Passaic County Burn Injury Lawyer

A person may sustain a burn injury from a wide variety of things, such as coming into contact with a scalding liquid, a hot object, fire, an electrical current, radiation exposure, or a corrosive substance. Unfortunately, there are several devastating long-term effects of burn injuries, but if you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury due to another person’s negligence, you may have a path to compensation. Read on and get in touch with a trusted Passaic County personal injury lawyer who can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve for your burn injury.

Different Types of Burn Injuries

A person may sustain a wide range of burn injuries. However, they can be classified as follows:

• First-degree (superficial) burns: A first-degree burn occurs when the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is burned. These types of burns appear red, however, individuals do not develop blisters. As an example, a sunburn can be classified as a first-degree burn. Common causes of first-degree burns include scalding liquids, high levels of exposure to the sun, and hot objects.
• Second-degree (partial thickness) burns: A second-degree burn occurs when the outer layer and parts of the inner layer of the skin are burned. The inner layer of skin is known as the dermis. As a result of second-degree burns, individuals develop painful blisters that appear red and swollen. The most common causes of second-degree burns include fires, chemicals, electricity, and scalding liquids and hot objects.
• Third-degree (full thickness) burns: A third-degree burn occurs when both layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis, are completely destroyed. Unfortunately, third-degree burns can be so severe that they cause damage to a person’s muscles, tendons, and bones. Victims of third-degree burns usually have no feeling at the site of the burn. There is no feeling because the burn completely destroyed the nerve.

Additionally, there are different types of burn injuries, which include:

• Chemical burns: A chemical burn occurs when a person comes into contact with a corrosive substance such as acid, bleach, harsh cleaners, or chlorine.
• Thermal burns: Essentially, thermal burns occur when a person comes into contact with something hot, such as a scalding liquid, hot objects, or flames from a fire.
• Electrical burns: Electrical burns occur when a person comes into contact with an electrical current. This may occur if an individual comes into contact with a live wire or is struck by lightning.
• Radiation burns: This type of burn occurs when a person is exposed to a high dose of radiation. Individuals who undergo cancer radiation treatment may suffer radiation burns as well as
• individuals who have had prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Friction burns: Generally, a friction burn occurs when the skin harshly and rapidly rubs against a hard surface.

What to Do After Sustaining a Burn Injury

If you have suffered a burn injury, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your health and your legal rights. The following steps can help safeguard your well-being and strengthen a potential claim for compensation:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of your burn, prompt medical care is crucial. Burns can lead to serious complications, including infections, nerve damage, and scarring. A healthcare professional will assess the extent of your injury, administer proper treatment, and document your condition, which can serve as vital evidence in a legal case.
2. Report the Incident: If your injury occurred at work, on another person’s property, or due to a defective product, report it to the appropriate party. This could be your employer, a property owner, or local authorities. An official report helps establish when and how the injury occurred.
3. Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries, the scene of the accident, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to your burn. Additionally, keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and any communication regarding your injury. These records can be instrumental in proving negligence.
4. Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. Before making any statements, consult with an experienced burn injury lawyer who can protect your interests and ensure you are not unfairly denied compensation.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Burn injury cases can be complex, and proving liability requires strong legal representation.

Financial Compensation

If you have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Depending on the severity of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it, a successful claim may allow you to recover damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. Compensation can cover both current and future medical costs related to your injury.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Severe burns can force victims to take time off work or even prevent them from returning to their previous occupation. If your injury affects your ability to earn a living, you may be compensated for lost wages and diminished future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Burn injuries can cause excruciating physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term psychological trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the impact your injury has had on your quality of life.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Burns can leave lasting scars that affect both physical appearance and self-esteem. If your injury results in permanent disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Many burn injury victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A claim may include damages for the emotional and psychological toll of your injury.
• Property Damage: If your burn injury was caused by a fire, explosion, or defective product, you may also be entitled to compensation for damaged personal property.

Contact a New Jersey Burn Injury Lawyer

Don’t sustain a severe burn injury without a skilled personal injury lawyer in your corner. Our legal team stands ready to hold the liable party responsible for their careless actions. Contact a burn injury lawyer from the Law Offices of August R. Soltis for a free consultation today.