New York Burn and Fire Injury Attorneys, Representing New York Residents for Over 45 Years

Our client was reaching over her stove to get a pot when her nightgown met the stove’s burner and caught on fire.

Because of the negligent design of her nightgown, she was engulfed in flames and seriously burned. Our personal injury attorneys achieved a settlement in excess of $1 million for this young woman.

In another case our firm represented an elderly man who suffered serious burns when he was left alone in the bathtub by a home care attendant responsible for his supervision.

Our attorneys have also pursued cases involving missing smoke detectors, explosions, defective electrical connections, flammable fabrics, and unsafe stoves. Although the scenarios vary, these cases have one thing in common: someone acted irresponsibly, putting another in harm’s way and causing severe burns. When you contact us, we’ll discuss how you received your burns. This is the first step in identifying those responsible and building a solid case against them.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

When you hire De Caro & Kaplen, LLP to represent you, you receive counsel from nationally recognized legal experts who specialize in complex burn injury litigation. In addition to being skilled attorneys, our partners Shana De Caro and Michael Kaplen are passionate victim advocates who believe property owners, manufacturers, and negligent parties should be held fully accountable for the devastating injuries they cause. Our clients' recovery and justice are the focus of every case we handle.

And unlike many firms, your case won’t be handed off to a paralegal or junior associate. You’ll work directly with Shana and Michael, who will personally handle your fire or burn injury case from start to finish.

We invite you to visit our bio pages (Shana, Michael) for more information on our credentials, or follow the links below.

• Michael was elected Chair of the Vehicle and Premise Liability Section of the American Association for Justice
• Shana is a member of the Board of Directors, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
• We are preferred attorneys of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael is a professorial lecturer at law, teaching a course in brain injury law at the George Washington University Law School (link)
• Shana De Caro served two terms as Chairwoman of The Brain Injury Association of America (link)
• Michael served two terms as Chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council (link)
• Both Shana and Michael have been selected as New York Super Lawyers (link, link)

If you or a loved one suffered burn or fire-related injuries due to another party’s negligence; whether in a building fire, explosion, chemical accident, or due to a defective product, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

To discuss your injuries and your case,  please contact us today for a free consultation.

Below are common types of burn and fire injury cases we handle. But if you don’t see the cause of your injury below, and suspect negligence was to blame, please reach out. We're here to help.

868 fire injuries in NYC. Most were preventable.

In 2023 alone, New York City saw 868 civilian fire injuries (source), many from landlord negligence that turns homes into death traps. When smoke detectors fail and exits are blocked, residents pay with their skin and lives.

The deadly statistics:

• 392 injuries from electrical failures and faulty wiring (source)
• 150 injuries from lithium-ion battery explosions (e-bikes)
• 57% of victims were in homes without working smoke alarms (source)
• Only 43% had functioning detectors when injured

Common causes of fire negligence:

• Faulty electrical systems causing nearly 400 injuries annually
• Non-functioning smoke detectors in most fire injury cases
• Blocked fire exits (proven deadly in major fires) Gas leaks (NYC leads the nation in gas incidents)
• Poor maintenance of heating equipment

Devastating consequences:

• First through third-degree burns over large body areas
• Smoke inhalation and permanent lung damage
• Respiratory complications requiring lifelong treatment
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

New York City's fire injury rate, 9.4 injuries per 1,000 fires (source), exceeds the national average. Building code violations create clear liability. We investigate fire department reports, housing violations, and maintenance records to hold negligent property owners fully accountable.

3,540 workplace chemical burns. Most preventable.

In 2020, U.S. workplaces reported 3,540 chemical burn injuries serious enough to require time off work (source). These corrosive disasters happen in seconds but cause years of suffering.

The workplace reality:

• 4.5% of serious burns in NY State are chemical-related (source)
• 2-5% of all burn injuries nationally involve chemicals (source)
• 5% of occupational injuries are burns (many chemical)

Negligent exposures:

• Missing protective equipment in industrial settings
• Unsafe chemical storage creating spill hazards
• Malfunctioning dispensing systems releasing acids/alkalis
• Inadequate safety warnings and worker training

Instant, lasting damage:

• Deep tissue destruction in seconds of contact
• Eye and vision damage requiring surgery
• Lung injuries from chemical inhalation
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts
• Permanent disability affecting work capacity

Chemical burns require specialized treatment and often leave permanent disabilities that demand maximum compensation.We will hold those responsible for your burn injuries accountable.

