Americans suffer more than a million burn injuries annually that require medical treatment. Most of these injuries don’t result in personal injury claims or lawsuits. Either the burns aren’t particularly serious or the people who were injured were at fault for the incident. However, around 40,000 burn injuries require hospitalization and in many cases, they result from someone else’s negligence. If you need help with a burn injury claim, contact a local burn injury attorney in Maryland right away.

Facts About Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Your body may come into contact with chemicals, heat, electricity or radiation. Burn injuries often occur because of hot liquids, steam, fires, and flammable liquids and gases. Excessive smoke inhalation can also result in a burn injury.

The severity of a burn is measured by degree. First-degree burns only damage the outer layer of the skin. However, second-degree burn damage the outer layer as well as the layer below. Third-degree burns are the most serious since they damage or destroy the deepest layer of the skin as well as the underlying tissues.

Physical injuries are often painful but burn injuries can be particularly devastating. Not only do they cause physical pain, but they can result in both mental and physical scars. Victims often end up with poor self-image and self-worth. If you suffered burn injuries because of someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to compensation.

How Much You Can Recover for a Burn Injury Claim

People who suffer serious burns often need multiple surgeries and long-term therapy. Many are unable to work for some time. If you’re pursuing damages for your injuries, you may be wondering how much you’ll be able to get. Even though money won’t change what happened to you, it can play a significant role in your recovery. However, it’s difficult to predict how much you will get since each case is different. A number of factors will determine how much you can claim including:

  • The severity of your injuries. If you suffered third-degree burns, you’ll likely be entitled to higher compensation than someone who only suffered first-degree burns.
  • How the injuries affected you. If you’re left with permanent disfigurement or disability, severe anxiety or depression, this could affect your settlement amount.
  • Whether the injury was caused deliberately. If someone injured you on purpose, they may have to pay punitive damages.
  • The extent to which the defendant can pay. An insured business is likely to be able to pay a large settlement than an individual.

Burn injuries tend to result in higher settlements because of the pain and permanent damage they can cause. However, you’ll need to work with a Maryland burn injury lawyer. They will calculate your losses and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Some of the things for which you may be able to claim compensation include:

  • Economic damages. These include a variety of medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
  • Non-economic damages. These compensate you for intangible things like emotional distress, pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, and loss of companionship.
  • Punitive damages. Depending on how your injuries occurred, you may be able to seek punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant for gross negligence or deliberate actions.

Establishing Negligence in a Burn Injury Claim

To get compensation following your injury, you’ll need to show that the party you believe is at fault acted negligently. First, you’ll have to establish that the person owed you a duty of care and that they failed to carry out that duty. This means that they neglected to act in a way that a reasonable person would in the same situation. You must then show that their breach of that duty of care directly led to your injuries. You will also need to prove that you suffered the injuries and other losses for which you’re claiming compensation. Your attorney will rely on medical bills, doctor’s reports, payslips, and other evidence to help you recover damages.

Contact Our Burn Injury Attorneys in Maryland Today!

If you sustained burn injuries because of someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law office in Maryland takes on burn injury cases, reach out today and get the advice and representation you need. Burn injuries can result in significant losses and you shouldn’t have to handle them alone. Our lawyers will fight for you. Your first consultation is free, and we work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay until we reach a settlement or the court delivers a verdict. Schedule an appointment today!

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