Atlantic County Burn Injury Lawyer
Request a Free ConsultationSevere burns are among the most painful and debilitating injuries that accidents can cause. Whether you were exposed to fire, caustic chemicals, electricity, or any other dangerous situation, with the help of an experienced Atlantic County personal injury attorney you may be able to file suit against any person or entity whose negligence led to you getting burned.
However, just because you have grounds to pursue litigation doesn’t mean recovering compensation will be easy. Once retained, a skilled Atlantic County burn injury lawyer could help you demonstrate another party’s negligence, take stock of all your compensable losses, and proactively seek compensation on your behalf.
Types of Burn Injuries and Their Effects
Classifications for heat-related injuries are based on how deeply a burn penetrates various layers of skin and how much damage it causes to nerves, tissues, and other parts of the affected area(s). First-degree burns impact only the epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin – and are not usually severe enough to warrant civil litigation, as they heal quickly and do not result in lasting damage.
Second-degree burns are much more significant, as they involve damage to both the outer epidermis and the inner dermis – the skin’s second layer. These burns are characterized by red and white skin discoloration, swelling, blistering, and a great deal of pain. Particularly deep second-degree burns can result in permanent scarring.
As the most dangerous type of heat-related injury, third-degree burns occur when both layers of the skin are penetrated, leading to damaged fat, muscle tissues, and even tendons and bones. Third-degree burns often result in nerve damage and necessitate rapid medical intervention.
Regardless of a burn’s classification, anyone who suffers a burn on their hands, feet, intimate areas, face, or airway should seek medical care as soon as possible. One of our Atlantic County burn injury attorneys could work with an injured claimant to determine who is responsible for his or her burn injuries and take appropriate action to hold that party accountable.
Recovering Compensation for Available Damages
In order for a civil lawsuit to be valid, the filing plaintiff must have experienced some form of physical injury that required professional medical attention. Once this initial requirement is met, our legal team can pursue compensation for a variety of losses on a plaintiff’s behalf.
If a burn victim can prove that someone else is liable for his or her injury, he or she could pursue compensation for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. The former is meant for quantifiable losses like medical bills, lost work wages, and property repair costs, whereas the latter covers damages that cannot be quantitatively defined, especially for widespread and/or severe burns.
These qualitative losses may include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and/or disfigurement stemming from a burn
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of occupational and personal opportunities
- Physical pain
- Emotional anguish
Talk to an Atlantic County Burn Injury Attorney Today
If you recently suffered a severe burn in an accident, your top priority should be ensuring you receive proper medical treatment and mitigating your chances of suffering permanent damage. At the same time, though, you should also consider seeking legal counsel and exploring your options for civil litigation if your burn resulted from someone else’s reckless or careless misconduct.
An Atlantic County burn injury lawyer could provide dedicated guidance and support throughout every stage of your civil case. Call today to set up a meeting and learn more about the possibilities of your claim.