52,088 ER visits. 110 deaths. All preventable.

Scalds account for 34.9% of all burn injuries, the largest single category (source). Between 2016-2018, tap water scalds alone sent over 52,000 Americans to emergency rooms and killed 110 people (source).

The shocking facts:

• 25% of scald hospitalizations involve tap water (source)
• 3 seconds at 140°F causes severe burns (source)
• $30 mixing valve could prevent most injuries
• One-third of all burns requiring medical care are scalds (source)

Temperature dangers:

• Defective water heaters delivering scalding temperatures
• Missing thermostatic mixing valves (anti-scald devices)
• Steam pipe leaks in NYC's century-old heating systems
• Cooking liquid spills and splattering grease

Serious consequences:

• Severe blistering and infections requiring grafts
• Permanent scarring affecting appearance and function
• Elder abuse classifications in nursing homes
• Death in extreme cases (especially children and elderly)

New York now requires anti-scald valves on new water heaters, but older buildings remain dangerous. We investigate maintenance records, building violations, and temperature regulations to prove negligent scald injuries.

15,380 workplace burns. 

In 2020, U.S. workplaces reported 11,840 thermal burns and 3,540 chemical burns serious enough to require time off, nearly 15,400 total injuries (source). In NYC alone, 138,900 workplace injuries were reported in 2022 (source).

The workplace reality:

• 5% of all occupational injuries are burns
• 10-45% of all burns are work-related (source)
• 145 workers died from electrocution (with severe burns) in 2020 (source)
• 40% of burn deaths relate to workplace fires/explosions (medbc.com)

Safety failures:

• Arc flashes from electrical faults and improper lockout/tagout
• Chemical exposure without proper PPE or eyewash stations
• Faulty machinery and overheated equipment (20% of occupational burns)
• Explosions in environments with flammable gases or dust

Career-ending consequences:

• Prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries
• Extensive skin grafts and reconstructive procedures
• Inability to return to previous employment
• Permanent disability affecting earning capacity

New York City's work injury rate (2.2 per 100 workers) is below national average, but when burns occur, they're often severe. We coordinate with medical experts and safety professionals to prove OSHA violations and pursue third-party claims against equipment manufacturers and contractors beyond workers' compensation limits.

Every 40 hours. 22,000 NYC gas leaks annually.

A major gas leak or explosion is reported every 40 hours in the U.S (source). New York City leads the nation in gas incidents, FDNY alone responded to over 22,000 gas leak calls in 2018 (source). When prevention fails, the results are catastrophic.

Statistics:

• 4,200 home fires per year ignited by natural gas (source)
• 125,000 gas leak emergencies handled by U.S. fire departments annually
• 440 injuries, 89 deaths from pipeline explosions (2010-2021)
• 107 workplace deaths from fires/explosions in 2022 (source)

Explosion triggers:

• Gas line leaks or improper installation
• Poorly maintained restaurant cooking equipment
• Electrical overloads causing manhole explosions
• Improper chemical ventilation creating vapor clouds

Multiple devastating injuries:

• Severe burns over large body percentages
• Shrapnel wounds from debris and building materials
• Hearing damage from blast pressure
• Traumatic brain injuries from impact forces
• High fatality rates due to intensity

NYC's 2024 law requiring gas alarms in all homes shows the seriousness of this threat. Multiple parties often share liability: utility companies, landlords, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. We analyze fire marshal reports, safety inspections, and gas company maintenance records to identify all responsible parties with substantial insurance coverage.

1,330 injuries. 390 deaths. Billions in liability.

Electrical failures and appliance malfunctions cause approximately 1,330 injuries and 390 deaths annually in U.S. homes (source). In New York City, lithium-ion battery fires alone injured 150 people in 2023, a massive increase from prior years (source).

The product failure epidemic:

• 150 injuries in NYC from e-bike/scooter battery explosions (2023)
• 92 incidents from Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries alone in 2016
• 310 deaths, 760 injuries from recalled products that remained in use (2021 - source)
• Bronx apartment fire from recalled space heater killed 17, injured dozens

Defective design:

• Faulty electrical wiring causing appliance overheating
• Lithium battery explosions in phones, e-bikes, scooters
• Water heater pressure valve failures causing scalding/explosions
• Recalled products remaining in circulation

Manufacturer accountability: Product liability claims target manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who all can be held responsible for product safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issues dozens of fire-related recalls annually, each typically prompted by multiple reported injuries.

