Burns are undeniably some of the most excruciating types of injuries. They can take a toll on superficial and deep tissue layers, including the underlying muscles and tendons. If the burn is severe, it can result in scarring and even disfigurement. Thankfully, there are laws protecting those who have been victims of burn injuries due to the negligence of another party.
At Pinder Plotkin, we provide individuals who have suffered burn injuries with the legal advocacy they require to recover damages from the parties responsible. Our seasoned Maryland burn injury lawyers represent people who have experienced catastrophic burn injuries. We work with compassion and tenacity to protect your rights.
Burn Injury Statistics
According to the American Burn Association (ABA), over 480,000 individuals get burns that require medical treatment, with around 40,000 hospitalizations related to burn injuries. The ABA conducted a study analyzing a decade’s worth of data and found that 73% of the accidents happened at home, 8% in workplaces, 5% on the street, 5% during sports or recreational activities, and 9% in other locations.
What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries and What Causes Them?
Different types of burns exist, including:
- Thermal burns. These are related to excessive heat and happen when the skin comes into contact with hot surfaces, liquids, open flame, or steam.
- Electrical burns. These occur when a person comes into contact with a live wire, appliance, or machinery, causing the electrical current to pass through the body. The current can result in tissue damage and burns at the entry or exit point.
- Chemical burns. These are caused by strong acids, paint thinner, gasoline, and other substances like drain cleaners and household products. The chemicals can also cause inhalation injury if the exposure is prolonged.
- Friction burns. These occur when an individual’s skin is scraped off due to contact with a hard object or surface like the floor or road. It’s usually both an abrasion and heat burn.
- Radiation burns. These occur as a result of exposure to high levels of radiation. The source can be the sun, X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or even radiation therapy.
Burns are also categorized into varying degrees, each more severe than the other. It is important to be well aware of type degrees, especially when it comes to determining the type of treatment procedure needed. For this reason, it’s best to visit a doctor immediately after a burn injury.
First Degree Burns
These are the most common burn injuries and the least severe. In a first-degree burn, the outermost layer of the skin is burned, but not all the way through. No medical attention is warranted, but you may experience pain, swelling, and redness.
Over-the-counter medication may help ease the pain.
Second Degree Burns
Here, the skin’s outer and second layers — the epidermis and dermis, respectively — get burned. The injuries involve blisters accompanied by substantial pain and swelling. They can take several weeks to heal, cause a permanent skin color change, and leave a scar.
Third Degree Burns
Also known as full-thickness burns, third-degree burns are extensive in nature as they can damage nerve endings, sweat glands, and deep tissues. Rather than turning red, the injury can take on a charred or white appearance, and a skin graft may be necessary for proper treatment.
Fourth Degree Burns
These are the most severe types of burn injuries. They not only destroy all the skin layers but can also be life-threatening. Fourth-degree burns can potentially destroy muscles, tendons, organs, and bones.
Recognizing these levels of burn injuries and their symptoms is essential to knowing when to see a doctor.
Why Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer in Maryland?
Severe burn injuries are not only traumatic but can have a substantial effect on your life. That’s why protecting your rights with the help of a seasoned attorney is critical. At Pinder Plotkin, our Maryland burn injury lawyers can help with the following aspects:
Hold Liable Parties Accountable
Seeking settlement following a burn injury is no walk in the park. Damages like medical bills and lost wages may be easy to calculate, but the non-economic ones like pain and suffering, loss of support, and loss of enjoyment in life can be hard to quantify.
Your Maryland injury attorney can assess your situation, devise a strategy to protect your rights and hold those responsible accountable.
Better Navigate the Legal Process
The statute of limitations for burn injury cases in Maryland is three years. This means you have three years from the time of the incident to file a claim or lawsuit. A reputable lawyer will ensure all filings are made on time and walk you through the entire legal process.
Identify the Parties Involved
In some cases, more than one party might be liable for the accident. This can get complicated, especially when proving fault and pursuing a settlement. An experienced burn injury lawyer will delve into the facts and build a strong case that identifies all the at-fault parties.
Take Time to Heal
Following a burn injury, your main priority should be to get the necessary treatment and care. Dealing with legal paperwork, civil procedures, and court proceedings is the last thing you want at such a time. So, allow a seasoned attorney to do the heavy lifting as you recover from your injuries.
It is also important to note that Maryland is one of the few states that follow the contributory negligence doctrine. Under this rule, an injured person can be barred from receiving any damages following an incident in which they share the blame in any way.
This means that even if the person was even 1% liable, they would not be able to recover any damages. This makes burn injury claims in the state an uphill battle. This is why you can’t afford to take on such a case without an experienced lawyer.
Have You Suffered Burn Injuries in Maryland? Let Pinder Plotkin Help
Burn injuries can lead to excruciating pain and cause financial hurdles, particularly if you require extensive treatment and are unable to work. If the injury was caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of another party, you should protect your rights by hiring the right law firm for the job.
The team at Pinder Plotkin is ready to help, and all you have to do is call (410) 525-5337 or contact us online to speak to one of our representatives.