Why You Need an Attorney for Your Burn Injury Case

Burn injuries are among the most devastating and painful injuries a person can experience. Beyond the immediate physical trauma, burn survivors often face long-term challenges, including extensive medical treatment, scarring, disfigurement, emotional distress, and financial burdens. According to the American Burn Association, 398,000 burn injuries require medical attention each year. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need an attorney for a serious personal injury case.

Understanding the Complexity of Burn Injury Cases

Burn injury cases are rarely straightforward. They often involve complex legal and factual issues that require the expertise of a skilled attorney. Here’s why:

Determining Liability: Identifying the responsible party can be challenging. Was the burn caused by a defective product, a workplace accident, a car crash, or negligence on someone’s property? An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to determine all potential sources of liability, including landlords, employers, or manufacturers.
Establishing Negligence: To win a burn injury case, you must prove that the at-fault party was negligent. This means showing that they had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. An attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case proving negligence.
Calculating Damages: The full extent of damages in a burn injury case can be significant and may include:
- Medical Expenses: Burns often require extensive and ongoing medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: Burn injuries can prevent you from working for an extended period, resulting in lost income and potential loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Burn injuries can cause excruciating pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent scarring and disfigurement can have a profound impact on your self-esteem and quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Many burn survivors experience psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

The Benefits of Hiring a Burn Injury Attorney

Hiring an experienced burn injury attorney can provide numerous advantages:

Legal Expertise and Knowledge: Burn injury cases involve complex legal concepts, statutes, and regulations. An attorney will have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations related to burn injuries, including liability, negligence, medical malpractice, product liability, and premises liability.
Thorough Investigation: An attorney will have the resources and expertise to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your burn injury. This may involve obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
Accurate Damage Assessment: An attorney can help you accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, both present and future, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Skilled Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. They will be able to counter low-ball settlement offers and advocate for your best interests.
Litigation Experience: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. They will be prepared to present your case to a judge and jury and fight for your rights in court.
Protection of Your Rights: An attorney will ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process. They will advise you on your rights and options and help you make informed decisions.
Focus on Recovery: Having an attorney on your side means you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complex legal procedures.

Common Challenges in Burn Injury Cases

Burn injury survivors often face a range of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. An attorney can help you address these challenges by seeking compensation for:

Physical Challenges: Burn injuries can result in long recovery periods, wound management, healing skin, repeated reconstructive surgeries, and a different approach to nutrition.
Psychological Challenges: Burn survivors may experience psychological distress associated with PTSD and develop serious body image issues.
Ongoing Medical Issues: Burn-related injuries may increase the risk of infections, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, nervous system disorders, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Body Temperature Regulation: Body temperature regulation, especially overheating, is a common problem after a burn injury.
Itching: Itching and skin irritation are one of the top challenges reported by burn survivors, often due to nerve damage on the skin.

The Statute of Limitations

It is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a burn injury because there are time limits for filing a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In many states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. However, the specific time limit can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations can result in the court dismissing the case, barring you from seeking legal recourse for your burn injury.

Cost of Hiring a Burn Injury Attorney

Most personal injury attorneys, including those who handle burn injury cases, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any upfront fees. Instead, the attorney will receive a percentage of any settlement or court verdict they obtain for you. The contingency fee percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery. This arrangement allows you to hire an experienced attorney without having to worry about paying hourly fees.

Finding the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is essential for the success of your burn injury case. Look for an attorney who has experience handling burn injury cases, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to providing personalized attention to your case.

Don’t Wait, Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact an experienced burn injury attorney today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.