Woodland Hills Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries are without a doubt, one of the most traumatic types of injuries a person can sustain in an accident. Whether you have sustained a burn injury from a residential fire or an automobile accident, burn injuries can vary widely based on the severity and depth. While residential fires and other building fires have gone down drastically according to a residential fire report from the US Fire Administration, burn injuries can still be sustained anywhere and anytime. If you or a loved one have received burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence then you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of personal injury attorneys are ready to take on your case and fight for your rights. With over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys specialize in personal injury law and have handled a variety of burn injury cases from the moderate to the severe. As a result of their experience and dedication, they are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation to our clients and we will continue to do our duty and give them the proper legal representation they deserve. As filing a personal injury lawsuit on your own can be a frustrating experience for those who are unfamiliar with the legal system, our 24/7 legal team will be there every step of the way to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

Degrees of Burn Injuries

If you are filing a claim for a severe burn injury, the strength and overall value of your claim will be dependent on the severity of the burn and its placement. As there are four different degrees for burn injuries, each degree of burn gets significantly worse should it continue to wreak havoc on a person’s skin. Whether you have sustained first degree, second degree, third degree, or a fourth degree, it is vital to understand the differences between them to serve as a point of reference when you file a claim with a personal injury lawyer.

First Degree Burns

First degree burns are a superficial burn that only affects the outer layer of the skin and causes mild pain, redness, and swelling. They are often considered to be the least serious injury compared to the other burn degrees. Due to the nature of first degree burns, they can be generally treated at home and can take several days to a week to recover.

Second Degree Burns

A second degree burn is a more serious degree of burn that affects the outer layer of the skin. They are considered to be partial burns that can cause mild discomfort, pain, and irritation. While it is possible for victims to sue for second degree burns, it is only applicable under certain conditions and acts of negligence/recklessness. This is due to the fact that second degree burns can still be treated at home and doesn’t require any serious medical treatment and care when compared to a third or fourth degree burn.

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are a serious degree of burn that damages all of the layers of skin, and even the underlying tissue, fat, muscles and in some cases even bone. Due to the burn’s depth, it damages the nerve endings in the skin which results in a lack of immediate pain, and as a result it can cause more harm than what the burn victim realizes. It is considered to be one of the more severe burns that requires immediate medical attention and care and should a victim not receive the proper care, they may potentially face long-term health complications or even death.

Fourth Degree Burns

A fourth degree burn is the most severe type of burn that can yield catastrophic results due the scale and depth of the damage it does to a person’s body. Fourth degree burns can damage internal organs and cause irreparable damage to the body and depending on the nature and placement of the burn, it can be fatal. Should a victim survive this type of burn, they would require extensive surgery and medical treatment in order to make a partial recovery.

Types of Burn Injuries

Due to the nature of burn injuries, there are many different sources where a person can sustain a burn injury, but from what is typically seen in Woodland Hills and Los Angeles county, fire, chemical, and electrical burns are the most common. While each type of burn is dependent on the severity, degree, and location of the burn, if it is not treated correctly then you risk infection and possibly experience life changing injuries. So it is important to understand some of the differences between them when you are filing a burn accident claim.

Fire

Fire/thermal burns are one of the most common types of burns found in an accident because they are caused by an exposure to a heat source such as a fire, hot liquid, steam, and hot surfaces. Depending on the duration of contact, it can result in any of the degrees of burns and they can come from a variety of sources from your kitchen to your workplace. As such, any personal injury cases that involve thermal burns will be dependent on the nature of the accident, the degree of the burn, and the scale of the damage.

Chemical

A chemical burn is when a person’s skin comes into contact with corrosive substances and the acidic properties in the chemical causes tissue damage. While these types of burns are more common in chemical manufacturing plants, they can also be found in common household cleaning supplies, paint, and industrial adhesives. As such, chemical burns can not only cause external damage, but it can cause internal damage due to the possible fumes they might emit during exposure.

Electrical

Electrical burns are a type of burn caused by coming into direct contact with an electrical current. This current would not only cause damage to the skin, the deeper parts of the tissue, and the nerves within. As a result, the depth of an electrical burn will be entirely dependent on the voltage, source, and duration. In some severe cases, a high-voltage burn can potentially disrupt organ function so it is important to seek medical attention to prevent any further health complications.

What Damages Can You Recover In A Burn Injury Claim?

Burn injury victims can potentially recover a variety of economic and non-economic damages for their claim, but the amount of recoverable damages will be dependent on the severity and scale of their burn as well as the nature of the accident. For instance, economic damages are calculable damages designed to compensate an injured victim for any unexpected costs that arise in an accident. Damages such as medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and reconstructive surgery such as skin grafting are all unexpected costs that arise in an accident.

On the other hand, non-economic damages are incalculable losses that are designed to compensate victims for any subjective pain they may have experienced as a result of the accident. For example, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all things that will vary from person to person. As such, depending on the nature of your case and your attorney, you may be able to recover one category of damages or a mixture of both.

What To Do After Suffering A Serious Burn Injury

If you have suffered a serious burn injury due to an accident, it is vital that you stay calm, cool down the burn with water, and assess the severity of the burn. Should the burn require further medical care and treatment, it is important to seek out immediate medical assistance to prevent it from worsening.

Whether you have sustained a severe or moderate burn, if you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties, it is important to document it as much as possible so you would have evidence to support your claims. Once your wound is treated and you have gathered enough evidence and details, you can consult with a personal injury attorney and make a claim. Should they believe it is enough to start a claim then they will get started on the legal process.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries due to another person’s negligence or ill intent, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. As severe burns tend to be life changing injuries, it alters your ability to live your daily life and can potentially make it more difficult and inconvenient. Which is why it is imperative that you hire a skilled personal injury lawyer who will watch out for your best interests.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of burn injury attorneys are ready to represent you and fight for your rights. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our personal injury lawyers handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. As a result of our dedication to help clients get what they deserve, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty and give them the legal representation they need. Whether you have suffered superficial burns or fourth degree burns, filing for burn injuries requires extensive paperwork and a working knowledge of our legal system and our compassionate legal team understands this and is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation today, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or by completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries in Woodland Hills

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Charge?

Generally, most personal injury attorneys operate under a contingency-fee system, which means clients won’t have to pay them for their services unless they either win or receive a settlement offer. Should their attorney achieve either scenario then they will charge their clients a flat-fee that can range anywhere between 25%-40%, however, most tend to charge a competitive rate of 33%.

What Is The Average Payout for Burns?

The average payout for burn injuries can range anywhere within the five to six figure range, however the specific total will be dependent on the severity of the burn injury. For instance, any 4th degree burns will cause significant damage to the skin, nerves, and organs, as such, there needs to be more comprehensive medical attention and care. In cases such as these, the associated medical bills will be costly and extremely high, and a high payout would be meant to compensate the victim for their pain and suffering and the constant medical treatment and surgery that they require.

How Can a Burn Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A burn injury lawyer can help you with all of your legal needs should you choose to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. They can file and process the necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf, give you legal guidance in tough situations, and represent you in court should it come to it. While hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, it is recommended to ensure your odds of recovering compensations for your injuries and your damages.