Burns are very painful injuries and usually require long periods of recovery. According to the American Burn Association, over 450,000 individuals in the United States require medical treatment for their burn injuries yearly. This number is far too high. If you are among the thousands who were a victim of a painful burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation if another party was at fault for your injury.
Types of Burn Injuries
Many burn injuries hurt, but not all burn injuries are the same. Burn injuries can be classified into three different types, depending on the severity and depth of the burn. Here are the different types of burn injuries and their characteristics:
- First-degree burns. These are the least severe type of burn injury, affecting only the outermost layer of the skin. Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, swelling, and pain. These burns typically heal within a few days to a week.
- Second-degree burns. These burns affect the outer and underlying layers of the skin, causing blistering, swelling, and severe pain. They may also appear red or white. Second-degree burns can take several weeks to heal and may require medical attention, such as dressings, ointments, or skin grafts.
- Third-degree burns. Third-degree burns are the most severe burn injury, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissue and bone. Third-degree burns may appear charred or blackened and can cause numbness, scarring, and other long-term complications. Treatment for third-degree burns typically involves surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
Regardless of the severity of the burn, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications or infection.
Accidents That May Cause Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from a wide variety of accidents, some of which may occur due to the negligence or recklessness of another party. Some common types of accidents that may cause burn injuries include:
- Car accidents. Car accidents can result in burn injuries due to fires caused by gasoline, oil, or other flammable substances.
- Truck accidents. Trucks can carry a lot of fuel or other flammable materials. Devastating fires may occur during a truck crash and severe burns may result.
- Electrical accidents. Electrical accidents can cause severe burn injuries due to electrocution or electrical explosions. Electrical burns can cause damage to internal organs, and victims may suffer from severe nerve damage.
- Product liability accidents. Defective products like electronics or appliances can cause fires and burn injuries. Manufacturers and distributors may be liable for any injuries caused by their products.
- Scalding Accidents. Scalding accidents can occur in various settings, such as restaurants, homes, and hotels. Hot liquids or steam can cause severe burn injuries, particularly in children.
It's essential to know what to do next if you've suffered a burn in any type of accident.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury, it is important to take immediate action to protect your health and legal rights. Here are some steps you should take after a burn injury:
- Seek medical attention. The first priority after a burn injury is to seek emergency care. Even minor burns can become infected or lead to complications if not properly treated. Following the doctor's instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential.
- Document the accident. If possible, document the accident by taking pictures of the scene and any equipment or products involved. Gather contact information for any witnesses, and keep a record of your medical treatment and expenses.
- Consult with a burn injury lawyer. A burn injury can be a life-altering event, and you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced burn injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
- Do not sign anything. If the responsible party or their insurance company offers you a settlement or asks you to sign any documents, it's essential to consult with a lawyer before signing. The insurance company may be trying to limit its liability by offering you a lower settlement than you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, it is important to take action quickly to protect your health and legal rights. A burn injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and work to secure your fair compensation.
Burn Injury Legal Compensation
You may be entitled to legal compensation if you have suffered a burn injury or your loved one died due to someone else's negligence. Here are some of the types of compensation you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses. Burn injuries can result in extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctors' appointments, medications, and rehabilitation. You may be able to recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your burn injury, including future medical care.
- Lost income. If you cannot work due to your burn injury, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, benefits, and income from self-employment. This includes both past and future lost income.
- Pain and suffering. Burn injuries can cause significant physical and emotional pain and suffering. You may be able to recover compensation for your physical pain and any emotional distress or mental anguish caused by the burn injury.
- Disfigurement and disability. Burn injuries can cause scarring and disfigurement, which can have long-term effects on your quality of life. If you have suffered disfigurement or a permanent disability due to your burn injury, you may be able to recover compensation for these damages.
- Punitive damages. In cases where the responsible party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
It is important to work with an experienced burn injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Benefits of Hiring a Kansas City Burn Injury Lawyer
After you suffer a burn injury, a Kansas City burn injury lawyer can offer you the following:
- Knowledge and experience. A burn injury lawyer has the knowledge and experience to navigate the complex legal process of pursuing a burn injury claim. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- A thorough investigation. A burn injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and gather evidence to support your claim. They can work with experts to determine the extent of your injuries and the associated costs and use this information to negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court.
- A way to communicate with insurance companies. Insurance companies may try to limit their liability and settle for less than you are entitled to. A burn injury lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Access to resources. A burn injury lawyer has access to a network of experts, including medical professionals, investigators, and other attorneys, who can help strengthen your case and maximize your compensation.
- Peace of mind. A burn injury can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Hiring a burn injury lawyer can provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else's negligence, it is important to consult with an experienced burn injury lawyer in Kansas City. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.