Following a burn injury, hiring an attorney for a serious personal injury case can offer numerous advantages. If you’ve suffered an injury, you may not only be facing physical pain and trauma, but also a potential financial burden due to medical bills, lost earnings and rehabilitation costs. An experienced attorney should have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your case and identify all sources of legal responsibility.
An attorney can also help to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, both present and future, and negotiate with insurance companies to fight for the maximum compensation. Having an attorney on your side also means you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complex legal procedures.
In short, an attorney can be instrumental in helping you navigate the legal system and safeguarding your rights after a burn injury. But while these injuries are incredibly common, with hundreds of thousands of burn injuries occurring in the U.S. each year, not every instance of a burn injury requires legal action.
Understanding Burn Injuries
A burn injury occurs when your skin or other tissues are damaged due to heat, chemical substances, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. These injuries can range from minor ones, like simple sunburns or light scalds from hot liquids, to severe injuries that can damage deeper tissues such as muscles, bones, and blood vessels.
Burn injuries are classified into first, second, third and fourth degree burns. The seriousness of a burn injury often depends on the extent and depth of the burn, and the area of the body that’s affected. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for any burn injury.
The Role of a Burn Injury Lawyer
In burn injury cases, an attorney’s primary role is to help victims secure the proper compensation to cover medical costs, loss of income and any pain and suffering the victim may have experienced. The attorney helps to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, collect necessary evidence and identify liable parties.
An attorney should also advise clients on their legal rights and options, helping them make informed decisions. They can handle all negotiations with insurance companies and, if needed, take the case to trial. Speaking to an attorney about a burn injury case as quickly as possible can be essential for the collection and preservation of evidence, for ensuring the case meets all legal deadlines and for properly assessing the full extent of damages.
Factors to Consider in Seeking a Burn Injury Attorney
It can sometimes be difficult to decide when it’s necessary to speak to an attorney about your burn injury case. In truth, it’s usually a good idea to consult with an attorney after a burn incident to understand the legal rights and options you may have. If you’re weighing the decision to reach out, here are some common factors to consider.
Burn Injury Severity
Naturally, the severity of the injury greatly impacts a personal injury claim. You might not need an attorney for minor burns that only require basic first aid, do not result in any medical costs or loss of income, and have no long-term implications.
However, if the burn affects deep layers of your skin, or covers a large portion of your body, the medical implications can be serious. Your ability to work might be affected, and you could require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
Negligent Parties
To make a serious personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence or intentional actions caused your burn injury. In these instances, an attorney can work to prove this negligence and ensure you receive fair compensation. Some examples of situations where another party may be held liable include:
- A landlord not maintaining fire safety measures
- A manufacturer releasing a product that malfunctions and causes a fire
- A car or truck accident that wasn’t your fault involving a fire or explosion
- Unsafe working conditions or inadequate training leading to a workplace injury
- An industrial plant failing to follow safety procedures and exposing people to harmful chemicals
Insurance Company Disputes
If an insurance company refuses to pay a claim, offers a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses, or is delaying the process, a burn injury attorney can advocate for you and fight for a fair resolution.
What to Do After a Burn Incident
Following a burn accident, you should, of course, first seek immediate medical attention. Not only is this crucial for your health, but it also creates a medical record of your injury, which can serve as important evidence. With that in mind, it’s helpful to document everything related to your injury. This includes taking photographs of your injuries, the scene where the injury occurred, and any other relevant evidence.
Next, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights, guide you through the complex legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. The attorney can then help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
After filing the claim, there may be negotiations for a settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, your case might proceed to trial. Throughout this process, your attorney will act as your advocate, working to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Get Legal Assistance for Your Burn Injury Case
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury accident, reach out to our team to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.