At Galbavy Law, we are dedicated to advocating for burn victims throughout North Carolina, ensuring that your rights are protected at every step.
Burn injuries are among the most devastating personal injuries a person can suffer. They not only cause immediate pain during the accident but often lead to a long and arduous recovery process that may involve hospital stays, skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and ongoing therapy. For many individuals, these injuries can result in permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and psychological trauma that impact every aspect of life.
At Galbavy Law, the firm represents burn victims throughout Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and communities along I-40 and I-85 who require strong legal advocacy. David Galbavy, a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation and a former insurance defense attorney, leads the team. With years of experience in understanding how insurers evaluate claims, deny responsibility, and minimize payouts, the firm is dedicated to fighting for North Carolinians injured in fires, explosions, chemical accidents, and other catastrophic events.
The firm has successfully recovered over 20 million dollars for clients across the state, many of whom have suffered severe injuries requiring surgeries and ongoing care. Special emphasis is placed on cases involving orthopedic and catastrophic injuries, which often overlap with burn trauma. For those who have been injured in a fire or explosion, there is no need to face powerful insurance companies or negligent corporations alone. A North Carolina burn injury lawyer at Galbavy Law is ready to provide support from the very first call.
Burn victims have the same rights as any other personal injury victim in North Carolina: the right to pursue compensation when negligence causes harm. These rights extend to your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and the lifelong consequences of permanent disfigurement or impairment. What makes burn cases especially complex is the way insurers and defendants fight to limit these rights, often taking advantage of the state’s strict contributory negligence rule.
In our state, if you are found even one percent at fault for the accident that caused your burn injuries, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This is one of the harshest negligence laws in the country. Insurance companies use it aggressively, arguing that victims contributed to their own injuries by overlooking hazards, making minor errors in judgment, or failing to follow certain safety practices. For example, if a tenant suffers burns in a Greensboro apartment fire, the landlord’s insurer may claim the tenant mishandled an appliance, even if the real cause was faulty wiring. Without experienced legal advocacy, this single argument could render the victim’s right to compensation entirely moot.
Your rights also depend on the circumstances of the burn. If a crash on I-85 outside Charlotte caused a vehicle fire, the at-fault driver may be liable. If you were injured in a restaurant or hotel fire in Asheville, the business owner may be responsible for failing to maintain safe premises. If you suffered chemical burns in a Raleigh workplace, both workers’ compensation and third-party claims may apply. In some cases, product manufacturers may be held accountable if defective appliances, batteries, or equipment caused the fire. Identifying all responsible parties is critical to protecting your rights and maximizing recovery.
Burn victims are entitled not only to coverage of immediate hospital bills but also to future care. Many clients require months of specialized treatment, multiple surgeries, and rehabilitation. Others face permanent impairments, limited mobility, or the need for prosthetics after severe burns. Compensation should reflect not just today’s costs but also the lifetime impact of the injury.
The law also recognizes damages for the human toll of burn injuries. Chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of confidence due to scarring, and the strain placed on family relationships are all compensable under North Carolina law. These non-economic damages are often where insurers try to pay the least, but they are among the most important for victims whose lives will never return to what they were.
At Galbavy Law, we ensure that your legal rights are fully protected and effectively exercised. We know how to push back against contributory negligence claims and how to prove that the negligence of others (not the victim) caused the burn. We also know how to present medical evidence, impairment ratings, and expert testimony so that insurers and juries understand the true cost of what you have endured.
For more information on fire safety standards and prevention resources in North Carolina, the Office of State Fire Marshal, through the North Carolina Department of Insurance, provides valuable resources that help illustrate the responsibilities property owners and businesses must follow.
The process of pursuing a burn injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially while you are coping with medical treatment, pain, and major life changes. At Galbavy Law, our goal is to simplify the process while protecting your rights at every stage of the process.
The first step is always medical care. Burn injuries often require immediate hospitalization, and your medical records form the foundation of your case. These records help establish not only the severity of your injuries but also the future care you will need, whether that involves reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, or long-term pain management.
Once your health is stabilized, the claims process begins with investigating the cause of the burn. This may involve securing fire department reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing maintenance records, and consulting with experts in fire or chemical safety. In vehicle-related burns, crash reports and black box data from trucks or commercial vehicles may be critical. In workplace accidents, OSHA standards and employer safety practices often come into play.
The insurance company will usually contact you promptly. Adjusters may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to limit payouts. They may push you to give a statement, accept a quick settlement, or even admit fault. Under North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law, even a single statement that implies partial responsibility could jeopardize your entire case. That is why it is so important to have a North Carolina burn injury lawyer handle all communication with insurers from the very beginning.
At Galbavy Law, we conduct a full investigation to determine liability, calculate damages, and prepare your case for negotiation or trial. We gather evidence, including safety code violations, photos of the accident scene, and testimony from medical professionals. We also calculate damages that reflect both current expenses and future needs, including surgeries, ongoing therapy, and permanent impairments.
