Valencia Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries happen when you come into contact with extreme temperatures, electricity, or chemicals. These can significantly damage your skin and other tissues depending on its intensity and the duration of exposure endured.

Burn injury victims are encouraged to receive prompt medical care to prevent infections or other complications from developing. This may require short- or long-term treatment depending on the extent of injury sustained. Maintaining the damaged site can be costly, especially if you undergo surgical procedures or use rehabilitation services to improve your condition.

But, if your burn injury was caused by another person or entity, you may be entitled to sue the liable party to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we specialize in handling personal injury cases, and have over 20 years of experience in the legal field. Our Valencia personal injury attorneys will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to ensure you are granted a fair settlement. Let us help you pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable for their wrongful actions.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you do not owe us anything unless we succeed in your case. To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Common Causes of a Burn Injury

Burn injuries are commonly caused by a variety of factors. Let’s take a look at each one.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns happen when you are exposed to high levels of radiation. This can be caused by:

• Ultraviolet radiation
• X-rays
• Interventional radiology (IR) procedures
• Radiotherapy (RT)

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are caused by hazardous substances, and can result in mild irritation or severe tissue damage depending on the chemical involved and the duration of exposure endured.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are possible if you come into direct contact with an electrical current or by an arc flash. This can damage the skin, tissues, and internal organs based on the extent of harm inflicted.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are caused by extreme heat sources, like hot surfaces or liquids. These are separated into four types of classifications that are in accordance to the level of severity endured.

Friction Burns

Friction burns happen when the skin rubs or slides against a rough surface. The affected area may appear red or even scraped away depending on the intensity of the friction.

What Are the Four Stages of Burns?

Burn injuries are categorized into stages based on their level of severity. Below, we will discuss each one and its potential effects on the body.

First-Degree

A first-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Pain
• Dryness without blistering

It can take a few days for this type of wound to heal and treatment is not as extensive since the burn is usually minor. Cool compress and soothing lotion are some of the many approaches you can take to help improve your condition. Over-the-counter pain medication may also be suggested by medical professionals depending on the level of discomfort you are experiencing.

Second-Degree

A second-degree burn, referred to as partial-thickness burn, impacts the outer layer and inner layer (dermis) of the skin. It typically has the following appearance:

• Redness
• Blistering
• Swelling

You could experience significant pain, as well. To combat these symptoms, you will need to cool the burn with water and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. Medicine may be suggested to alleviate irritation.

Third-Degree

A third-degree burn is a severe type of burn, impacting all layers of the skin. It can annihilate nerve endings, causing numbness. You may notice white, blackened, or charred texture on the affected area. Because of the extensive damage, it is required to get it checked as soon as possible. You may have to undergo surgical procedures and use rehabilitation services to improve your quality of life.

Fourth-Degree

Fourth-degree burns are the most intense form of a burn injury, going beyond the skin to damage deeper tissues, like:

• Muscles
• Bones
• Tendons

The impacted area may appear charred or blackened, and will have no sensation due to complete nerve destruction. This is a life-threatening condition that will require immediate medical attention. Intensive care is needed to ensure complications are managed.

Wrongful Death Caused by a Burn Injury

Wrongful death cases can stem from a burn injury that is caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional acts. This can happen due to:

• Defective products
• Building fires
• Car accidents

Under California Code of Civil Procedure 377.60, a deceased person’s personal representative or surviving family members, like spouse or children, are entitled to sue. Once negligence has been established, compensation will be calculated and distributed accordingly.  Damages you can recover in such a case include the following:

• Medical bills
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional suffering

How to Prove Negligence

To prove negligence in a burn injury claim, you will need to have available evidence that demonstrates the following elements:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant failed to uphold their duty
• The defendant’s breach of duty was the direct cause of your burn injury
• You sustained losses, like medical expenses or scarring, as a result of the incident

Under California comparative negligence law, all parties will be evaluated to determine percentage of fault. Even if partial liability is involved, you can still recover damages. So, if the defendant is 80 percent liable and you are 20 percent liable, the compensation you are awarded will be adjusted.

Time Limit to File a Burn Injury Claim in Valencia

Under personal injury law, you will be given two years from the date of when the incident occurred to file a burn injury claim. Although you are given enough time to sue, you should act promptly to ensure you fulfill your legal duties in a timely manner.

Seeking legal assistance from a Valencia personal injury lawyer can be of great help, especially if you are unfamiliar with the filing process. Our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you do not exceed the time limit and get the compensation you deserve. If you fail to meet the deadline, you will no longer be given the right to sue the liable party.

Recoverable Compensation in Burn Injury Cases

Recoverable compensation in burn injury cases will vary depending on the unique circumstances involved. Some of the following factors are considered when determining the settlement value:

• The extent of the burn injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical costs
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an estimate of what you could be awarded, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the expenses you sustained as a result of the incident. Typically, compensatory damages are given in personal injury cases, and can be categorized into: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses you endured as a result of the burn injury, like hospital fees and lost wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible, subjective costs that are difficult to measure in monetary terms, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be given the right to sue to secure compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are readily available to assist you with the legal process. Our Valencia personal injury attorneys will assess the information provided, identify the at fault party, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you are granted maximum compensation.

To schedule a FREE initial consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.