Burns are among the most painful and traumatic injuries that a person can suffer. These injuries can result from direct contact with fire, harsh chemicals, and or steam. Burn injuries are by no means uniform and they present unique challenges for a victim.
If you were burned in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a Bala Cynwyd burn injury lawyer can help. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney will represent the interests of clients who have suffered burn injuries and seek fair compensation on their behalf.
What Are Burn Injuries?
Most burns occur when a person’s skin makes contact with a heat source. Stovetops, radiators, and campfires are all capable of severely burning a person’s skin. However, burns can also happen because of other incidents. For example, exposure to caustic chemicals, a radiation source, strong electricity, or friction can all cause serious burns. Common symptoms of severe burn injuries include:
- Blisters
- Pain
- Peeling Skin
- Redness
- Swelling
- Charred Skin
Burns come in three degrees, which vary in severity. While some burns can be easily treated, others cannot.
First Degree
A first-degree burn refers to damage at the top-most layer of skin. These burns are superficial and often result from kitchen mistakes or sun damage. Doctors commonly treat these short-term wounds with topical skin cremes.
Second Degree
Second-degree burns affect the lower layers of the skin and often result from direct fire exposure, chemical spills, or electrical accidents. Symptoms of second-degree burns may include blistering, swelling, and severe pain. Treatment for these burns could involve antibiotics and topical creams, as the wounds carry the possibility of infection.
Third Degree
The most severe burns are third-degree burns. These injuries occur from prolonged exposure to a specific hazard and will affect the deep tissues and bones. However, these burns can be less painful than second-degree burns since the nerves are often destroyed. Treatment for these burns might include skin grafts and intense antibiotic regimens, but they can also be life-threatening.
No matter the severity of an injury, there is a limited time under the law to demand compensation. According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 42 § 5524, injured parties have two years from the date of an injury to file a claim for compensation. A skilled attorney in Bala Cynwyd can help a victim demand fair payment for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional traumas related to a burn injury.
Liability for Burn Injuries in Bala Cynwyd
Many burns that result in injuries are self-inflicted. However, when burn injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, a lawsuit may be possible. For example, severe car accidents could result in a person being trapped in a vehicle and facing exposure to burning oil or gasoline.
In some cases, a person may suffer burns from improper chemical use while at work or while using a consumer product. In these instances, people have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, a case will fall under the category of negligence, premises liability, or workers’ compensation. A burn injury lawyer Bala Cynwyd could help an injured person identify their rights and pursue the appropriate avenues for compensation.
Contact a Bala Cynwyd Burn Injury Attorney Immediately
We know that intense pain, long recovery times, lost wages, and familial stress can all result from burn injuries. When those injuries are the result of another’s act of negligence, the victim of the burn deserves to be made whole. A Bala Cynwyd burn injury lawyer is here to help in that process.
They can handle your case with both compassion and diligence to promote your interests against defendants’ insurance companies. There is a limited time to file a claim, so contact a lawyer today.