A burn injury can be one of the most devastating and painful injuries one can experience. Each year, thousands of people are injured or even killed due to injuries from fires, explosions, electricity, or radiation. Those who survive often go through many medical treatments and may suffer distress depending on the severity of their wounds.

If you suffer burn injuries as a result of another person’s negligence, then you can get compensation, especially if the damage is substantial and if you have clear evidence. This post will look at the critical factors in a burn injury case and how you can get compensation.

What Can Cause a Burn Injury?

Many factors can cause a burn injury, not necessarily negligence. Below are the most common causes of burn injuries:

  • Fires

This is one of the most common causes of burn injuries. Fires can quickly occur as a result of a product defect, an accident, or negligence. For example, if a property owner or landlord does not install and maintain the necessary fire safety precautions, it can result in a fire incident. Fire incidents can also occur as a result of gas leakage and explosions. Motor vehicle fire incidents may occur as a result of faulty parts or during an accident.

  • Chemical Burns

Chemical burns arise from contact with dangerous chemicals such as acid, a strong bleach, or other chemicals. Chemical burns may have delayed effects after exposure but can also be devastating.

  • Electricity

Faulty wiring, product defects, or accidents cause electrical burns. Electrical burns can quickly become fatal, especially if the victim comes in contact with a high current.

  • Scalds

Another common reason people get treated for burn injuries is scalding. It occurs when an individual gets injured by hot substances or steam. Spilled beverages such as a hot cup of coffee can also cause scalding.

The other causes of burn injuries include smoke, heat, and radiation. Any of these reasons can result from negligent acts, and once proven, the victim would be eligible for compensation.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries vary based on the severity. Typically, there are four degrees of burn injuries, ranging from first-degree burns to fourth-degree burns. The severity of the burn injury can affect the amount of compensation the victim will receive.

First degree burns often have a slight reddening of the area accompanied by mild pain. They are the least severe of the categories of burn injuries as they affect only the top layer of the skin. The next type of burn injury is second-degree burns.

Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of the skin but do not affect deep tissue. Unlike first-degree burns, second-degree burns result in blisters and infection. Third-degree burns are more severe as they damage all the skin layers, causing great pain and permanent scarring.

The victim of the latter will need skin grafts and a series of treatments. Fourth-degree burns involve damages to the skin, muscle, or bone under the affected area.

Essential Factors in a Burn Injury Lawsuit

The location and how the injury occurred are essential factors to consider in a burn injury case. You must be able to prove that the defendant had a duty of care. For example, the defendant may have a duty of care to produce safe products such as batteries.

During a burn injury case, you must prove negligence, i.e. the defendant failed to reasonably perform their duty of care. The next step is to prove that this negligence or breach of duty resulted in your injuries.

The amount of compensation you can get then depends on three factors. The number of injuries, the cost of treatment and the damages, and the negligence level all affect the amount of compensation you can get in a burn injury lawsuit.

The compensation in a burn injury case covers medical expenses, including skin grafts and surgeries, lost income, disability, physical and emotional pain, and suffering, and other damages. To get enough help, you should consult an experienced attorney to ensure you get the maximum compensation.

Get Help From Pinder Plotkin LLC

Burn injuries can be devastating; if you suffered burn injuries due to negligence, then you are entitled to receive compensation. Burn injury lawsuits are usually complex, and you will need an experienced attorney. Our Lawyers understand that legal problems can be scary and unsettling, especially when the medical bills start piling up. Contact a Maryland personal injury lawyer for guidance and good common-sense advice that is easy to understand.

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