Some burns may be minor burns and affect only the outer layer of the skin. However, severe burn injuries can be potentially life-threatening and result in significant skin damage, nerve damage, or even organ failure. Depending on how a burn affects a victim, they may be left with permanent scarring and face a long time until they can return to normal function. Medical bills and lost wages may quickly add up and cause a great deal of stress and anxiety.
If another party’s negligence caused the burn injury, they should be held responsible for what happened and pay for the harm they have caused you. To learn more and discuss the specific facts of your case in a free consultation with an experienced Hartford burn injury lawyer, contact us today at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC. We will treat your case with the dedication, determination, and respect it deserves.
What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Hartford?
In one recent year, nearly 400,000 fire- or burn-related injuries were reported in Connecticut and throughout the country, and more than 250,000 injuries were reported from exposure to hot objects or substances, according to burn injury statistics from the American Burn Association (ABA).
Our lawyers know how burn injuries can happen in several different ways, including in motor vehicle accidents and industrial accidents. Victims often suffer from damage to skin tissue, nerve endings, and blood vessels and are left with significant scarring on the skin.
The types of burns you can suffer in these incidents include:
- Chemical burns occur
- Electrical burns occur
- Radiation burns occur
- Scalding burns occur (or thermal burns, which typically involve hot liquids).
When people suffer burn injuries in incidents that involve fire, they may also suffer lung damage from smoke inhalation. Get in touch with our Hartford burn injury attorney today.
What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?
There are varying levels of burn injuries, from minor burns, which affect only the outer layer of the skin and cause minimal skin damage, to deep burns that harm nerve endings, cause permanent scarring, and may even lead to organ failure and become life-threatening. Depending on how it affects skin tissue, even a minor burn can be extremely painful and require extensive medical care.
Burns are generally classified based on degree as follows:
- First-degree burns — This type is the mildest form of a burn. First-degree burns affect only the top layer of your skin. Although they can cause redness and pain, a first-degree burn does not scar. If you suffer such a burn on your face or a large part of your body, it is best to seek professional medical treatment. If not, you can typically treat a first-degree burn with over-the-counter ointments at home.
- Second-degree burns — Second-degree burns, or “superficial partial thickness burns,” can cause blisters and soreness beyond the top of the skin. They typically cause more redness and inflammation. Sometimes, a sunburn can cause a second-degree burn. Depending on the severity of the burn, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.
- Third-degree burns — These burns are severe because they affect every layer of skin and can even penetrate your fat and muscles. You may not feel pain from a third-degree burn if it affects your nerve endings. These burn injuries can require skin grafts to repair the damaged tissue, often resulting in significant scars.
- Fourth-degree burns — These deep burns are the most extreme form of a burn. They can be fatal. These burns can reach your bone. If you survive, you may require an amputation and other extensive medical care.
What Treatments Are Available for Burn Victims?
Burn treatment, along with medical bills, depends on the severity of the burn and how the burn affects tissue damage, muscles, and nerves. Your medical provider will assess your injuries and quickly determine the best course of treatment, which may include the following:
- Antibiotics — Antibiotics prevent bacterial infections that can invade damaged skin tissue. They can help to reduce pain, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications.
- Antihistamines — Doctors prescribe antihistamines to alleviate itching, a common and uncomfortable symptom as burn wounds heal. They help patients avoid scratching, which can lead to further damage or infections.
- Massage — Healthcare providers often recommend massage therapy for burn survivors to help them improve their flexibility and the condition of their scar tissue, enhance circulation to affected areas, and reduce stiffness associated with scarring.
- Skin grafts — Many burn injury victims require skin grafts. Skin grafts involve transplanting healthy skin from an unaffected body area to cover and repair severe burn wounds. The procedure facilitates the restoration of function and the appearance of the damaged skin.
- Other surgeries — Additional surgeries may be necessary to release contractures (tightened areas of skin that restrict movement) or to reconstruct areas severely deformed by burn damage.
Who Could Be Liable for My Hartford Burn Injuries?
Every case is different in terms of not only burn severity but also the other party’s negligence. You can expect your burn injury attorney from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, to thoroughly examine your case’s specific facts and circumstances as they assess the liability of all potentially responsible parties. If the accident was due to another party’s negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation, meaning the party responsible must pay for the costs associated with the burn injuries.
For example, if you suffered burns in a vehicle fire due to an accident that another driver caused, you may be able to hold that driver liable for your injuries and expenses. If you were injured by a fire while on someone else’s property or business, you may have a premises liability claim. Injured workers who suffer burns while on the job could have grounds for both worker’s compensation and third-party liability claims.
What Types of Damages Could Be Recovered in a Burn Injury Claim in Hartford?
While the amount of compensation you can pursue in a burn injury case depends on the nature and severity of the injury, you may be eligible to recover compensation that includes:
- Past and future burn treatment medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of consortium for your spouse.
If your loved one tragically succumbed to their burn injuries, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. An experienced and compassionate Hartford burn injury lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, can assess your situation and provide the legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney For My Burn Injury Case?
The American Burn Association reports that insurers received nearly 700,000 burn-related insurance claims during one recent year. Because profits drive the insurance industry, many insurers refuse to pay victims the full amount they are due.
Having an attorney at your side can help alleviate the stress you may feel about filing a claim for your burn injury. Your attorney can interview witnesses and obtain medical records, bills, and other supporting evidence to strengthen your claim. They can also file your claims with the at-fault parties and their insurers and pursue a fair settlement that avoids the need for a trial.
If the liable parties refuse to pay what they owe you, your burn injury lawyer can take them to court and present your case before a judge or jury.
It is essential to understand contingency fees. When you work with Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, you pay attorney fees only if we recover your compensation first. That way, you face no upfront costs that may deter you from getting the legal help you deserve.
Contact a Hartford Burn Injury Lawyer
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we understand how intimidating the legal process can be for burn injury victims, especially when you need to focus on getting needed medical care and recovering from your injuries. Let us serve as the advocate you need to pursue the compensation you deserve during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free case review with a Hartford burn injury lawyer. Let us put our 55 years of experience to work for you.