We employ expert analysis with expert testing, review of recall databases, and understanding of industry safety standards to prove defective design and manufacturing flaws. When companies prioritize profits over safety, they must pay the full cost of the injuries they cause.

200,000 vehicle fires. 1,500 injuries. Trapped victims.

U.S. fire departments respond to over 200,000 vehicle fires annually, causing roughly 1,500 injuries and 560 deaths (National Fire Protection Association Report). In New York City, FDNY recorded 14 civilian injuries from vehicle fires in 2023 (source), but the confined space makes each incident potentially deadly.

The trapped victim reality:

• 45% of people injured were hurt trying to fight the fire themselves (source)
• 21% were injured attempting to escape the burning vehicle
• 45% of vehicle fires stem from mechanical/electrical malfunctions (source)
• 8% of all fire injuries nationwide involve vehicles (source)

Fire triggers:

• Defective fuel lines and tank ruptures
• Electrical system failures (alternators, batteries, wiring)
• Post-crash fuel leaks igniting on hot surfaces
• Faulty battery systems (especially in electric vehicles)
• Defective exhaust systems creating ignition sources

Confined space horrors:

• Severe burns over large body percentages from trapped heat
• Smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Burns to airways and lungs from toxic fumes
• Death from inability to escape when doors jam

We investigate safety recalls, crash test data, and design failures to prove manufacturer negligence. When your car becomes a death trap, the company that built it must pay for all of your harms and losses.

9,500 fires annually. Packed venues. Deadly consequences.

U.S. hotels and restaurants experience approximately 9,500 fires per year, causing about 200 injuries and 20 deaths annually (source, source). When safety systems fail in crowded venues, single incidents can injure dozens.

The hospitality fire reality:

• 3,900 hotel fires per year (15 deaths, 100 injuries)
• 5,600 restaurant fires per year (100+ injuries)
• 65% of restaurant fires start in kitchens
• 40% of hotel fires caused by cooking equipment (source)

Safety system failures:

• Kitchen fire suppression (Ansul) systems not functioning
  Inadequate or missing sprinkler systems (45% of serious hotel fires)
  Non-functioning smoke alarms (10% of hotel fires - source)
  Blocked or locked emergency exits creating death traps

Crowded venue dangers:

• Unfamiliarity with escape routes (especially hotel guests)
• Panic and crowd crushing during evacuation
• Smoke-filled corridors trapping occupants
• Grease fires spreading rapidly through kitchen systems

Mass casualty potential:

• Multiple burn victims from single incidents
• Severe smoke inhalation in confined spaces
• Trampling injuries during panicked evacuations
• Death from inability to escape crowded buildings

New York City's strict fire codes require sprinklers and suppression systems, but violations still occur.  We investigate fire safety inspections, staff training records, and system maintenance to prove negligence when venues prioritize profits over patron safety.

2,700 fires annually. 28 injuries per 1,000 fires. Double the rate.

U.S. nursing homes experience about 2,700 fires per year, causing approximately 125 injuries annually (source). The injury rate—28 per 1,000 fires—is more than double that of other medical facilities, reflecting residents' inability to self-evacuate.

The vulnerability crisis:

• 66% of nursing home fires are cooking-related (usually contained - source)
• 10% of serious fires had no smoke alarms present (source)
• Many residents require total assistance during evacuation
• Nighttime understaffing delays emergency response

Facility failures that kill:

• Inadequate staffing during emergencies (especially nights/weekends)
• Faulty fire detection and suppression systems
• Poor evacuation planning and insufficient staff training
• Smoking policy violations near oxygen therapy
• Blocked fire doors and compromised smoke barriers

Resident vulnerabilities:

• Wheelchairs and bedridden patients unable to move
• Dementia causing confusion during emergency alarms
• Medication-induced drowsiness preventing response
• Oxygen therapy creating explosive fire conditions

Tragic outcomes:

• Severe burns with prolonged healing in elderly skin
• Smoke inhalation in already-compromised lungs
• Death from inability to evacuate during critical minutes
• Elder abuse and neglect classifications allowing punitive damages

The devastating Hartford, CT and Nashville, TN nursing home fires (2003) killed 31 residents, leading to nationwide safety improvements. All certified nursing homes now require sprinklers, but violations still occur. We investigate staffing levels, evacuation procedures, safety system maintenance, and regulatory compliance to hold facilities fully accountable for their failures to protect society's most vulnerable residents.