For workplace-related burn injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces national standards that employers must follow to protect workers from chemical exposure, electrical hazards, and fire risks. OSHA’s Electrical Hazards page outlines rules and practices designed to reduce burns from contact with energized equipment. These regulations often play a vital role in establishing employer negligence in North Carolina burn injury claims.
Burn injuries can happen in a variety of ways, but specific causes appear frequently across the state. Understanding these causes is essential not only for prevention but also for building a strong legal case when negligence is involved.
One of the most common causes is residential and commercial fires. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or improperly maintained heating systems often lead to devastating blazes in homes and businesses. Tenants and customers who suffer burns in these fires may have claims against landlords or property owners who failed to maintain safe premises.
Vehicle fires also account for a significant number of burn injuries. Collisions on highways like I-40 and I-85 sometimes lead to explosions or fires when gas tanks rupture or electrical systems fail. Victims of these crashes often suffer not only burns but also fractures and other traumatic injuries, making the recovery process lengthy and costly.
Workplace accidents are another leading cause. Employees in manufacturing, construction, and chemical industries face risks of thermal, chemical, and electrical burns. Employers are required to provide protective equipment and follow safety protocols, but many fail to do so. In cities like Greensboro and Raleigh, workers injured in factory or lab accidents often pursue both workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits when other companies or contractors share responsibility.
Chemical burns are particularly devastating, as they may continue to cause damage even after the initial exposure. These injuries often occur in industrial settings but can also happen in schools, hospitals, or even at home due to unsafe storage of hazardous materials.
Scalding injuries from hot water or steam are another common category. Poorly maintained plumbing systems, especially in apartment complexes or hotels, can expose tenants and guests to unsafe temperatures.
In addition to these causes, defective products sometimes play a role. Exploding batteries, malfunctioning appliances, or unsafe consumer goods have all been linked to burn injuries. In these cases, manufacturers and distributors may be held liable.
Across all of these scenarios, the thread is negligence. Burn injuries are rarely unavoidable accidents. They often happen because someone ignored safety codes, cut corners on maintenance, or failed to warn of known dangers. At Galbavy Law, we thoroughly investigate the cause to identify all responsible parties and pursue accountability.
For state-level context, the USFA’s State Fire Loss and Fire Department Profiles include data on fire losses and fatalities by state (including North Carolina). That information aligns with national trends to demonstrate the reality and prevalence of fire risks, underscoring the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable.
Burn injuries are among the most expensive and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. Victims often face weeks or months in specialized burn units, multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care for scarring and nerve damage. Beyond the physical pain, burn survivors experience emotional trauma, disfigurement, and the financial burden of being unable to work. At Galbavy Law, we believe that compensation should reflect not only your immediate needs but also the long-term consequences of your injury.
These are typically the most significant parts of a burn injury claim: hospitalization, emergency transport, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation — often extending over many years. According to NIGMS’s Burns overview, even “moderate” burn injuries can lead to persistent pain and systemic complications as the body responds to trauma. Because burns can affect multiple organ systems, accurately projecting medical costs is critical to capturing the full scope of harm in a claim.
However, future medical costs must also be included. Many clients require ongoing surgeries to address scarring, contractures, or mobility limitations. Others need psychological counseling for trauma or chronic pain management. Insurance companies often focus solely on the initial hospital bill, overlooking the reality of years of ongoing care. As your North Carolina burn injury lawyer, we make sure these future expenses are documented and presented clearly.
Another major category of damages. Severe burns can keep you out of work for weeks or months, and permanent impairments may prevent you from returning to your previous job altogether. We work with financial experts to calculate not just the wages you have already lost, but also the lifetime earnings you will miss because of your injury. This is especially critical for younger victims who face decades of reduced income potential.
Pain and suffering that come with burn injuries. Victims often endure constant discomfort, emotional distress, and a loss of confidence due to scarring or disfigurement. These damages also account for the loss of enjoyment of life, such as being unable to participate in activities, care for family, or pursue hobbies as you once did.
These play a central role in many cases. Burns can lead to reduced mobility, nerve damage, or lifelong limitations. Doctors often assign impairment ratings that quantify the lasting impact. As a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, David Galbavy has extensive experience working with impairment ratings and ensuring they are used effectively to increase compensation in personal injury cases.
In some cases, punitive damages may be available when reckless or intentional behavior causes the burns. For example, when a company knowingly violates fire safety codes or a landlord ignores repeated warnings about faulty wiring, punitive damages can punish that misconduct and deter similar negligence in the future.
They also play a crucial role in discussions about compensation. Many clients benefit from specialized rehabilitation programs that focus on burn survivors. The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research offers valuable insights into recovery programs and research on long-term rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of including these costs in your claim.
At Galbavy Law, we take a comprehensive approach to compensation. We do not simply look at today’s expenses. We look at the next five, ten, or twenty years and ask what resources you will need to live as fully as possible. That includes advanced medical treatment, adaptive devices, ongoing counseling, and financial stability for your family.
