Suffered Severe Burns? Get Trusted Counsel Today!
Much like any personal injury, the particulars of a burn injury are difficult to assess without looking at the specific case itself. No two cases are the same, but the process usually includes determining burn severity, answering the question of intent, and assessing the financial situation of the faulty party for the purpose of collecting any settlements.
The Los Angeles burn injury attorneys at BD&J are able to help you successfully pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Due to the high instance of scarring and severe pain generally incurred by the injured party, burn injury settlements tend to be high in value.
Get started on your Burn Injuries case by calling us at (855) 906-3699 or filling out our online form today!
When Assessing the Viability of a Claim, Keep the Following Elements in Mind:
Details of The Accident
The location in and method by which the burn occurred are essential details in this type of suit. Such information is particularly important in these cases because it helps determine the degree to which the defendant is responsible for the burn injury, which is a major factor for the jury in determining an award (should the case go to trial).
For this reason, it is important to deeply investigate the location the burn was sustained, as a workplace settlement will often differ greatly from a suit against an individual. Additionally, how the injury occurred has a substantial effect on what type of reward may be possible to collect. Clear negligence on the part of the defendant will often result in a higher settlement, whereas situational accidents may be slightly more difficult to argue.
Compensation Available in Burn Cases
In burn injury cases, damages for both physical and emotional pain may be recovered. While actual amounts vary widely from case to case, consideration of the intense pain and scarring associated with burns may make it possible for the victim to be paid for both the physical and emotional trauma that resulted from the incident.
Burn victims have a higher likelihood of various emotional disorders, such as depression or social withdrawal, which makes the emotional component of the settlement a highly justifiable expense. The way to recover adequate compensation for all of these damages is to hire burn injury attorneys who have years of experience with catastrophic injury cases to advocate for you.
Punitive Damage Assessment
Punitive damages are financial charges intended not only to compensate the victim for the pain caused, but also to penalize the defendant for particularly negligent or deliberately harmful behavior. The amount of punitive damages sought will usually be affected by the financial means of the defendant. A wealthier defendant will, therefore, likely be subject to a higher cost so they truly feel the impact of the settlement.
These types of damages are notoriously difficult to predict. Gross negligence is a complicated thing to establish, but just the threat of punitive damages may be enough to entice the defendant into agreeing to a settlement. Because these damages are directly informed by the amount of wealth the defendant possesses, many companies or manufacturers may find it prudent to settle out of court rather than risk the punitive damages the jury may award. If you are one of the many that have fallen victim to a debilitating burn accident, you need a Los Angeles burn injury attorney on your side.
Types of Burn Injuries
When most people think of burn injuries, they think of burns from scalding or fire, but burns can occur in many ways. Yes, thermal burns are common, but burns can also be caused by exposure to radiation, chemicals, and electrical current.
First-degree burns are relatively minor, affecting only the outer layer of skin. These are the types of burns you might experience if you accidentally touch a hot pan while cooking at home. Second-degree burns are slightly more severe and result in blistering. Third- and fourth-degree burns are the most severe and require medical treatment, as the injury site can become blackened and charred. These burns are deep enough to cause nerve damage. If you’ve experienced severe burns, we can help you claim compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen for many reasons. Chemical or electrical burns could occur following a workplace accident. There have even been cases of chemical burns following people using defective skin care or haircare products. A burn injury law firm can help you determine who was at fault and evaluate your chances of making a successful claim.
Burn Injury Complications
Even relatively minor burns can be painful, but more severe burns can cause lasting complications. Any time your skin is broken, there’s risk of infection, and the sheer size of a burn wound often means the chance of infection is high. In addition, when the wound heals, it may leave scar tissue. Scarring isn’t just cosmetic; it can lead to a loss of skin flexibility and long-term pain.
Fourth-degree burns can damage nerve tissue and muscle, leading to partial or total loss of sensation in the affected area. Depending on the part of the body where the burn was located, long-term loss of mobility may occur. Large burns may require skin grafts to promote healing. These can be costly and have a long recovery time.
How Burn Injuries Can Impact Your Life
Burn injury victims live with the impact of their injuries for the rest of their lives. Severe burns or burns that cover a large area of the body can permanently impact a person’s quality of life. Burns leave visible scars, but they can also result in lasting pain, loss of strength, and reduced mobility. People who’ve experienced these burns may be able to make a case for catastrophic injury. The claims can be complex, and it’s a good idea to work with an attorney to make the claim.
Types of Burn Injury Settlements
- Product liability – In a product liability settlement, the injured party must have been properly operating a piece of equipment or product as instructed when a burn was sustained. An example of this would be the material of a piece of clothing being unnecessarily susceptible to flames and catching fire, resulting in the burns of the wearer. Another example would be a faultily designed oven mitt that left serious burns on the hand of the user.
- General negligence – General negligence suits involve the negligent action of someone expected to behave in a way that does not result in damage. For example, if a propane tank is overfilled by an employee and the next user sustains burns from this oversight, the company and its employee may be liable for any damages or injuries caused.
Put Years of Experience in Your Corner
If you have sustained a burn due to the careless or negligent behavior of a company or individual, contact BD&J at (855) 906-3699 to speak with a Los Angeles burn injury lawyer. We serve clients throughout California.
Contact us at (855) 906-3699 or fill out our online form to schedule a FREE case consultation with our attorneys.
