If you or a loved one have been injured in a burn accident, you may be wondering what your next steps are. Burn injuries can be extremely serious, and the legal process surrounding these cases can be complex. In this article, we’ll discuss four important factors to consider in any burn injury case. By understanding these key components, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the road ahead.
Severity of the Burn
Burning is a traumatic injury that can range in severity, with first-degree being the least severe and fourth-degree being the most serious. First-degree burns often involve minor skin redness and might not even require medical treatment, while fourth-degree involves extensive damage to underlying tissue, muscles, and bones. If a burn doesn’t heal within two weeks or if blisters form, it’s suggested to consult with a medical professional — especially if it covers areas larger than three inches. Treatment for these types of burns is multifaceted and can include removing the dead skin, using skin grafts for severe cases, IV antibiotics for infection control, pain medication, and physical therapy post-healing. Regardless of the degree of burn you may experience, it’s always good practice to speak with your doctor about how best to be treated.
Age of the Victim
The age of the victim in the burn injury case is an important factor to consider when evaluating any associated legal and financial implications. With minors, additional considerations need to be taken into account due to their lack of independence and maturity. Depending on the severity of the burns and the individual’s age, specific laws or regulations may apply that require extensive research or specialized care. Detailed medical records should be obtained for each case in order to accurately assess the long-term effects of the injuries, both physically and psychologically. The right combination of factors will ultimately help determine what course of action should be taken in such a tragedy.
Accidental or Intentional
One of the key things to understand in a burn injury case is whether the burn was caused by an accident or was done on purpose. This can often make all the difference in a victim obtaining justice. An attorney, such as Rogers Patrick Westbrook and Brickman Law Firm, will investigate fully and collect evidence to amend any witness statements, as well as research how the incident occurred and reconstruct what events led up to it. “Accident” and “intentional” are very distinct categories that require different approaches to understanding the circumstances, so it’s important for lawyers to have this information before building a case. In addition, if it seems like foul play was involved, taking steps for the further examination should be considered immediately to prepare for filing a claim.
Negligence
If you have suffered from a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be able to bring a legal case forward and receive rightful compensation for your suffering. This is a complex undertaking, involving the collection and presentation of significant evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the action was due to neglectful behavior. Your legal team must also demonstrate that damages were indeed caused as a direct result of this act — another difficult task in and of itself. If successful, however, an injured party may be able to seek reparations for pain and suffering associated with the burn incident.
If you or someone you know has suffered a burn, it’s important to understand the different types of burns and how they should be treated. With this information, you can ensure that you or your loved one gets the proper care and treatment for the specific type of burn. If you have any questions about burn severity or treatment, be sure to talk to a medical professional.
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
