Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States require medical treatment due to burn-related injuries, that is according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In 2011, 486,000 burn injury victims in the United States received medical attention. Fire can start from numerous sources, primarily due to someone else’s negligence – either a landlord, employer, or business establishment.
Victims of fires and burn injuries are frequently left with physical and psychological scars, as well as massive medical bills, missed wages, and life-altering pain and suffering. Such victims should take legal action and be financially compensated to cover the cost associated with their pain and suffering.
The party at fault and those involved in the compensation process may tirelessly work to reduce or impede the payout process. It is, therefore, necessary to hire an experienced fire and burn injury lawyer, such as the Fielding Law burn injury lawyer in Taylorsville UT, who will advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. Below is some vital information about burn injuries and what to do immediately after a fire accident.
Types of burn injuries
Fire and burn injuries can be classified into four categories depending on how much the burn has penetrated the skin.
- First-degree burns: The damage is restricted only to the skin’s outer or topmost layer (epidermis).
- Second-degree burns: These burns are characterized by blistered and awfully red skin.
- Third-degree burns: The skin’s deepest layer (hypodermis) is damaged in this category.
- Fourth-degree burns: The skin is destroyed, as are the underlying tissues like nerves, tendons, and bones.
Where Burn Injuries Occur
Burns can occur anywhere there is a flammable or hot object, be it the workplace, commercial building, or individual home or apartment. The place where a burn injury occurs is essential in determining the victim’s ability to take legal action against the negligent party.
What should you do immediately after suffering a burn injury?
All types of burn injuries require medical attention. Individuals who have suffered burn injuries should seek treatment from the doctor or first-aid for first-burn injuries.
The next step is to document your injuries by taking photos of your injuries and the source of the burn. Also, list down all evidence that makes you believe it’s someone else negligence.
Why do you’ll need a burn injury lawyer?
Burn injury claims are complicated and complex, involving extensive research and discussion with specialists, medical providers, and law enforcement officials. They may involve various parties that may not always be acting in your best interests. There are many reasons why you’ll need an experienced fire and burn injury attorney by your side throughout the claiming process.
- Ensure you go after the correct party who is at fault for your injuries. Your attorney will investigate and identify the negligent party to obtain a complete recovery for all of your injuries’ losses.
- It is difficult for victims to know the exact amount of compensation they are entitled to. A skilled and experienced burn injury attorney will help you factor in all variables such as past and future expenses and emotional distress resulting from the accident and ensure you are fairly compensated.
- The complex legal system and specific laws in different states can be overwhelming to an individual. The settlement case may take months of back-and-forth discovery and negotiations. Many documents are required in these claims, and the claim may be denied without any of them. Hiring a burn injury lawyer vast with the law and who has dealt with such cases increases your chances of recovering from your injuries.
In conclusion
Burn injuries can cause extensive and life-long pain, disfigurement, and other serious injuries. The law has created a system to compensate victims whose injuries are caused by another’s negligence. It is prudent to have a seasoned burn injury lawyer guide and represent you during the settlement process and offer you a better chance to maximize recovery and give yourself the best chance of moving on in life.
