Burn Injuries

In identifying a burn injury, there are four distinct classifications, including:

• Chemical burns, which are caused by contact with liquid, solid or gaseous household or industrial chemicals;
• Electrical burns, which result from contact with electrical sources or being struck by lightning;
• Radiation burns, which can result from overexposure to sunlight or contact with nuclear radiation and/or other ultraviolet light sources.
• Thermal or heat burns, which are caused by contact with flames, hot liquids or objects, and steam.

Years ago, six degrees of burns were documented. Today, however, first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree burns, which are categorized by how many layers of skin and underlying tissue have been affected, are recognized within the medical community.

In addition to damaging the layers of the skin, severe burns can also cause catastrophic injury to a victim’s nerves, muscles, eyes, and lungs. 

Statistics You Should Know:

• In the United States, an estimated 2.4 million burn injuries are reported annually.
• According to the American Burn Association, 1.1 million burn victims seek medical treatment annually. Of the estimated 45,000 victims that are hospitalized, approximately 50 percent are admitted to a specialized burn unit.
• Nationwide, burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death.
• According to www.webmd.com, an estimated 60 percent of all burn victims are between the ages of 18 and 64.
• As many as 10,000 Americans die each year from burn-related infections, such as pneumonia.

Understanding the Law

The amount of compensation received for a burn injury is dependent on the probable impact the accident will have on the victim’s future lifestyle, earnings, and physical abilities.

It is, however, the victim’s responsibility to prove that the burn injury resulted from the careless behavior or negligence of an individual, landlord, employer, business, manufacturer, or major corporation.

Are You a Burn Victim?

There are five essential steps that you must take if you become the victim of a burn injury:

1. Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all witnesses.
2. Record the date, time, and exact location of the injury.
3. Arrange to have photographs taken of the injuries.
4. Seek medical attention to not only treat the injury, but to classify the severity of the burn. Save copies of all hospital, physician, and pharmacy bills that will support your case if you submit an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
5. Hire a competent personal injury attorney (home) who specializes in burn injuries.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Depending on the severity of the injury, burn victims can suffer long-term financial, physical, and emotional suffering. Without skilled representation, a victim and his or her family members may not anticipate all the expenses—including long-term hospitalization, physical therapy, doctor visits, on-going care, future surgeries, and psychological counseling—that may be fundamental to the recovery process.   

A competent attorney skilled in this area of expertise understands the agonizing pain and financial and emotional devastation that may result from a serious burn injury.  He or she will assist you in filing a claim or developing a legal case in a timely manner to ensure you do not forfeit your entitlement to claim damages due to statute of limitation restrictions in your demographic area.

The ultimate goal of a qualified attorney is to protect your rights while successfully navigating through the complicated and often-perplexing insurance company and legal system challenges to ensure that you are justly compensated for the pain, injuries, earnings, and other losses you have suffered.

To find a personal injury law firm in your community with experience in burn injuries, please enter your city name in the grey search box at the top of this page.

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE - PLEASE CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC CASE