Like many serious personal injuries, burn injuries can happen in a split second, but their impact can last a lifetime. When a burn injury occurs, it can be a terrifying experience, stirring a flood of questions and concerns. How do you treat the injury? What should you do to alleviate the pain?
The physical pain and the subsequent recovery process can be exhausting, and the emotional trauma can be equally taxing. When these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, it might be time to explore your legal remedies. In this blog, we’ll provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate through the key steps to take following a burn injury, both physically and legally.
Understanding Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are some of the most common workplace and household accidents. They occur when the tissues of the body are damaged due to exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
These injuries can vary widely in terms of severity, depending on factors like the intensity of the heat or chemical, the length of exposure, and the area of the body that is affected. They can cause not only physical pain and damage, but also psychological trauma, especially when the burns are severe.
When to Seek Medical Help for Burn Injuries
Minor burns, or first-degree burns, affect only the outer layer of skin with symptoms like redness, mild pain, and swelling. While these types of burns can generally be treated at home, it’s recommended to seek immediate medical help for more severe burns or burns affecting sensitive areas.
Additionally, if the injured person is having trouble breathing or if the burn results from chemicals, electricity, or an explosion, seek emergency medical care immediately. These burns can be more severe than they appear and can cause internal injuries.
The Importance of Legal Action in Serious Burn Injury Cases
With severe burn injuries, it’s crucial to consider hiring a personal injury attorney as early as possible. If the burn occurred due to someone else’s negligence—maybe a landlord who ignored a fire hazard or an employer who failed to implement fire safety policies—you could be entitled to compensation. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Serious Personal Injury Cases for Severe Burn Injuries
A serious personal injury case can be an effective legal remedy for a burn injury. The term “serious personal injury” in these cases refers to an injury that leads to extreme, often permanent harm to the injured person.
When a person sustains a severe burn injury, it often leads to substantial medical expenses, loss of earnings due to time off work or decreased capacity to work, and significant pain and suffering. A serious personal injury case might allow the injured person to recover these costs from the party at fault.
However, compensation from a personal injury case is not just about recouping financial losses. It also serves to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent or reckless behavior, potentially preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
How a Burn Injury Attorney Can Help
In a serious personal injury case, an attorney can help determine who is responsible for the injury, gather necessary evidence, and represent you in court. They can also help calculate the full extent of damages, including medical bills, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering. An attorney handles negotiations with insurance companies, and if a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial.
Next Steps Following a Burn Injury
Navigating the aftermath of a burn injury can feel overwhelming, but don’t neglect the importance of both physical treatment and legal remedies. A team of medical professionals will provide the best care for your physical recovery, while legal professionals will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Together, they provide a comprehensive path towards recovery and justice.
At Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello, our team understands the complexities of managing serious burn injury cases. Our approach allows the injured person to focus on recovery while we handle the legal proceedings. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious burn injury, contact us for a free consultation to discuss the case.