Were you involved in an accident due to someone else’s negligence? Did it result in burn injuries? Are you facing medical treatment, time away from work, and other losses? If so, contact Mann Law right now to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
A burn injury is often painful and can range in severity. The more severe types of burns can damage tissue, muscles, nerves, and leave behind scars. Even if the physical injury heals, you could face significant scarring and emotional trauma for years to come. Treatment can become expensive, causing financial strain and possible debt.
At Mann Law, our experienced Maine burn injury lawyers will be your advocates during this devastating time in your life. You can depend on our team of catastrophic injury attorneys to put our knowledge and resources to work for you and try to reach a favorable outcome. We will fight hard for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Varying severities of burn injuries can happen in many situations. Catastrophic accidents and negligent individuals often cause burns and other types of injuries. Whether you are dining at a restaurant or driving in your car, you could encounter hazardous conditions and end up in harm’s way.
The most common causes of burn injuries include:
If one of these causes or another factor resulted in your burn injury, reach out to a local lawyer to discuss the next steps you should take. Immediate action is necessary to treat the burn and explore your options for holding the at-fault party accountable for their misconduct.
A burn injury damages skin and other parts of the body due to electricity, friction, fire, radiation, heat, or direct contact with harmful chemicals. Burns are a common cause of morbidity and lead to approximately 180,000 fatalities worldwide every year.
If you’ve ever spilled coffee on your hand or touched a hot stove, you probably sustained a minor burn. This kind of injury causes a burning sensation and kills skin cells. A minor burn typically heals on its own without much more than home remedies. However, a severe burn injury might require skin grafting, surgery, and other treatment. Even if the victim recovers, they could be left with permanent scarring.
There are four classifications of burn injuries, depending on the amount of damage to the body:
First-degree burn – There is minimal damage with a first-degree burn. It’s also called a superficial burn because it only affects the outer layer of the skin. You likely feel a little pain, and some redness, swelling, and inflammation can occur at the injury site. This type of burn often takes between seven and 10 days to heal. The skin will flake and peel as it repairs itself and shouldn’t leave any scars behind.
Second-degree burn – Damage extends beyond the top layer of skin to the layers underneath. Redness and soreness are expected at the site of the burn. Blisters can develop and burst, leaving a scab over the wound. Some scarring might occur as it heals and changes the pigment of the skin.
Third-degree burn – A third-degree burn damages every layer of skin and the nerves as well. Although you might think this would be painful, it usually isn’t due to nerve damage. Surgery and skin grafting are typically the proper course of treatment to heal the injury and prevent infection and other complications. However, significant scarring is likely.
Fourth-degree burn – The most severe burns damage all skin layers and nerves and extend to muscles, tendons, and tissue. Sometimes, you can see exposed bones or muscle tissue from the extensive damage. The skin will appear charred or could have a white color to it. This type of injury requires emergency medical care and treatment in a burn unit.
Complications can arise from a burn injury, especially if you don’t seek the necessary treatment. The most common include:
Immediate treatment of any burn is crucial, even if it seems minor. Only a doctor can evaluate the injury and determine the extent of the damage. You should never self-diagnose or assume the burn isn’t that serious if you’re not experiencing many symptoms.
When you’re involved in an accident resulting in a burn injury, you will likely suffer some losses, such as:
You could file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue compensation for your losses. If the negligent individual or company were entirely responsible for your burn injury, you should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the costs you incur. They should be held liable for their wrongdoings and provide the financial means necessary for you to heal.
The Maine burn injury lawyers at Mann Law, LLC have over 20 years of experience helping injured clients recover after traumatic accidents. We will remain in your corner from start to finish of the process to provide the care, services, and guidance you need. The long and painful recovery you face should not get in the way of securing the compensation you’re owed. We can take on the responsibility of your case so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
If you suffered burn injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligent behavior, call us today for a free consultation.