A brain injury can be caused by a fire, an electrical, chemical burn or an explosion. When the brain is deprived of essential oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia, or anoxia, brain cells will die resulting in cognitive brain injury. Inhalation of dangerous fumes can lead to brain damage. Electrical injuries can cause disruption to nerve cells within the brain causing brain damage. Toxic chemicals can have a damaging affect on the brain causing neurological injury. Burn complications such as sepsis (infection), impaired hydration (electrolyte imbalance) can also lead to brain injury.

Multiple Defendants. Maximum Recovery.

Burn injuries rarely happen in isolation, they result from system failures involving landlords, maintenace companies, manufacturers, contractors, and individuals. Each negligent party means another source of compensation.

Who is responsible for your disfigurement, your pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical care, plastic surgery, and rehabilitatoin? 

Property owners and landlords who ignore fire safety:

• Failed smoke detectors and sprinkler systems
• Blocked fire exits and faulty wiring
• Gas leak negligence and heating system failures

Product manufacturers who prioritize profits over safety:

• Defective appliances and flammable materials
• Lithium battery explosions and electrical failures
• Recalled products left in circulation

Construction companies who violate safety codes:

• Improper gas line installation
• OSHA violations creating explosion risks
• Inadequate fire suppression systems

Individuals and businesses who act carelessly:

• Restaurant owners with faulty kitchen equipment
• Employers who skip safety training
• Anyone whose negligence caused your burns

Full Compensation for Lifelong Impact

Burn injuries cause devastating, long-term consequences that demand maximum financial recovery:

Medical costs (often exceeding $1 million):

• Emergency treatment and hospitalization
• Multiple surgeries and skin grafts
• Years of rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Ongoing scar treatment and reconstructive surgery
• Lifetime medical monitoring and care

Lost income and earning capacity:

• Immediate wage loss during treatment
• Reduced earning ability from disabilities
• Career limitations from disfigurement
• Benefits and pension losses

Pain, suffering, and life impact:

• Physical agony during treatment and recovery
• Emotional trauma and psychological damage
• Permanent disfigurement affecting relationships
• Loss of life enjoyment and activities

Time Limits: Act Now or Lose Your Rights

3-year deadline in New York for most burn injury cases, but exceptions apply:

• Children have extended deadlines
• Shorter deadlines for government defendants and medical malpractice
• Wrongful death cases have separate shorter deadline rules

To preserve your rights, contact an experience burn injury attorney without delay

Evidence disappears quickly:

• Surveillance footage gets deleted
• Witnesses forget details
• Physical evidence deteriorates
• Documents get destroyed

Why You Need Aggressive Legal Representation

Insurance companies minimize burn injuries to protect their profits. They'll claim your suffering isn't that severe, that you're healing fine, that you don't need ongoing treatment.

We fight back with:

• Medical experts who document your full injuries
• Economic specialists who calculate lifetime losses
• Accident reconstruction proving exact negligence
• Aggressive negotiation and trial advocacy

Burn injuries change lives forever. Your compensation should reflect that reality.

Don't let insurance companies underplay your suffering. Contact our experienced New York burn injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We'll investigate every source of negligence, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Filing a lawsuit can be stressful. But our partners maintain a limited caseload in order to provide attentive client support and eliminate as much anxiety as possible. You’ll feel confident knowing you have a qualified attorney by your side at every step of your case.

Concerned about the costs of hiring a lawyer? Don’t be. You pay no attorney fees unless we win a settlement or favorable judgment on your behalf.

Our fire and burn injury attorneys serve the entire State of New York including New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens. We also serve Nassau and Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester Counties, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse and surrounding areas.

Your fire or burn injury case starts with one conversation, directly with one of our partners, Shana De Caro or Michael Kaplen.

Why act today?

Because the earlier you file a claim, the better. Missing deadlines will mean your case is unable to move forward.

• No upfront cost – We’re paid only if we win for you.
• Personal attention – Your case is handled start-to-finish by our partners, not passed to a junior associate.
• Proven results – Multi-million-dollar recoveries for New Yorkers who suffered fire or burn injuries

Don’t let evidence disappear or deadlines expire. Reach out now, and let’s start building the strongest claim possible, together.