Burn injuries can cause significant pain and physical and emotional damage that could last for the rest of your life. Following a burn injury of any kind, it is critical for you to seek medical care, so your condition does not worsen. If your burn injury results from another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a claim for the damages you sustained.
State law allows you to seek justice against the at-fault parties in the form of compensation and holding them liable for their actions. A Stockton burn injury lawyer could fight by your side to achieve a favorable outcome. Speak with a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney today about your case.
Burn Injury Claims in Stockton
A burn injury claim typically requires two factors to be successful. You must show that you sustained an injury from a burn, and that the injury resulted from the negligence of another person. Burn injuries can vary greatly in nature and may arise from a number of different circumstances.
The Severity of a Burn Injury
Burn wounds can vary significantly in terms of seriousness. The compensation available to an injured individual typically corresponds with the severity of the injury. The seriousness of a burn is determined by the degree to which the burn penetrates the surface of the skin, as follows:
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin and are the least severe type of burn injury
- Second-degree burns affect part of the lower layer of the skin in addition to the outer layer
- Third-degree burns destroy the outer layer and lower layer of the skin and affect part of the innermost layer of the skin
- Fourth-degree burns can go through to the deepest part of the skin, even affecting muscle and bone, and are the most severe type of burn injury
Causes of Burn Injuries
In addition to building fires, there are several other potential causes of burn injuries. Some of the common causes include:
- Exposure to scalding liquids
- Chemical exposure
- Radiation exposure
- Explosive vehicle collisions
- Defective vehicle or product explosions
- Faulty electrical wiring in homes or other structures
- Inadequate safety protocols in the workplace
It may not always be obvious who is responsible for causing your injury. For that reason, extensive investigations may be required to present a claim for damages. A seasoned attorney understands how to conduct effective investigations in burn injury cases and could help you seek compensation from the at-fault parties.
Seeking Compensation for Damages
Burn wounds can result in several types of damages that may be compensable under a personal injury claim. These are typically broken down into two types: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the monetary losses from a burn injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. Non-economic damages represent emotional damages such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party acts in an extremely reckless manner, you may be able to receive punitive damages. These are intended to punish the negligent party and discourage them from acting similarly in the future. A knowledgeable Stockton attorney could evaluate your burn injury case and provide a detailed analysis of the potential recovery.
Contact a Stockton Burn Injury Attorney
Recovering compensation from the parties responsible for your or a loved one’s burn injuries requires establishing the at-fault parties’ negligence through several factors. If you suffered severe burns, you should be focused on healing, not a legal battle. A Stockton burn injury lawyer could act as your advocate, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call today to set up a free consultation with a member of our compassionate legal team.