If you sustained a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligent misconduct, do not hesitate to call the Irvine personal injury lawyers of OnderLaw for a free consultation. You might be entitled to compensation for the losses you suffered. We can review the circumstances of the incident and determine whether you’re eligible to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.

A burn injury can cause severe pain and a range of complications if left untreated. Infections are common at the injury site and can spread throughout the body, affecting vital organs. Anyone could suffer a burn, whether during a car crash, at work, or on someone else’s property. No matter where you were when the injury happened, you could hold the at-fault party liable if their negligent actions contributed to the incident.

At OnderLaw , our Irvine burn injury attorneys understand that the recovery process can be long and stressful. Many burns require extensive medical care to heal. Besides the physical scars, people are often left with emotional trauma that can outlast any bodily injury. Some people develop depression if the burn alters their appearance or anxiety from the accident they were in.

You shouldn’t face the consequences of another person’s wrongdoing. OnderLaw is ready to fight by your side for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today for your free consultation.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Why Choose OnderLaw ?

Devastating accidents resulting in burn injuries can upend anyone’s life. Most people are in shock immediately after these accidents and struggle with what they should do next. Aside from seeking medical care, you’re likely confused about how you should handle the situation.

Hiring a lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make. OnderLaw knows state laws associated with cases like yours. We understand what it takes to investigate these incidents and obtain the evidence we need to prove your claim. You shouldn’t be forced to take on this overwhelming responsibility while also healing your injuries. You can depend on us to handle everything on your behalf.

Since 2002, our Irvine burn injury attorneys have helped accident victims hold negligent parties accountable for harming them. Our proven track record of success shows how much effort and attention we put into each case we take. We are proud to say that we’ve secured over $3.5 billion in settlements for our clients, and we are ready to help you reach your legal goals, too.

Causes of Burn Injuries

Multiple factors can contribute to a burn injury. No matter where you go, you could encounter hazardous conditions or a dangerous scenario that increases the risk of an accident.

The most common causes of burns include:

  • Explosions
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Residential or commercial fires
  • Chemical spills
  • Car accidents
  • Faulty wiring in a defective product
  • Direct skin contact with steam, hot liquids, or smoke
  • Electrical shock
  • Workplace accidents

 

If you were injured in these or any other scenario that wasn’t your fault, you should take immediate action. Call OnderLaw so we can investigate the incident. We will review all facts and determine who should be held liable for your burn injury.

Types and Severity of Burn Injuries

burn is an injury that damages the tissues in your body when the skin comes in contact with heat, sunlight, radiation, or another source. Prolonged exposure could destroy skin cells and affect vital organs.

Multiple classifications of burns indicate the extent of the damage and which areas of the body have been affected by the injury. They are:

 

  • First-degree burns – The outer layer of the skin only suffers minor damage. There is some pain at the site of the injury and redness, swelling, or inflammation. The skin might peel while it’s healing but doesn’t leave any scars behind.
  • Second-degree burns – The outer skin layer and the layer underneath become damaged from a second-degree burn. The injury site may appear swollen and red. Blisters can develop and cause scabs or scarring when the wound heals. A change in the pigment of the skin is also likely.
  • Third-degree burns – A third-degree burn often damages every layer of skin and even some nerves. Although this might seem like a painful injury, it usually isn’t because of the extensive nerve damage. Surgeries and skin grafts are typically necessary to heal the wounds, which results in permanent scarring.
  • Fourth-degree burns – This is the most severe type of burn injury that can occur. It damages not only every layer of the skin and nerves but also tendons, muscle, tissue, and possibly bone.

 

Without adequate medical care, complications can arise. However, even if you seek treatment immediately after suffering a burn, you could still experience complications.

One of the most common complications is infection. An infection can form at the injury site and enter the body through the open wound. It can compromise vital organs, such as the lungs or heart, as it travels throughout the body. These organs can shut down and cause a person’s death.

Another common complication is scarring and disfigurement. Unfortunately, severe burns don’t heal entirely. Even with skin grafts, victims don’t regain their “normal” appearance. Burn injuries to the face or hands often alter their appearance. Permanent scars may form over burns covering a significant portion of the body.

Other common complications of burn injuries are:

  • Difficulty breathing – Some burns result from exposure to flames during a fire or explosion. Smoke inhalation is common during these incidents and can cause respiratory issues.
  • Low body temperature – Although it might seem counterintuitive, burn injuries can sometimes lead to hypothermia. That’s because severe damage to the skin and protective tissue prevents a person from regulating their temperature.
  • Psychological injuries – Long-term emotional trauma can result from a burn injury. The incident may cause post-traumatic stress disorder if the victim encounters a similar situation. Depression typically arises from a disfiguring burn that leaves a person with low self-esteem.
  • Physical pain – Chronic pain is a problem most people face while healing from a burn. It can range in severity and intensity. It can also come and go randomly or remain constant. Some people experience pain if something rubs against the wound or when moving their body in a certain way.
  • Loss of mobility – When damage extends below the skin to tendons, ligaments, or muscles, it can prevent the victim from performing routine tasks. Depending on the site of the injury, it can be difficult to lift an arm, walk, or turn the head from side to side.

 

Various other complications can result from a burn. Even a minor injury could cause ongoing problems. At OnderLaw , we understand how much you’ve suffered since the accident and want to help you heal so you can resume your everyday routine.

Compensation for Burn Injuries

Burn patients might need surgery to repair damaged nerves and tissue, prescriptions to manage pain, and rehabilitation to improve mobility. Treating a burn injury can be expensive. If you can’t afford your bills, you might face economic strain and end up in debt. If the at-fault party’s actions were entirely to blame for the incident, they should provide the compensation you need to cover all of your expenses, so you’re not forced to pay for anything out of pocket.

The compensation you receive in a burn injury case could compensate for the many losses you suffered, such as:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical bills
  • Damaged personal property
  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

 

Other than pursuing compensation for these losses, you could seek exemplary damages in a lawsuit. However, an award of this type isn’t meant to compensate you for the losses you suffered. Instead, it punishes the at-fault party and is meant to deter similar misconduct in the future. If you want to recover this financial award, you must show the jury that the defendant acted with fraud, oppression, or malice by providing clear and convincing evidence.

There is also a strict timeframe you must comply with if you want to pursue a lawsuit. California has a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you have two years from the date of your injury to file your lawsuit. After two years pass, you could lose your right to compensation.

Burn Accident Statistics

Occupational burn injuries are common in multiple job industries. According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor, there were 14,890 injuries due to thermal burns and 4,040 chemical burns and corrosion injuries in 2019. All of these required the employees to take time off from work to recover.

Burns and fires are the leading causes of accidental death among children and adults. Children are at a high risk of this type of injury. They often don’t understand the dangers of playing with matches or touching a hot stove.

In 2018, 320 deaths were attributed to fires and burn injuries for children between 0 and 19 years old. There were 91,635 emergency room visits the same year for this age group. This is equivalent to six fatalities and 1,762 ER visits every week.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, contact OnderLaw immediately. One of our Irvine burn injury attorneys can discuss the incident with you during a free consultation and advise you about the available legal options. Call or reach out to us online.