Severe burn injuries are among the most life-altering injuries a person can endure. However, not everyone takes them seriously—assuming that because they have had a few minor burns, they understand the full extent of a burn injury. One of the most important jobs for any Fresno burn injury lawyer is ensuring that judges, juries, insurance adjusters, and opposing counsel all fully understand how your burn injury has impacted your life.
At Valero Law Group, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for victims of burn injuries. Our team focuses on advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you need while you focus on recovery. Reach out today to begin working with a compassionate catastrophic injury attorney.
Understanding Burn Injuries and Their Severity
Few people will go through life without having a burn injury at some point. Burns can result from a range of incidents and are classified into degrees based on their severity.
First Degree Burns
Sunburns, cooking burns, and even drinking a beverage that is too hot can all lead to minor burn injuries. These usually only impact the outer layer of skin, and are known as first-degree burns. While they cause minor pain and redness, these burns generally heal on their own, require little medical intervention, and do not leave apparent long-term injuries—though repeated sunburns increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.
Second Degree Burns
Many people will also experience second-degree burns. Penetrating more profoundly into the skin, these burns can cause blisters, swelling, and intense pain. They may require medical treatment and have longer healing times. They can also result in scarring. While second-degree burns can be excruciating and have more extended recovery periods, victims can generally make complete or almost complete recoveries. However, if the burns cover a substantial portion of the body, there may be additional complications.
Third Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are almost always life-altering. Damaging all layers of the skin and underlying tissues, these burns often result in nerve damage and require extensive medical care, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Fourth Degree Burns
The worst category of burn injury is fourth-degree burns, which are life-threatening. These burns extend into muscles, tendons, and bones. Even when victims survive, they are unlikely to return to life as usual and will generally deal with challenges like disfigurement and permanent disability.
A Fresno burn injury attorney can help someone understand how the severity of their injury plays a role in their claim for compensation during an initial consultation.
Other Impacts of Burn Injuries
In addition to the direct injuries from the burns, this harm often has related consequences. Respiratory damage, infections, and organ damage often accompany burns. Additionally, injured people can face disfigurement or substantial scarring, as well as serious emotional trauma. Burn injury victims may also face:
- Prolonged hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning potential
- Ongoing medical expenses
A Fresno attorney needs to look at all of these factors, not just the burns, when assessing the value of a burn injury claim. Learn more about how our team handles settlement amounts by calling today.
Financial Recovery for Burn Victims
If a burn injury is due to someone else’s negligence, the injured person may have a cause of action under California Civil Code § 1714, which provides that those who fail to exercise reasonable care and cause harm to others can be held liable for resulting damages.
Burns occur in a variety of scenarios, including premise liability, car accidents, and workplace incidents. As a result, personal injury claims are not the only potential remedy. Employees can also seek workers’ compensation benefits for their injuries. Workers comp is a no-fault system that protects workers, though the benefits are generally less than what a person could recover in a personal injury suit.
Determining the appropriate remedy starts with a Fresno attorney thoroughly investigating the burn injury. Determining the source of the burn injury and whether it resulted from a workplace accident, unsafe premises, or auto accident is a good start. Then, the attorney needs to gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, safety reports, and expert testimony.
Once armed with all of the details about an accident, an attorney can pursue financial recovery. Ideally, they can secure a favorable settlement, saving victims the time and stress of a trial. However, the attorneys at Valero Law Group are not afraid to litigate aggressively when necessary, ensuring those responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
Contact a Fresno Burn Injury Attorney for Legal Guidance
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, Valero Law Group is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will provide the compassionate and aggressive representation you need during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fresno burn injury lawyer. Let us assist you in your journey towards justice and recovery.