Injuries of all types can be challenging, and burn injuries are among the most devastating of all. A serious burn not only limits physical mobility in the short term but also can result in permanent disfigurement and emotional scarring.
Advanced, often-expensive medical treatment is required to successfully address burn injuries. Ongoing treatment through skin grafts and other procedures may also be necessary to help a burn patient recover.
If you face mounting medical bills after a serious burn, you may wonder if you can pursue legal action to access financial help. An understanding of the basics of a burn injury case will help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
One of the factors that will affect your ability to successfully pursue a personal injury lawsuit for your burn injuries is the severity of the burn you sustained. Burns are divided into three primary classifications.
First-degree burns are relatively minor and affect only the topmost layer of skin. They typically don't lead to significant scarring, and they usually heal quickly. A second-degree burn is more severe. Both the outer layer and the inner layers of skin are affected by a second-degree burn. You will likely experience some pain and be left with minor scarring after sustaining a second-degree burn.
The most serious types of burns are classified as third-degree burns. A third-degree burn affects not only the skin but also the underlying tissue. Third-degree burns can be life-threatening, and they leave significant scarring and muscle damage in their wake. The more severe your burn injuries are, the more success you will have in pursuing a legal case.
Another critical component in any burn injury case is fault. You need to determine who was responsible for your injuries. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine fault.
It is possible that you were injured as a result of the negligence of a boss or co-worker. A defective product can also be responsible for causing burn injuries. Some burns are sustained during auto accidents where a vehicle bursts into flames. By identifying who was at fault for your injury, you can determine whom to file your lawsuit against.
The primary goal of any personal injury lawsuit is to receive financial compensation. This money is vital to the ongoing recovery of a burn victim, as a burn can have a lifelong impact on a person's life.
A third-degree burn could leave you with severe scarring and disfigurement. This change in your appearance can lead to emotional distress and trauma. Some people find that they are unable to return to work because of the muscle damage sustained in a burn.
Medical treatment, physical therapy, and living expenses are costly. Financial compensation can be awarded in a burn case to help cover these costs. Compensation for any emotional trauma and the loss of future earnings can also be sought by filing a personal injury case in a court of law.
Your attorney will be able to help you evaluate your unique circumstances to determine how much money you should seek when filing your personal injury case.
Severe burns can be life-threatening, and they are always life-changing. The help of an experienced attorney is critical in understanding the basic elements of a burn injury case so that you can decide whether or not to file a lawsuit.
Contact
John F. O'Grady, Attorney at Law, to set an appointment to discuss the unique circumstances surrounding your burn injuries. We're happy to work with you and help you receive the financial compensation you need and deserve.
