Legally Reviewed by William Pemberton on September 30, 2026
Burn injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can face. The pain is immediate, but the effects can last for years through surgeries, scarring, nerve damage, and long rehabilitation. Burn injuries that permanently alter your life may also qualify as catastrophic injuries. If your burn injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you have legal options.
Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm has helped injury victims across Wisconsin for years, bringing 80+ years of combined legal experience to every case we take on.
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How Common Are Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries happen more often than many people realize, and they can occur in everyday places like homes, workplaces, and restaurants. According to the American Burn Association, the CDC reported roughly 398,000 fire or burn-related injuries in the U.S. in 2021, along with about 252,000 injuries caused by contact with hot objects or substances.
In Madison, these injuries can result from grease fires, faulty wiring, dangerous workplace chemicals, car accidents involving fuel ignition, or building fires tied to code violations. Many of these situations involve a party who failed to keep others safe, and that failure may give you the right to file a personal injury claim in Madison.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Burn Injury?
Liability in a burn injury case depends on where and how the injury happened. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances.
Property Owners and Landlords
Wisconsin law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions for people lawfully on their property. When a landlord or business owner ignores fire hazards, fails to maintain smoke detectors, or violates fire codes, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries, and a Madison premises liability lawyer can help evaluate your legal options. This applies to apartment buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and other commercial spaces.
Employers
Workers in manufacturing, construction, food service, and chemical-handling industries face heightened burn risks on the job. When an employer fails to provide proper safety equipment or training, and someone is injured as a result, the employer may be liable. We can help you understand whether you have a claim beyond what workers’ compensation covers.
Product Manufacturers
Defective appliances, faulty wiring, and flammable materials with poor safety warnings can lead to serious burns that may involve a Madison product liability lawyer. When a product is unreasonably dangerous due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer or distributor may face liability. Our team has the resources to take on complex claims against large companies.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The financial impact of a serious burn injury can be significant, and Wisconsin law allows victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. What you may be able to recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the strength of your case.
Burn injury victims commonly pursue compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and skin grafting
- Ongoing treatment: Rehabilitation and future medical needs
- Lost income: Wages lost and reduced ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional hardship caused by the injury
- Scarring and disfigurement: Lasting physical changes from the burn
Every situation is different, so speaking with an attorney about your specific losses is an important first step.
Why Madison Burn Injury Victims Choose Pemberton Personal Injury
When you are facing a serious injury, the law firm you choose matters. Pemberton Personal Injury prepares every case as if it will go to trial, putting our clients in the strongest position when dealing with insurance companies. Our track record includes achieving a landmark jury verdict in a high-stakes personal injury case, and we bring that same dedication to every client we serve.
Our practice is built on The Pemberton Promise, a commitment to fighting for the maximum recovery you deserve, treating you with honesty and respect, and carrying the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We never collect a fee unless we win your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Wisconsin?
Time is an important factor in any personal injury case. Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within 3 years from the date of the accident, and this time period generally applies to personal injury claims under Wisconsin law. However, there may be exceptions based on the unique details of your claim, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible matters.
Talk to a Madison Burn Injury Lawyer Today
With decades of combined legal experience, our team is ready to help you understand your rights and build a strong case. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Claims in Wisconsin
What should I do after suffering a burn injury caused by someone else in Wisconsin?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if the burn seems minor, as some serious injuries are not immediately apparent. Document the scene if you are able, preserve any evidence such as photographs or defective products, and collect contact information from witnesses. Avoid making statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Reaching out to a burn injury lawyer early gives you the best chance of building a strong claim and meeting important deadlines under Wisconsin law.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Wisconsin?
In most cases, Wisconsin law gives burn injury victims three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. Certain circumstances, such as injuries involving government entities or claims on behalf of minors, may have different rules. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury helps protect your rights and ensures no critical deadline is missed.
Who can be held responsible for a burn injury in Madison?
Responsibility depends on the circumstances of the injury. Property owners and landlords may be liable if they failed to maintain safe conditions or address fire hazards. Employers can be held accountable for workplace burn injuries caused by inadequate safety protocols or equipment. Product manufacturers may be responsible when a defective appliance, faulty wiring, or dangerous chemical causes harm. In some cases, multiple parties share liability. An attorney can investigate the facts and identify every potentially responsible party.
What types of compensation can burn injury victims recover in Wisconsin?
Burn injury victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, surgeries, and skin grafting, as well as ongoing rehabilitation costs. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also recoverable when injuries prevent you from working. Beyond financial losses, Wisconsin law allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement. The full value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case.
Does Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm charge upfront fees for burn injury cases?
No. Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm handles burn injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured people to access experienced legal representation without worrying about upfront costs. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and understand your options before making any decisions about moving forward.
ABOUT THE ATTORNEY
William Pemberton
Personal Injury Attorney, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
William Pemberton is the founding attorney of Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, representing injured Wisconsinites across Madison, Eau Claire, Baraboo, Fitchburg, and Sun Prairie. He handles car accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, brain injuries, and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis.
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