The word “burn” no matter what the degree is, gives every person the feeling of sadness. Empathy is what a victim will get from your family, friends or even a stranger. It is an injury that affects all aspects of one’s being. It is an injury that no one should take sitting down or be drowned with self-pity most importantly if it is caused by negligence.
In fact, it is a very significant problem that in 2016 figures from the National Library of Medicine, more than 5,000,000 people are seeking medical treatment and 40,000 resultant hospitalizations, and 4,000 deaths per year in the US.
First Things First: Working To Get The Best Compensation For Your Injury
First, know that you deserve it. The painful reality is, whatever you get always seems not enough with the sufferings you will experience for the rest of your life. It is a no-brainer that you should get the best burn injuries lawyer on your side. You need someone who has a proven track record, experience, and determination to fight for you.
Information is power and you will learn here all the hidden facts that insurance companies, medical experts, and parties at fault don’t want you to know. Recovering maximum compensation starts at the scene of the accident.
Whatever the degree of your burn injury, the expenses from the initial medical intervention to a long-term treatment is a cost you may never be prepared for and may have never imagined.
Where To Start?
The exact location where you got burned is the legal location of the injury. This will be the starting point where your burn accident lawyer will start gathering all evidence. Video footage, photos, witnesses and review of coverage of insurance policy has to be found and discovered as these will be all part of the process in building your case against the negligent party. The other party will do the same, that is why, this has to be done thoroughly.
This is a stressful task for the victim or the family of the victim. Hiring a burn accident attorney will have all the resources and know how to accomplish this. The plaintiff and immediate circle of support should be able to focus on taking care of themselves to be able to recover fast from the pain and trauma brought about by this accident.
Burn injuries: what are the most common causes?
According to Mayo Clinic, burns are caused by:
- Fire
- Hot liquid or steam
- Hot metal, glass or other objects
- Electrical currents
- Radiations, such as that from X-rays
- Sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation, such a tanning bed
- Chemicals such as strong acids, lye, paint thinner or gasoline
- Abuse
Always remember that any damage to your skin as a result of contact to heat, sun, fire, electricity or chemicals will be considered as a burn injury. The degree or severity of your burn also depends on which part of the body, percentage of the body’s surface area that has been burned, age of the victim, cause of the burn and type of burn experienced. A victim may immediately think that it is of their own doing and even blame oneself. However, unsafe working conditions or failure to provide information, training or precautions to prevent it, are grounds that a party is liable for the burn injury.
It will be in your best interest to secure the services of a burn accident lawyer as soon as possible
Classification Of Burns
- First-Degree (superficial) burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters.
- Second-degree (partial thickness) burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin.
- Third-degree (full thickness) burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. It may also damage the underlying bones, muscles and tendons.
Are There Worse Degrees Of Burns?
Yes, there are worse cases and these are the fourth-degree burns affecting fat tissues; fifth-degree burns affecting muscle tissues; and the sixth-degree burns affecting your bones.
What are the effects and impact of burns?
One wouldn’t even dare to imagine the impact and effects of burn injury as it is truly devastating. It always posts challenges physically and financially but also takes a lot from a person to overcome the emotional and mental effect of burns to the victim and their loved ones. Quality of life is affected and it may take time to bring back the joy and happiness in life.
Some Of The Effects Of Burns Are The Following:
Physical Effects
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Inability to grow new skin
- Oversensitivity to cold and heat
Emotional and Mental Effects (for the victim and their family)
- Psychological trauma
- PTSD and emotional distress
- Degradation in the quality of life
Economic Effects
- Loss of income
- High medical bills
You may have insurance coverage, but whatever they will cover is definitely not enough to be able to recover from this burn accident. If you want all the support that you need, act immediately and hire the best burn accident lawyer. The path to recovery will also need specialists in the field of medicine and this may not just take months, it may even take years.
Who Could Take The Responsibility of Burn Injuries?
To determine who will be the responsible party of your burn injury is critical in your pursuit of getting compensation for all the economic and non-economic damages that you experienced. The liable party will do everything it can to evade any part or wrongdoing. These could be property owners, manufacturing companies, employees or employers or even reckless drivers.
To be able to pinpoint who that is a very daunting task and it will require specialization and experience to be able to do so. No worries though, this is why you have your burn accident lawyer by your side.
What Are The Proof Of Damages To Be Used?
All documents and evidence will form part of the proof of the damages you will demand from the liable party. Medical records, written medical diagnosis, hospital and medicine receipts, police reports (in case of burns due to car accidents), tax records and financial testimonies will help strengthen your claims.
What Should You Do When You or Your Loved One Is A Burn Victim?
Your condition and your recovery is what we live for. If you or your loved one is a victim, immediately seek treatment. Considering the statute of limitations of two years for this case from the time of the accident plus the need to gather all evidence from the location of the accident, be empowered by hiring Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys best burn injuries lawyers. You deserve all the help you need to be able to overcome this life changing injury. Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys will take care of you and will utilize their expertise and resources for you to recuperate. We care and we are here for you.