Burn Injuries
Burn Injury Cases in Michigan: The Pain Doesn't End When the Fire Goes Out
Severe burn injuries are among the most painful and visually devastating injuries a person can suffer. The medical treatment is agonizing — debridement, skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries that can continue for years. The scarring is permanent and visible. The psychological impact — PTSD, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal — is profound. And the financial burden is crushing: a severe burn requiring skin grafting and extended hospitalization can generate medical bills exceeding $1 million before you even begin the years of follow-up reconstructive work.
At Koussan Law, I represent burn injury victims across Michigan. These injuries result from car accidents, workplace explosions, defective products, electrical failures, chemical exposures, and building fires caused by negligent maintenance. Every burn case I take involves the same fight: proving the full scope of damages against insurance companies that try to minimize the severity of an injury you can literally see.
Classification of Burn Injuries
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and the underlying dermis, causing blistering, severe pain, and scarring. Third-degree burns destroy both layers of skin entirely, often requiring skin grafts and causing permanent scarring. Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin into underlying fat, muscle, and bone — these are life-threatening and often result in amputation.
The total body surface area (TBSA) affected is the other critical factor. Burns covering more than 20% TBSA in adults are considered major burns requiring specialized burn center care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes burn injuries that lead to legal claims?
The most common causes I see: vehicle fires following collisions (defective fuel systems are a recurring issue), workplace explosions and chemical exposures, electrical burns from faulty wiring or defective equipment, scalding burns from defective water heaters, building fires caused by negligent property maintenance, and chemical burns from consumer products. Each cause of action involves different defendants and different liability theories.
Q: What damages are available in a Michigan burn injury case?
Economic damages include emergency treatment, burn center hospitalization (which can run $10,000+ per day), surgery and skin grafts, physical and occupational therapy, pain management, future reconstructive surgeries, and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, disfigurement (a separate category under Michigan law), emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life. Michigan does not cap non-economic damages in burn injury cases.
Q: How long do burn injury cases take to resolve?
Longer than most personal injury cases. Burn injuries require extended treatment — reconstructive surgeries may continue for 2-5 years or more. I don't settle burn cases until the full scope of treatment and scarring is known, because settling early means leaving money on the table for future surgeries you'll need but haven't had yet.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for a burn injury claim in Michigan?
Three years from the date of injury under MCL § 600.5805. For burns caused by defective products, the 10-year statute of repose under MCL § 600.5805(13) may also apply. Government entity claims require 120-day notice under MCL § 691.1404. Workplace burns may involve workers' compensation as well as third-party claims against equipment manufacturers or property owners.
