Burns are one of the most painful injuries a person can suffer, and the effects can continue long after the initial healing. In addition to the debilitating effects of a burn, a victim will likely experience disfigurement and scarring that will last the rest of their lives. When these burns result from the negligent behavior of another individual or entity, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their losses.
However, this is no simple task, and the victim can expect the lawyers and insurers representing the at-fault party to strongly contest any claim for damages. So who is there to advocate for you if you’ve suffered a burn injury in Syracuse, NY? Trust the experienced lawyers of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC.
Different Degrees of Burns
There are up to four recognized degrees of burns, each increasing in their severity. The higher the degree, the more likely it is for the victim to be able to claim the maximum amount of compensation from the at-fault party. The four degrees of burns are:
- First-degree: These only affect the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and cause redness, pain, and some swelling. These burns usually heal in a few days with self-care, leaving no scarring. A victim is unlikely to receive much in the way of compensation if this is their only injury.
- Second-degree: A second-degree burn affects both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, the dermis. Intense pain, swelling, redness, blistering, and scarring are common with these burns. Because of the need for professional medical attention and the likelihood of scarring, a victim can typically claim more damages.
- Third-degree: These burns cause damage through all layers of skin and sometimes to the muscles, bones, and nerves beneath. Ironically, there may be no pain in the aftermath of a third-degree burn due to the nerve injury. Victims usually need immediate medical attention, including skin grafts, for which they can seek compensation.
- Fourth-degree: A fourth-degree burn will affect skin, muscles, tendons, nerves, and even bone. These are so severe that they can damage healthy organ functioning and present an immediate risk of death. A fourth-degree burn resulting from negligence is nearly always eligible for damages.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries?
There are a number of ways that individuals in Syracuse can experience burn injuries, many of which point to negligence. Some examples include:
- Automobile accidents: Victims in car and other vehicle accidents may come into contact with hot substances, including fires. Friction injuries that rub or scrape away the skin are also common in automobile accidents.
- Defective products: When manufacturers or retailers make or sell dangerously defective products, a consumer can get burned. For instance, faulty electrical appliances can cause serious burns that require medical attention.
- Workplace accidents: Exposure to chemical substances, fires, poor wiring, and other causes of burns can happen in the workplace. While a workers’ compensation claim is an option, a personal injury lawsuit against a third party (e.g. property owner) may also be possible.
- Premises liability: The owner, manager, or other party in control of property is responsible for keeping the premises free of unreasonable hazards. Anything that can cause a burn or fire that harms guests or visitors could support a premises liability lawsuit.
Who May Be Liable for Your Burn Injury?
One of the main benefits of hiring a dedicated Syracuse personal injury attorney is identifying the party or parties who could be held accountable for the losses you suffer. The following may share blame for your burn injury, depending on the circumstances:
- Negligent individuals, including drivers
- Product designers and manufacturers
- Retailers and wholesalers
- Property owners
- General contractors and subcontractors
If more than one party is potentially liable, this increases the chances of recovering substantial compensation for your injury. Our firm works hard to identify all parties who may have been responsible for the victim’s losses.
Possible Damages in a Syracuse Burn Injury Case
Burns are serious and they deserve to be treated seriously. But even with prompt attention, a victim can suffer significant personal and financial losses. The nature and amount of damages will vary from one case to another, but victims can generally seek compensation for:
- Medical bills: Included in this category are ambulance and emergency care, hospitalization, surgery (e.g. skin grafts), prescription medication, follow-up treatments, and the like. If a victim needs adaptive medical equipment, physical therapy, or rehabilitation, these can also be covered.
- Lost wages: Burn victims may require weeks or even months of recovery time, and will likely not be able to work during that period. They can seek compensation for earnings that they lose as a result.
- Lost earning capacity: The burn injury may limit how much a victim can work after recovering, perhaps to the point of not being able to return to their prior career. This will cost the victim significantly in terms of future earnings and benefits.
- Non-economic damages: This category covers more intangible losses including pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and more. A Syracuse burn injury lawyer can help you determine which of these may apply in your case.
- Punitive damages: In some cases involving extreme negligence, the victim may have the right to seek punitive damages. As the name implies, these are designed to punish the wrongful behavior and deter future incidents of it.
- Property damage: Some burn injury cases also involve property damage claims, such as those resulting from automobile accidents. We can help you recover the value of any lost or damaged personal property.
- Wrongful death damages: When burn injuries claim the lives of victims, grieving family members can seek wrongful death damages. Compensation may cover funeral and burial expenses, the victim’s lost future earnings, and the victim’s pain and suffering prior to death.
Contact Our Syracuse, NY Burn Injury Attorney
At CDH Law, we represent burn injury victims by fighting for the compensation they deserve so they can focus on healing and recovery. Were you or a loved one harmed in an accident involving burns, and you’d like to know your legal options? Reach out to our dedicated and compassionate team to learn more.