Burn Injuries
Modern medical treatments for serious burn injuries have increased the chances of survival after an accident. Victims can now receive extensive skin grafts, physical therapy to restore movement, and even major reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, this comes at much higher costs.
With 2.5 million burn injuries in the U.S. a year (half requiring hospitalization), this is an active area of law. Clients are concerned about recovering money for immediate and continuing medical treatments and getting compensation for scarring that will never heal.
The hallmark of a burn injury is tissue damage. The two most important factors are how deep into underlying tissue the burn extends and how large the burned area is. Even sunburn, when it covers an extensive area, can be a life threatening event.
While direct heat from a fire is the most common cause of burns, electrical energy or chemical agents can also cause serious burns. Workplace accidents often lead to claims when an employer fails to follow proper safety rules or doesn’t provide the correct equipment for their employees. Defective or improperly installed products can lead to fire and burn injuries as well.
Do I need a burn injury lawyer?
Whether or not your particular case requires the help of a burn injury lawyer depends on the amount of damage, the likelihood of a full recovery, and who was at fault. Only a qualified lawyer can advise you on these matters.
It is extremely important that you do not delay in getting a legal opinion. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that documents and witnesses will evaporate. There are key initial steps that can be missed and ruin a case later.
Solomon Neuhardt practices personal injury law out of Billings, Montana. He is experienced in evaluating and when warranted, pursuing insurance claims for burn injury cases. If you would like to discuss your case with no obligation, fill out the contact form here. Our office will contact you to explain your options.
Causes and types of burn injuries:
First Degree Burns: Affect the epidermis or the skin surface with minimal damage of tissue and. This causes pain, swelling, peeling and redness of skin. For example, sunburn is a first degree burn.- Second Degree Burns: Both the underlying layer and the outer layer of the skin are affected causing redness, swelling, pain and blisters. Lack of proper treatment of this type may cause it to graduate into the third degree burn.
- Third Degree Burn: The dermis, epidermis and hypodermis are affected. Healing is very slow since the tissue and structures of the skin are destroyed, usually resulting in extensive scarring.
The treatment of serious burn injuries requires multiple surgeries and can cost thousands of dollars. More on burn injury lawsuits can be found in the FAQ.
Burn injury lawsuits
A burn injury lawyer will seek to establish that the burn was due (at least in part) to the negligence of another. This can be an employer, a manufacturer, another person or some combination. If this can be shown, the next goal is to establish a dollar figure for the harm caused. Money will be sought to cover:
- Loss of pay and the ability to continue to work.
- Current and anticipated medical bills – skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, medications, psychological therapy, associated costs – transportation, sitters, nursing help, modifications to the home for a disability.
- Pain and suffering – burns damage whole fields of sensitive nerves and are one of the most painful types of injury.
- Emotional suffering – this can amount to a significant portion of a settlement. When there is damage to a visible area, victims can feel ‘abnormal’ or ‘freakish’ long after the damage has healed.
- Loss of function – in relationships, ability to pursue a hobby or work, or any relevant change in normal activities.
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Neuhardt Law Firm, P.C.
945 Broadwater Square
Billings, Montana 59101
P.O. Box 2275
Billings, Montana 59103
Phone: 406-294-9540
Fax: 406-656-3044
Toll Free: 888-820-3346
E-mail: info@mtaccidentattorney.com
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