What Are Your Legal Options After Suffering a Burn Injury?

According to the American Burn Association, nearly 400,000 people suffer fire or burn-related injuries annually. A burn injury can be life-changing, leaving you with physical scars, mounting medical expenses, and trauma. Here’s a look at the steps you can take to seek compensation and justice in the aftermath of your life-altering incident.

Who Is Responsible for Your Burn Injury?

The first step in pursuing compensation for a burn injury is determining who’s responsible. Liability depends on how and where your injury occurred. Here are some common scenarios where another party may be at fault:

• Workplace Accidents: Your employer or a third party may be liable if you were hurt on the job due to unsafe conditions or a lack of training
• Defective Products: Burns caused by malfunctioning appliances or hazardous chemicals may be grounds for a product liability claim
• Premises Liability: If your burn injury occurred due to negligence, the property owner could be held accountable

Sometimes, multiple parties are at fault. Let’s say you suffer a burn injury at work. Unsafe conditions and faulty equipment may have caused the burn. In this case, the employer and equipment manufacturer might share liability. Your attorney will identify who is liable and how each party’s actions (or negligence) contributed to your injuries.

What Compensation Is Available After a Burn Injury?

Every case is unique, which means the type and amount of compensation you are eligible to recover will vary. Here are some common types of compensation you may qualify for:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical treatment, including surgeries and rehab
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and any reduction in earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Financial recovery for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve endured
• Property Damage: You can request compensation for any of your belongings that were ruined during the incident

A personal injury lawyer will assess the full extent of your damages to help ensure they submit a fair claim based on your injuries and suffering.

What to Do if You’ve Been Burned

What you do in the aftermath of a burn incident will drastically impact the strength of your claim. You need to take the following steps:

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Always put your health and safety first. Call 911 and let emergency medical personnel tend to your wound. Let them transport you to the nearest hospital.

A licensed medical provider can assess the severity of your burn, which is determined based on the depth of the wound and how much surface area is affected. Severe burns require treatment at specialized burn centers. If the facility you were transported to is not equipped to handle your injuries, you may be relocated to the nearest burn unit.

Gather Evidence

Make sure you document your burn injury. Some of the evidence you’ll need to gather can include:

• Photographs of your injuries and the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Police or incident reports
• Medical records

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you compile and organize this evidence to build a compelling case. However, it’s important to gather as much information as possible on the day of the incident. The more evidence you can provide, the easier it will be for your attorney to build a strong case.

Don’t Sign a Settlement

The other party’s insurance company may contact you directly, depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Don’t sign anything. If you reach a settlement before speaking to an attorney, you will give up your right to pursue additional compensation.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case and help determine a fair settlement value. They will handle the negotiations and work to obtain just compensation.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of a burn injury. They will start by evaluating the facts of your case and determining whether you have grounds to file a claim. Your attorney will also handle all communication on your behalf, which means you can focus on getting better.

By accurately calculating the value of your claim, a personal injury lawyer will also work to obtain just compensation. They know how to account for factors such as lost wages, ongoing medical bills, and reduced earning capacity.

FAQ

What Should I Do Immediately After Suffering a Burn Injury?

Always seek medical attention after suffering a burn injury. You need to ensure your safety and document the extent of your injuries. Next, gather evidence and consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Can I File a Claim for a Burn Injury Caused by a Defective Product?

Yes, you can file a product liability claim if a defective product caused your burn injury. An attorney can help you file a claim and will work to build a strong case on your behalf.

How Is Compensation Calculated for a Burn Injury?

Attorneys calculate compensation based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the severity of the injury. Your personal injury lawyer’s goal is to file a just claim and seek a fair settlement based on the unique circumstances of your case.

Have You Suffered a Burn Injury? We Can Help

If you’ve suffered a burn injury, don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact The Moore Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is here to help in your time of need and will fight the insurance companies on your behalf.