are present. Our Wisconsin burn injury attorneys regularly represent individuals injured in situations involving:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles can cause fires or explosions, particularly when fuel systems are compromised.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, factories, and industrial settings present a higher risk due to machinery, electrical systems, hot surfaces, and hazardous substances.
• Fires and Explosions: Residential and commercial fires may result from faulty wiring, heating equipment, gas leaks, or unsafe storage of flammable materials.
• Defective Products: Faulty appliances, batteries, or electrical devices can overheat, catch fire, or explode, causing serious harm.
• Chemical Exposure: Contact with corrosive substances, whether in industrial settings or consumer products, can cause significant tissue damage.
• Electrical Accidents: Contact with live wires, power lines, or defective systems can cause severe internal injury, even when external damage appears limited. 

In many cases, these incidents are preventable. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, Bye, Goff & Rohde can help you pursue fair compensation.

 

Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries

The severity of a burn is determined by how deeply the skin and underlying tissue are affected. These injuries are typically classified as follows:

 

First-Degree Burns

These affect only the outer layer of skin and may cause redness, mild swelling, and discomfort. While often less severe, they can still be painful and require proper care.

 

Second-Degree Burns

Burns at this level extend deeper into the skin and commonly cause blistering, swelling, and more intense pain. Healing may take longer and, in some cases, can lead to scarring.

 

Third-Degree Burns

At this stage, the burn extends through all layers of the skin, and nerve damage may cause numbness or loss of sensation. The skin can appear white, charred, or leathery, and there is a significant risk of infection due to the loss of the skin’s protective barrier.

 

Fourth-Degree Burns

The most severe level, extending beyond the skin into underlying tissue, muscle, or bone. These injuries are often life-threatening and require extensive, ongoing medical care.

The classification of your burn injury can affect the level of compensation available. Our burn injury lawyers work alongside specialist burn care doctors to ensure the full extent of your injuries is properly assessed.

 

The Range of Burn Injury Cases We Handle

Bye, Goff & Rohde regularly represents individuals and families across Wisconsin in cases involving:

 

Catastrophic Injuries

These cases involve extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissue, often requiring multiple surgeries, long-term treatment, and ongoing care. In some situations, permanent disability may result.

 

Scarring and Disfigurement

Even after initial treatment, visible scarring can have a lasting impact on confidence, employment, and everyday interactions. These cases involve both physical and psychological considerations.

 

Surgery and Reconstructive Treatment

Some injuries require procedures such as skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Claims must account for both immediate treatment and any future procedures that may be needed.

 

Injuries Affecting Mobility and Function

Where joints, muscles, or large areas of the body are involved, movement can be limited and independence reduced. Rehabilitation and long-term support are often required.

 

Workplace-Related Incidents

Cases arising in construction, industrial, or manufacturing environments often involve additional legal considerations, including employer responsibility and potential third-party liability.

 

Defective Product Cases

Some incidents are linked to faulty appliances, batteries, or equipment. These matters may involve manufacturers, distributors, or other parties responsible for unsafe products.

Whatever the cause of your injuries, if negligence played a role, our burn injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation that supports your family’s long-term stability.

 

What Should You Do After Being Burned?

The steps you take after being injured can influence healing, reduce the risk of complications, and help protect your legal position. Consider the following:

• Get Medical Treatment: Burns can continue to damage tissue after the initial incident. Early assessment, particularly by specialists, can help limit complications and guide proper care.
• Follow Wound Care Instructions: Proper dressings and medications are essential for reducing the risk of infection and supporting healing.
• Keep a Clear Record of Your Recovery: Photograph the injury as it heals and note any changes in pain, sensitivity, or movement. This can help demonstrate how the injury affects daily life.
• Document Treatment Costs: Burn care often involves ongoing medical input, including surgery or rehabilitation. Keeping records helps reflect the full impact of the injury.
• Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurers: Early settlement offers may not account for long-term complications, particularly where scarring or ongoing treatment is involved.

Once you have taken these steps, you should consider speaking with a burn injury attorney. An attorney can help establish what happened, identify who may be responsible, ensure your treatment is properly documented, and pursue compensation that supports your recovery and future care.

 

How Liability Is Determined in Wisconsin Burn Injury Cases 

Claims involving serious burns are typically based on negligence. This means the following elements must be established:

• Duty of Care: The responsible party had an obligation to act in a reasonably safe manner.
• Breach of Duty: That obligation was not met, whether through action or inaction.
• Causation: The breach directly contributed to the incident and resulting harm.
• Damages: The injury resulted in measurable losses, including physical, financial, or psychological impact.

Liability may rest with one or more parties, including:

• Negligent Drivers: Where a collision results in a fire or explosion, liability may arise from unsafe driving or failure to follow traffic laws.
• Employers and Site Operators: In workplace settings, responsibility may extend to those who manage safety procedures, equipment, or site conditions.
• Property Owners and Landlords: Where fires or hazards arise from poorly maintained premises, liability may rest with those responsible for upkeep.
• Manufacturers and Suppliers: Faulty products, including appliances or electrical equipment, may give rise to claims against those involved in their design or distribution.
• Utility and Service Providers: In cases involving electrical faults or infrastructure issues, responsibility may lie with those responsible for installation or maintenance.

