North Dakota Burn Injury Law and Insurance Claims

Burn injuries are incredibly common. They can happen at home or at work. They can be minor, or they can be incredibly devastating. According to the CDC, almost 300,000 non-fatal burns happen in the U.S. every year and over 3,500 people die from burn injuries annually. Given their prevalence, it’s important to know what to do if you suffer a burn injury.

What you need to know and why a burn injury lawyer makes all the difference

Burn injuries change everything in an instant. One moment you’re on the job, cooking dinner, or out on the road, and the next, your life’s been divided into before and after. The pain isn’t just physical, either. It’s emotional. It’s financial. It affects how you move, how you sleep, and how you show up in the world.

If you’re recovering from a burn injury in North Dakota, you’re dealing with more than just a lengthy healing process. You’re also wading through a swamp of insurance paperwork, medical jargon, and fine print. And unless you’ve got a background in law or claims adjusting, chances are you’re wondering: Am I getting what I actually deserve?

That’s where understanding your rights (and calling in a burn injury lawyer) can change everything.

Types of burn injuries that trigger claims

Not all burns are the same, and not all of them qualify for a legal or insurance claim. But if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or happened on someone else’s property you’ve likely got options. Burn injuries can result from the following:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Industrial or oil field explosions
• Defective appliances or faulty wiring
• Workplace accidents involving chemicals, steam, or fire
• Scalding injuries in apartment buildings or restaurants
• Electrical burns from unsafe job sites

In North Dakota, if your burn was the result of another party’s mistake or if it happened at work, you’re not on your own. But how you go about your claim will depend on the circumstances.

How insurance works in a burn injury case

Let’s start with the basics. North Dakota is a no-fault car insurance state. That means your own insurance pays for initial medical bills and lost wages after a car crash, regardless of who caused it. But if your injuries are serious (like second- or third-degree burns that require surgery or skin grafts), you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver.

For workplace burns, workers’ compensation is usually your first stop. It’ll cover medical treatment and a portion of your wages. But here’s the catch: workers’ comp doesn’t pay for pain and suffering. And it doesn’t apply if your injury was caused by a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer).

In cases involving faulty products or unsafe property, you might need to file a liability insurance claim and that’s where things get complicated.

What makes burn claims so complex?

Burn injuries are expensive. We’re talking about:

• ER visits
• Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
• Physical therapy
• Pain management
• Psychological counseling
• Long-term disability

Insurance companies know this. And that’s why they do everything they can to downplay your injuries, shift blame, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.

They might argue that your burns weren’t that serious, that your treatment was excessive, or that you were partially at fault. They’ve got teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts.

Without a burn injury lawyer on your side, it’s easy to get steamrolled.

What can a burn injury lawyer do for you?

A good lawyer doesn’t just file paperwork. They investigate, document, and advocate on your behalf. Here’s what you can expect:

• Collecting evidence: Photos, witness statements, safety records, medical documentation; all of it helps build your case.
• Working with experts: From plastic surgeons to occupational therapists, expert testimony can explain the extent of your injuries and the care you’ll need long-term.
• Calculating damages: This isn’t just about hospital bills. It’s about your lost income, your future medical care, and your pain and suffering.
• Negotiating with insurers: You don’t want to go toe-to-toe with an insurance company alone. Your lawyer will handle those conversations so you don’t have to.
• Filing a lawsuit if needed: If the insurer won’t budge, your lawyer can take them to court and fight for what’s fair.

Can you sue for a burn injury in North Dakota?

Absolutely. But you’ll need to act quickly. North Dakota has a six-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including burn injuries. That might sound like a lot of time, but building a strong case takes months.

And if you’re dealing with a government agency or city-owned property, that timeline shrinks fast — often to just 180 days to file a notice of claim.

What if the injury happened at work?

If your burns happened on the job, workers’ compensation should kick in. But remember, that doesn’t cover everything. If someone outside your employer caused the accident, like a negligent subcontractor or a defective piece of equipment, you may have a third-party claim in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.

Navigating both systems at once is tricky. But a lawyer who knows their way around burn cases and North Dakota labor law can help you get the most out of both.

The long-term impact of burn injuries

Burn injuries don’t just heal and go away. They leave scars, both visible and invisible. You may need physical therapy to regain movement. You may struggle with PTSD or depression. You may be unable to return to your job or to any job for a while.

The law allows you to seek compensation for all of that. But the insurance company won’t hand it over willingly. That’s why it pays to bring in a lawyer who understands what your recovery is really worth.

Burn injuries leave more than physical scars. If you’re recovering from one, don’t navigate insurance and legal claims alone. Talk to a burn injury lawyer who knows North Dakota law and isn’t afraid to push back on insurers.

At Larson Law, we’ve helped people like you get the support and compensation they deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about what’s next.