The type of burn you suffer is determined by the injury's severity and its cause. Whatever type of burn you get, though, the most critical thing to do is seek immediate medical attention. When neglected, burn injuries can lead to infection.
Though not many cases of severe burn injuries result in fatality, the effects may last a lifetime, both physically and emotionally. And when your burn injury is due to someone's negligence, you can seek compensation for medical costs, wage and income loss, suffering and pain, and other factors.
In this article, we'll give you tips on what to do after burn injuries and how to file a compensation claim.
What to Do After Getting Burn Injuries?
The victim of a burn injury can seek restitution if the fault or carelessness of another person caused the injury. However, you must take the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Consult a physician.
You may need immediate medical attention to minimize the long-term effects of your burn injury. The best advice is to avoid caution and consult a doctor, even if your injury looks mild. Only then can you ensure that your health concerns are being handled correctly. It can also help link the injury to the accident if you seek medical treatment immediately.
Keep a record of your injuries.
Burn injuries, in particular, will change with time. Depending on the case, a judge or jury may take months or years to evaluate the evidence. Perhaps your injuries have healed since then. It is, therefore, important to document your injuries.
As your injuries heal, take pictures and document the process. Doing so can convey to the judge or jury the severity of your injuries. Additionally, your lawyer may recommend that you keep a pain journal so that you can keep track of your feelings during medical treatment.
Consult a lawyer.
If you have been injured by another party's negligence or intentional acts, an experienced burn lawyer can assist you in identifying potential defendants. In addition, they can investigate how the individual's actions caused the serious burn injuries and communicate with them.
Types of Burn Injuries
There are four types of burn injuries. In a personal injury claim, you have a greater chance of getting compensation with more serious injuries/
- In terms of severity and superficiality, first-degree burns tend to be less serious. They cause redness, swelling, and pain on the outer layer of the skin. Sunburns are first-degree burns.
- A second-degree burn injures the inner layers of the skin. It is more painful to suffer second-degree burns because they blister and swell.
- Subcutaneous tissue is damaged in third-degree burns. Burns of this type can be white in color or have a charred appearance. This injury may require skin grafts to heal.
- The most serious type of burn is a fourth-degree burn. These rare burns can affect the tissue under the skin the skin. Damaged nerve endings can also leave the area numb.
Filing for a Burn Injury Claim
Filing a claim for burn injuries means showing that another party's negligence was directly responsible for your injury. In addition, you need to prove that the negligent party violated their duty of care toward you at the location of the injury. It is also necessary for you to demonstrate that your injury has resulted in permanent harm.
Burn Injury Compensation You Can Pursue
Your injury claim may be compensated for economic, non-economic, or punitive damages, depending on your situation. There are several factors to consider, including the extent of your injuries, their impact on you and your loved ones, and whether you are likely to recover completely. Accordingly, you can seek the following damages:
- The cost of medical care
- Wage or income loss
- Having a reduced ability to earn income
- A potential loss of income in the future
- In case of property damage or repair
- Suffering and pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of companionship
An at-fault party is liable for punitive damages if there is clear evidence that they acted maliciously or with gross misconduct. Punitive damage is awarded when a defendant has committed intentional harm to others.
Consult a Lawyer for Maximum Compensation or Settlement
The amount of burn injury compensation you receive depends on various factors, including the severity and permanence of your injuries, insurance coverage, assets, evidence, degree of fault, and the nature of your accident. An experienced lawyer should be able to handle all the negotiations on your behalf and navigate legal hurdles to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.
