Severe burn injuries can be some of the most painful injuries in existence. Some cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. Treatment may involve painful treatments, including surgeries. According to the American Burn Institute, approximately 486,000 people receive medical treatment for burns each year. 40,000 people must be hospitalized due to the seriousness of their injuries. Another 3,275 people die from fire or smoke inhalation.
The impact of severe burns is significant. In addition to dealing with the pain, suffering, and emotional trauma from the accident, you must also contend with expensive medical bills and a long recovery period in which you cannot work. If you suffered a burn injury because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay for their mistake. A Las Vegas burn injury lawyer from Koch & Brim Personal Injury Attorneys can help you pursue compensation for the injuries you have suffered. Contact us today at (702) 410-6034 for a free case review to discuss your situation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
One of the first steps your Las Vegas burn injury lawyer will take is to determine the cause of your injury. We will identify all parties responsible for your injuries and the legal basis to hold them accountable. We can assist you with common causes of burn injuries, including:
- Car accidents
- Bus accidents
- Construction accidents
- Drunk driver accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents
- School injuries
- Truck accidents
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Burn Injury
Accidents that result in burn injuries can often be traced back to the negligence of:
- Negligent drivers – Since many burn injuries originate from motor vehicle accidents, one of the first parties to investigate after an accident is the at-fault driver. A Las Vegas burn injury lawyer can review photos or videos of the accident scene, physical damage to the vehicles, skid marks, the accident report, and other evidence to determine why the accident occurred and how the other driver is at fault.
- Product manufacturers – Some accidents are caused by defective toys, appliances, auto parts, devices, or other consumer goods. Manufacturers have a responsibility to provide goods that are reasonably safe and can be held accountable if they defectively design, manufacture, or promote items.
- Property owners – Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their properties in a safe manner that prevents injuries to visitors. If they fail to do so, they may be responsible for accidents that occur on their property.
- Employers – If the negligent party who caused the accident was working when the accident occurred, their employer may be responsible for injuries caused by their negligence.
- Government – For accidents involving government workers, such as teachers, city bus drivers, or county workers, the government employer may be responsible for the accident.
Types of Burn Injuries
According to Johns Hopkins, there are many types of burns, including:
- Thermal burns – Thermal burns are caused by heat sources that come into direct contact with the skin, such as a scalding liquid or open flame. Thermal burns can result in charring or tissue cell death.
- Electrical burns – Electric currents, including alternating currents or direct currents, cause these burns.
- Radiation burns – Radiation burns are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or other sources of radiation.
- Chemical burns – Chemical burns are caused by caustic chemicals that come into direct contact with the skin.
Burns are further classified depending on the depth and severity of the wound. In order of seriousness, burns are categorized as the following:
- First-degree burns – First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin. These burns may result in red and painful burns with no blisters.
- Second-degree burns – Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of skin, as well as part of the dermis layer of skin. These burns typically result in red, swollen, and painful blisters.
- Third- and fourth-degree burns – Third-degree burns destroy the outer layer of skin and the dermis. Fourth-degree burns damage the bones, muscles, and tendons under the skin. These burns may appear white or charred and lead to the destruction of nerve endings and lack of sensation.
Compensation Available for Burn Victims
Every personal injury claim is different. Personal injury law tries to make accident victims whole again by providing them with financial compensation for the damages they have suffered. In burn injury cases, one of the most important categories of compensation is medical expenses. The type and duration of treatments you receive depend on the type of burn you suffer and its severity. You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses you incur because of the injuries, such as:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospitalization
- Ambulance fees
- Surgeries
- Skin grafts
- Over-the-counter relief products and supplies
- Medication
- At-home care
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
Third-degree burns sometimes require a lifetime of costly medical treatments. Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for expenses you have already incurred, as well as those you reasonably anticipate incurring in the future.
You can also recover compensation for other economic damages you have suffered, which might include:
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Loss of services
You can also seek compensation for damages you have suffered that are not economic in nature, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Permanent scarring and/or disfigurement
- Lost quality of life
Every case is different and the potential compensation you can recover depends on several factors, including available insurance, the severity of injuries, the impact the injuries have on your life, and whether you suffered a permanent disability. A knowledgeable Las Vegas burn injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case to determine the potential value of your claim and all possible paths of recovery.
Contact a Knowledgeable Las Vegas Burn Injury Lawyer for Help
If you or a loved one was burned in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, reach out for help from an experienced Las Vegas burn injury lawyer. The team at Koch & Brim Personal Injury Attorneys knows how to build a claim, substantiate your losses, and recover fair compensation after someone’s negligence caused serious injuries. Contact us today online or call us at (702) 410-6034 for a free case review.