Our firm has recovered more than 20 million dollars for clients across North Carolina, many of whom faced permanent impairments and life-changing injuries. We utilize this experience to push back against insurers who attempt to minimize claims and ensure that every category of loss is accurately accounted for. Compensation is not just about covering bills. It is about rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and giving burn survivors the tools they need to move forward.
Burn injury cases are some of the most complex personal injury claims in the state. They involve not only high medical costs but also long-term treatment needs, emotional trauma, and in many cases, permanent disfigurement or disability. Insurance companies often try to reduce settlements by arguing that your treatment is excessive or that your injuries are not as limiting as you claim. Without experienced legal representation, victims are left vulnerable to these tactics.
One of the most significant challenges in burn injury cases is North Carolina’s contributory negligence law. This rule means that if you are found even one percent at fault for your accident, you could lose the right to any compensation. Insurers use this law aggressively to protect their profits. They may argue that you ignored safety warnings, misused a product, or failed to follow fire safety practices, even when those arguments have little merit. Having an attorney who understands how to counter these defenses is essential.
At Galbavy Law, we bring unique experience to these cases. As a former insurance defense attorney, David Galbavy is well-versed in the strategies insurers use to deny or minimize claims. He anticipates their arguments and builds strong evidence before they have the chance to shift blame. This inside knowledge, combined with years of experience representing burn victims, gives our clients a clear advantage.
Burn injuries are also medically complicated. Victims may need multiple surgeries, skin grafts, reconstructive operations, and ongoing rehabilitation. Insurance companies often cover only the initial treatment, ignoring future needs. An experienced lawyer ensures that your case includes the cost of lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and the permanent changes to your quality of life.
Another reason to hire a lawyer is the importance of expert testimony. Burn injury claims often require input from medical professionals, economists, vocational experts, and rehabilitation specialists to demonstrate the actual cost of your injuries. At Galbavy Law, we work with leading experts to present a complete picture of your losses, making it harder for insurers to dispute or downplay your claim.
Ultimately, having a lawyer gives you peace of mind. Burn victims already face overwhelming challenges. Trying to manage deadlines, paperwork, and negotiations with insurers while recovering is nearly impossible. By working with Galbavy Law, you can focus on healing while knowing your case is being handled with skill, dedication, and care.
Not every law firm possesses the experience, credentials, and commitment necessary to handle complex burn injury claims effectively. At Galbavy Law, what sets us apart is the combination of specialized knowledge, proven results, and personal service that we bring to every case.
David Galbavy is a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, a distinction held by only a small percentage of attorneys in the state. This certification demonstrates advanced expertise in injury law and a proven track record of success in handling complex, medically serious cases. For burn victims facing surgeries, permanent impairments, and long-term care, that level of expertise makes a meaningful difference in case outcomes.
Before founding Galbavy Law, David worked as an insurance defense attorney. That experience provided an insider’s view of how insurers operate. He learned how they evaluate claims, where they look for weaknesses, and what strategies they use to deny responsibility. Today, he uses that knowledge to build stronger cases for injured clients. Insurers know that when Galbavy Law is on the case, their usual tactics will not work.
Our record of results is another key aspect that distinguishes us. Galbavy Law has recovered over $ 20 million for clients across Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and throughout the state. Many of these results involved catastrophic injuries, multiple surgeries, and permanent impairments. While no two cases are the same, our track record demonstrates that we possess the experience and determination necessary to tackle challenging claims and achieve meaningful outcomes.
We also focus heavily on the medical realities of burn injuries. These cases require not just legal skill but also a deep understanding of how burns affect the body, both immediately and in the long term. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure that every element of your care is documented and included in your claim. This includes not only emergency treatment but also reconstructive surgeries, rehabilitation, psychological care, and future medical needs.
Finally, the way we treat our clients is central to our difference. At larger firms, cases are often assigned to multiple attorneys, and clients typically do not have direct contact with their primary attorney. At Galbavy Law, we take the opposite approach. Clients work directly with David and a dedicated team that values communication, responsiveness, and personal service. We return calls, answer questions, and make sure our clients are informed every step of the way.
The Galbavy Law difference is about more than just legal representation. It is about providing trust, compassion, and relentless advocacy. For burn victims facing the most challenging moments of their lives, we bring not only experience but also dedication to helping them rebuild their future with dignity and strength.
Burn injuries are among the most devastating personal injury cases because of the lifelong challenges they create. From physical pain to emotional trauma, victims often face obstacles that go far beyond medical bills. At Galbavy Law, we understand what is at stake, and we fight for our clients with compassion and determination.
David Galbavy is a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation and a former insurance defense attorney. That means you will have a lawyer who not only understands the medical realities of burn injuries but also knows the strategies insurance companies use to minimize claims. With more than 20 million dollars recovered for clients across Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and communities statewide, our firm has the proven experience to deliver results.
When you contact us, your consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. From the moment you call, you will know you have an advocate who listens, explains your options, and stands by your side every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has experienced a burn injury in North Carolina, start your recovery journey now by contacting us or completing our contact form at Galbavy Law.
1 Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. The only way we can assist you is for you to call us about your case.
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