In complex cases, liability is often shared between multiple parties. An experienced burn injury lawyer can help ensure all potential sources of compensation are identified and pursued.

 

How Personal Injury Compensation Can Support You

Compensation following a burn injury in Wisconsin should reflect both immediate and long-term losses. You may be entitled to recover costs for:

 

Medical Treatment

Compensation can help cover initial hospital visits, treatment by burn specialists, debridement, skin grafts, reconstructive procedures, and follow-up care needed to manage healing and reduce complications.

 

Pain, Scarring, and Changes to Appearance

Serious burns can lead to lasting pain and visible changes to the skin. Compensation can take into account both the physical discomfort and the broader impact on confidence and day-to-day interactions.

 

Psychological and Emotional Support

You can claim costs that help cover support, such as therapy or counselling, when emotional recovery is needed alongside physical healing.

 

Loss of Income and Future Earnings

In some cases, returning to the same role may not be possible. Compensation can reflect both immediate financial loss and longer-term changes to earning capacity.

 

Rehabilitation and Daily Support

Recovery may involve rehabilitation, support from carers, and assistive devices such as mobility aids or specialist equipment. Compensation can help ensure the right level of help is in place as your needs develop.

Our burn injury attorneys will prepare your claim to ensure you have the financial support needed for your recovery and any necessary adaptations.

 

Key Laws That May Affect Your Burn Injury Claim

Several legal rules affect how a burn injury claim in Wisconsin is assessed and the compensation available. Key factors include:

 

Negligence

Most claims depend on showing that another party failed to act with reasonable care. This may involve unsafe practices, poor maintenance, or product safety failures. A well-founded claim involves determining what should reasonably have been done differently in the circumstances.

 

Comparative Fault

Wisconsin follows a comparative fault system, meaning liability can be shared. If you are partially at fault, compensation may be reduced. If you are more than 50% responsible, you may not be able to recover damages.

 

Statute of Limitations

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to file. Missing this deadline can prevent recovery.

 

Product Liability Laws 

If a defective product contributed to the incident, claims may be brought against manufacturers, distributors, or suppliers for design, manufacturing, or warning failures.

The burn injury lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde will ensure that these laws are applied appropriately to your case. Your claim will include all liable parties, all potential avenues of compensation, and will be filed within the required time limits.

 

Why Burn Injury Clients Choose Bye, Goff & Rohde

Effective legal representation demands an understanding of both the immediate and long-term challenges associated with severe burns. Clients across Wisconsin turn to Bye, Goff & Rohde because we offer:

 

Direct Access to a Burn Injury Attorney

You will work directly with an attorney who understands the complexities of your injuries, including long-term treatment, scarring, and ongoing care needs. Clear advice, regular updates, and consistent communication ensure you are supported at every stage.

 

A Trial-Ready Approach

These cases are often aggressively defended by insurers, particularly when the extent of scarring, future treatment, or long-term impact is unclear. We prepare every case as though it may proceed to trial, strengthening your position during negotiations.

 

Decades of Experience With Catastrophic Injuries 

Since 1974, Bye, Goff & Rohde has represented individuals across Wisconsin in serious injury cases, including those involving complex and life-changing burns. We understand how these injuries affect daily life, future care needs, and financial stability, and we prepare claims to reflect the treatment, assistance, and adjustments that may be required over time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Burn Injuries

You may have concerns about your situation and what to expect. Below are some of the most common queries we receive from clients with serious burn injuries. 

 

Do I have to go to court for a burn injury case?

Many cases are resolved without going to court. However, if a fair outcome cannot be reached, we are prepared to take the case to trial. Where attendance is required, alternative arrangements can often be made to accommodate your condition.

 

How long will my burn injury case take?

The timeline depends on the severity of your injury and how your recovery progresses. Some cases resolve within a few months, while others take longer, where ongoing treatment and long-term needs must be properly assessed.

 

What evidence can support my burn injury claim?

Medical records, photographs showing how the injury has developed, and details of your treatment and expenses are often key. In more complex cases, input from burn care specialists may be required to explain the extent of the injury.

 

How much does it cost to hire a burn injury attorney?

Most cases are handled on a contingency basis. This means no upfront fees, and you only pay if compensation is recovered. We can explain our fee structures further during your free initial consultation. 

 

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Wisconsin Burn Injury Attorney

Acting early is important in burn injury claims, as evidence must be preserved and strict time limits apply. You can speak directly with a burn injury attorney at Bye, Goff & Rohde at no cost. During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to explain what happened, ask questions, and understand your legal options. Take the next step toward recovery. Call (715) 425-8161 or contact our law offices online.