Often, burn injuries are some of the most devastating and life-altering injuries an individual can sustain. Whether they’re relatively minor or severe, they may require extensive medical treatment and can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s actions, a York County, SC, burn injury attorney at Hunter & Everage can help you pursue compensation. Our dedicated legal team is here to guide you through each step of the legal process and help you ensure that your needs are met.
Types of Burn Injuries That Burn Injury Attorneys Handle
Burn injuries can vary widely, both in their severity and causes. Attorneys who specialize in burn injury cases are equipped to address a range of burns, including thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation, and friction-induced burns.
Thermal burns are caused by contact with flames, hot liquid, steam, or hot objects. Chemical burns result from exposure to acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. Electrical burns occur when an electric current passes through the human body and causes both external and internal damage. Radiation burns can develop due to ultraviolet light (such as sunburns) or exposure to other forms of radiation. Finally, friction burns happen when parts of the body rub against a rough surface, which generates heat and tears the skin.
How Burn Injuries Happen
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of ways, but they’re often due to the negligence or recklessness of another individual. Common burn scenarios include:
Workplace accidents
Construction sites, industrial areas, and kitchens are high-risk environments where burns can occur. Incidents may be due to faulty equipment, lackluster safety protocols, or improper employee training.
Motor vehicle accidents
Car accidents can sometimes result in fires or exposure to hot metal and automotive chemicals. Coming into contact with these hazards may result in mild, moderate, or severe burns.
Defective products
Faulty household appliances, electronics, or other consumer products can overheat or explode. Individuals nearby or those in contact with the product may sustain burns as a result.
Residential fires
Poorly maintained properties, faulty wiring, and defective heating or cooling elements can lead to devastating house fires.
Medical malpractice
Provider negligence during medical procedures, such as improper use of radiation therapy or cauterizing equipment, can result in substantial burns.
Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries fall into three different classifications based on the severity of what an individual sustains. These categories include first, second, and third-degree burns.
- First-degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). These burns are usually red, and painful, and may cause minor swelling.
- Second-degree burns: Involve both the epidermis and the underlying layer of skin (dermis). These burns are more severe, causing blisters, severe pain, and possible scarring.
- Third-degree Burns: Penetrate the full thickness of the skin and can damage underlying tissues. These burns may appear white, charred, or leathery and often result in both permanent damage and significant scarring.
It’s also worth noting that fourth-degree burns are possible, and in these cases, the burns can penetrate the body through the muscles and bones.
Assessing Severe Burns After an Accident
After sustaining a burn injury, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Healthcare professionals typically follow specific assessment protocols when it comes to burn-related injuries. Medical personnel evaluate the depth of the burn to determine whether the injury is superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness.
From there, the medical team calculates the burn surface area. By using tools like the Rule of Nines or the Lund and Browder chart, they can accurately estimate the percentage of the patient’s body that’s been affected.
The care team then checks for signs of infections, respiratory issues, or other complications that may arise due to the burn injury.
A comprehensive assessment helps physicians plan the appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation programs needed for recovery.
Burn Treatment
Like most burn-related actions, treating a burn injury greatly depends on the severity of the injury that occurred.
For first-degree burns, doctors typically use cool compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers to provide the patient with relief. Second-degree burns may call for prescription ointments, wound cleaning procedures, and dressing of the affected area. More severe cases may require skin grafts. Finally, third-degree burns call for extensive medical intervention. This may include surgery, skin grafting, and rehabilitation programs. Pain management and infection control are critical for this degree of injury.
Establishing Fault in Burn Cases
To recover compensation for burn injuries, it’s essential to determine who is at fault for the incident that occurred. This involves investigating the incident, proving negligence, and assessing the damages done.
To evaluate a case, legal professionals gather evidence, such as accident reports and expert testimony. They then demonstrate that the responsible party breached their duty of care and caused the injury as a result. Documenting medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other burn-related costs follows the rest of the evaluation.
An experienced burn injury lawyer can make sense of these complicated cases, prove liability, and ensure that all aspects of the case are addressed thoroughly.
Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including burn injuries, is typically three years. This means that if you sustained a burn injury, you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe or risk losing the right to seek compensation.
Some exceptions and specific circumstances may alter this period, so it’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. Professional help can make pursuing justice significantly more straightforward for victims.
How a York County Burn Injury Attorney Could Help
If you’ve been injured, a skilled York County burn injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance through the following practices:
- Evaluating Your Case: Attorneys offer thorough assessments of your claim and explore the potential compensation you could receive.
- Gathering Evidence: A burn injury lawyer works to collect all the necessary documentation and expert opinions that will help build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Many times, burn injury attorneys work with insurance providers to ensure that you’re going to receive a fair settlement that covers your expenses and losses.
- Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will advocate on your behalf in court.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact the experienced York, SC burn injury attorneys at Hunter & Everage today to book a consultation. We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.