Lexington Burn Injury Lawyer

It can take years to recover from burns. If you expect to need extensive care in the future, your settlement could include a provision for future medical care. While you will not receive future payments, your initial settlement will likely consider funding intended for future treatment.

You may be wondering, “Does my burn injury case stand a chance?” When it comes to burns, figuring out the answer can be tricky. To prove liability, you must prove negligence. In other words, you need to show that someone else owed you a duty of care, they failed to provide it, and that their actions led to your harm.

Many burn injury victims fail to realize someone else may hold liability for their condition. This is often the case with premises liability and product liability. So how do you know when you have a case? Common examples include:

Car Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Administration estimates that a car accident occurs every 60 seconds. On a yearly basis, that equates to about 5.25 million accidents nationwide.

In an accident, burns can result from contact with a hot surface or chemical, or from a fire. If the other driver was at least partly at-fault in the accident, you are entitled to seek damages for your injuries.

Workplace Accidents

Burns can occur in the workplace with victims either being employees or customers. Burns can be sustained by touching hot surfaces, when an outlet shorts out, or when drinking a hot beverage. If an employee is injured on the job, the employer usually bears the financial responsibility. In this case, however, you will not sue your employer to recover damages. Rather, you will need to make a workers’ compensation claim instead.

Product Liability

Did your hairdryer short out? Did your new laptop light on fire? It is the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure their products are safe to use. Any damages caused by a defect or design flaw must be paid by the manufacturer.

Premises Liability

Various types of accidents fall under premises liability. Did an exposed wire start a fire in an apartment you were renting? Your landlord might not have taken care of an electrical issue. Checking if the building is up to code and whether the fire systems are current is one of the first things your attorney will verify.

The type of treatment you will need will depend on the severity and location of your burn. The more serious your injury is, the more invasive and prolonged your treatment will be.

Common burn treatment options include:

IV Fluids

It may be necessary to administer intravenous fluids to burn victims with severe burns. Dehydration and even organ failure can result from burn shock.

Creams and Ointments

Minor burns benefit most from this treatment. These creams can prevent infection and reduce healing time.

Skin Grafts

Skin grafts can be used to repair any severely damaged skin. Using the patient’s own skin is usually the most effective method.

Rehabilitative Services

Physical and psychological pain can result from burns. Mental health counseling and occupational therapy can reduce recovery time and improve outlook on life.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery can help burn patients who are unable to see, breathe, or speak because of burns and scarring. Cosmetic improvements can also be achieved through reconstructive surgery.

Burn injuries often result in complications. It is very important to follow your doctor’s advice and tell both your doctor and your attorney about any new or unusual symptoms.

These are some of the complications you may encounter:

• Loss of function or feeling
• Severe dehydration
• Scarring
• Infection
• PTSD
• Difficulty breathing
• Organ failure

In addition to recouping the costs of the original injury, a burn injury claim can also help to resolve any resulting issues arising from the accident.

It is best to file a lawsuit as soon as possible if you intend to sue the negligent party. This will give your attorney enough time to prepare your case and achieve a settlement faster.

Statutes of limitations specify the maximum amount of time in which a claim can be brought forth. The statute of limitations for burn injury lawsuits varies from state to state. A few exceptions apply to the statute of limitations. For example, if you didn’t discover the truth about the accident because of fraud or if the victim is a child, the court may issue an extension.

Injury victims and their families only have a limited time frame to obtain the money they deserve for their burn injury. Insurance companies know this and they do everything in their power to deny your claim or convince you to settle for far less than you need.

An experienced burn injury attorney will handle all investigation, paperwork, and negotiations for you. This will allow you to focus on your recovery.

Some of the tasks your attorney will take care of include:

• Collect and present evidence
• Speak with your doctors
• Review your medical records
• Gather witness statements
• Defer payments
• Negotiate with the insurance company
• Represent you in court