The WHO has documented some key facts about several types of burn injuries. First, although burns are preventable, they are also responsible for about 180,000 deaths every year. Again, non-fatal burns are a leading cause of morbidity, occurring mostly at home and the workplace. Sometimes, burn accidents are due to someone else’s negligence, and you’ll need a burn injury attorney to make them pay.

Managing a burn injury can be extremely traumatizing, especially if it’s a severe one. Many times, you may never fully recover from the effects of your injury. Knowing that someone else’s negligence caused your suffering can make your situation more difficult to bear. In such cases, ensuring that they bear the liability for your pain can make you feel some relief.

This article focuses on the typical accidents that cause negligent burn injuries in Maryland. As you read, you’ll also learn about the factors that impact your settlement value and lots more. Let’s get started with the different degrees of burns.

Degrees of types of Burn Injuries

You may sustain different degrees of burns in a negligent burn accident. They are:

• First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are the most manageable and least severe of all burn injuries. Typically, this type of burn wouldn’t warrant a settlement claim or lawsuit except followed by property damage.

• Second-Degree Burns

These burn injuries are more serious than first-degree burns and take longer to heal. They create blisters. Although they can be treated at home, they become emergencies depending on the extent and part of the body affected.

• Third and Fourth Degree Burns

These are the most serious degrees of burns that result in devastating conditions. They may cause nerve damage, permanent scarring, infections, and shock. In the worst cases, they may turn fatal.

Examples of Negligence That Can Lead to Burn Injuries

Various negligent accidents can cause burn injuries in Maryland. They include:

• Electrical Burns

Electrical burns happen when electricity jolts or travels through a person’s body. This is typically due to accidents involving live wires and faulty electrical equipment. Burn injuries from electricity can quickly cause tissue or organ damage. In severe cases, they can cause the victim‘s death.

• Fire Burns

This type of injury is due to the victim’s contact with naked flame or fire. It may happen when a building is burning, or equipment catches fire. This type of burn injury is usually severe as fire spreads quickly.

• Scalding

Scalding refers to burn injuries from heated fluids like hot steam or water. This type of injury is common with restaurant employees or people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This kind of burn heals slowly. Depending on the affected body part and the extent of scalding, it can become life-threatening.

• Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are due to contact with corrosive substances or irritants like acids and bases. Sometimes, the victim swallows them. Chemical burns can cause permanent disfigurement and scarring.

• Radiation Burns (Radiation Dermatitis)

UV rays, X rays, and radiation therapy can cause several types of burn injuries. They cause inflamed skin, tissue, and DNA damage. Common symptoms include itching, redness, scarring, blistering, etc.

What Factors Will Impact the Settlement Value of Burn Injuries in Maryland?

Your settlement amount for your burn injuries will vary based on these factors:

• The Severity of the Burn

The degree of burns you suffered is the primary factor influencing your compensation amount. Third and fourth-degree burns will typically require higher settlement sums than first and second-degree burns.

• The Location of the Injury

The location and extent of the injuries may also affect damages. Burns occurring on the face will typically have more value than ankle burns. Also, types of burn injuries that affect 60% of the body will pay higher than 20% burn injuries.

• Punitive Damages

If you’re in a lawsuit, punitive damages, when awarded, will increase your compensation. If the defendant acted maliciously, such as in an arson case, then you can recover punitive damages in Maryland.

Contact a Maryland Burn Injury Lawyer ASAP!

Did someone else cause your burn injuries due to carelessness? Then you can get ample damages for your injuries. For a higher chance of getting maximum compensation, be sure to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland. Dial our office to be sure that you’re getting the best of the best legal services in the state.

Our burn injury attorneys at Pinder Plotkin LLC possess all the qualities you’re looking for in a legal representative — and more. We are eager to help you navigate this phase of your life as smoothly as possible. Schedule a free consultation with us by dialing our office right away. We are always here for you.