Sacramento Burn Injury Lawyer

Burns are a painful injury that causes damage to the skin and to the soft tissue underneath, and if it is not treated correctly, then it can lead to a variety of discomforting health problems. The American Burn Association (ABA) has discovered in a burn incident fact sheet that roughly 29,000 people are admitted into a hospital’s burn unit every year. As burn injuries can cause devastating outcomes, often resulting in not only physical pain, but also emotional and financial hardships, if it was provoked by another person or entity, it is important for burn injury victims to understand what legal options they have available in terms of suing the liable party.

Seeking legal assistance for a burn injury is important as it can help you with your journey toward recovery, allowing you to improve your condition while also acquiring compensation for the losses you endured. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento burn injury lawyers are readily available to guide you every step of the way of the legal process. With over 20 years of experience, our dedicated team of attorneys will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you are given favorable results.

With over $1.6 billion in financial compensation won for our clients, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve for your losses. While burn injury claims can be a confusing process, if you have any question or concerns regarding your case, our 24/7 legal team is available to discuss it with you.

To schedule a free consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our convenient online contact form.

Burn Classifications

Burns are categorized into four main types: first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree. Classification will vary based on the level of skin damage and what complications may arise in its aftermath. Familiarizing yourself with the specifics of each burn listed below will help you detect what condition you may have and will give you an idea of what form of medical care should be implemented to prevent it from worsening.

First-Degree Burn

First-degree burns damage the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. The affected area may appear red, dry, and painful. Treatment options typically include at-home care, and may take up to one week for the burn site to heal. In some cases, it can take as long as three weeks to recover. Although complications are rare, it is possible for the area to become infected if you do not properly care for it. Which is why it is recommended to apply basic first aid for first-degree burns. 

Second-Degree Burn

Second-degree burns, referred to as a partial-thickness burn, impact the epidermis and part of the underlying skin (dermis). It can cause the skin to swell and may look red and blistered. You can heal the damaged skin by performing self-care tactics, like:

• Running cool water immediately after the burn injury
• Apply a sterile, non-adhesive bandage onto the affected area

Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to manage symptoms, like pain and inflammation. You should seek medical attention if:

• The burn is covering large areas of the body, such as the face, hands, or feet
• You notice signs of infection
• The burn is not healing at a normal rate

Third-Degree Burn

Third-degree burns are severe injuries that can significantly damage the epidermis and dermis. They can also affect your deeper tissues, like the muscles or bones. This type of burn typically looks white, leathery, or charred. It could be painless due to nerve damage. The healing process may require long-term medical care that involves:

• Skin grafts
• IV fluids
• Antibiotics
• Physical therapy
• Other surgical procedures

Fourth-Degree Burn

A fourth-degree burn is the highest level of a burn injury. It can destroy the epidermis and dermis, along with underlying layers. As a result, you may sustain:

• Permanent damage
• Loss of function
• Amputation

Similar to a third-degree burn, your skin will appear charred and dry. The affected area could also have a white or blackened mark. Burn victims who endure such severe harm are expected to receive extensive surgical intervention. In some instances, amputation could be required to prevent infections from spreading. As a result of the extensive damage it causes to the body, long-term rehabilitation may be suggested to improve quality of life.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can be caused by various sources. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common contributing factors.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns happen when the skin makes direct contact with heat sources, like hot liquids or objects. Due to the nature of thermal burns, they serve as one of the most common types of burns found in burn injury accidents. 

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are caused by contact with harmful substances, like:

• Acids
• Alkalis
• Other toxic chemicals

Either of these can damage your skin and deeper tissues. Its severity will vary depending on what type of chemical was used and how long the burn victim was exposed to it. In serious cases, such bodily harm can result in scarring or organ damage, and will require immediate medical attention. Common sources of chemical burns include household products and industrial chemicals. 

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns happen when electricity passes through your body and damages tissues along its path. Certain factors that can trigger such harm include:

• Power lines
• Lighting strikes
• Electrical appliances

This type of burn can be life-threatening, and may require specialized treatment if it affects your heart or brain.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns stem from exposure to high levels of radiation. This can be caused by the following:

• Sunburns (ultraviolet light)
• Radiation therapy
• Radioactive materials

Some symptoms may include skin redness and peeling. Excessive radiation exposure may increase your likelihood of developing cancer or other health problems. As such, it is vital that you properly get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that you are receiving the proper treatment.

Friction Burns

Friction burns occur when your skin rubs against rough surfaces. It often involves sliding or dragging, and can be caused by slip and falls or motorcycle accidents. Your skin may look red and blistered, but it will depend on the length of the drag and the roughness of the surface. In severe cases, it can scrape off your epidermis and expose deeper layers. To prevent friction burns, you should wear protective gear when participating in a sports-related activity or operating a motorcycle.

Who Is Liable for a Burn Injury?

To determine liability in a burn injury case, you should gather as much evidence as you can and have it presented to a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers. A Sacramento burn injury attorney will assess the information provided to identify the liable party and pursue legal action against them to acquire compensation on your behalf.

Possible defendants may include the following:

• Manufacturers
• Property owners
• Government entities
• Chemical companies
• Other individuals

When establishing liability, you will need to prove negligence. This includes implementing the following elements into your lawsuit:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• You sustained injuries and damages as a result of their reckless behavior

Under California’s comparative negligence rule, all sides will be assessed to understand what degree of fault was committed. If you are found partially liable, you may still be entitled to damages. But, it will be adjusted based on the amount of negligence you contributed.

How Much Is My Burn Injury Claim Worth?

A burn injury settlement can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars for minor cases to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, for severe cases. Each situation will have unique challenges that can affect what you could be given. Some certain factors that will be considered when calculating and distributing compensation include the following:

• The extent of your injury
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Degree of fault

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator to estimate potential compensation by sharing the expenses you incurred.

Our Sacramento Burn Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you sustained a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be given the right to seek compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento burn injury attorneys are readily available to help you navigate your personal injury lawsuit. With over 20 years of experience, our attorneys are well versed in California law and handle every burn injury case with the care and respect that it deserves. As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and our attorneys are confident that they can get you the compensation you deserve for your losses. 

To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.