We Can Help You Get Compensation for Your Burn Injury

If you have suffered a burn injury because of someone’s carelessness, you owe it to yourself to speak with a personal injury lawyer right after getting medical attention. The Minnesota burn injury lawyers at 612-INJURED will take the time to understand your situation and clarify your legal options. We will prepare a plan for you to recover as much compensation and justice as possible. To learn more about your rights and legal options and about how 612-INJURED will fight for you, call (612) 465-8733.

What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can occur in a number of places. They may happen as a part of your work, or they might occur because of a defective product you have used on a project. Our attorneys have seen burn injuries from all sorts of different occurrences, and we have listed the most common below.

Workplace Accidents

Many jobs may have dangerous or hazardous chemicals or work environments. In some industries, the chemicals used during the manufacturing process may be easily combustible or just cause burns themselves when not handled properly. Employers who do not maintain a safe worksite or manufacturers of defective machinery may be held liable for any injuries sustained.

In addition to chemicals or machinery, there is also the chance of a workplace fire. Depending on the cause of the fire, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim as well as a claim against the manufacturer of the product that may have malfunctioned, causing the fire.

Defective Products

Defective products have the potential to cause burn injuries outside of the workplace as well. If a product is not manufactured or designed correctly, it may pose a fire risk to its users. In these cases, the designer, manufacturer, or retailer of the product may be liable.

Examples of defective products that may cause burn injuries include:

• Flammable Clothing: Depending on the type of fabric clothing is made from, it may catch fire easily and cause deep and severe burns. Common flammable materials include lightweight textiles, cotton, acrylic, linen, and loose-fitting clothes.
• Home Appliances: Appliances that are used every day in homes, including, but not limited to, large appliances like washers and dryers and smaller appliances like coffee makers and space heaters. These appliances contribute to countless residential fires each year.
• Beauty Products: Specific chemicals and compounds used in beauty products such as makeup or hairspray may cause chemical burns which damage the hair, skin, or nails. Specific skincare products which contain salicylic acid and potassium hydroxide can cause severe burns and even nerve damage.
• Heating Pads: Designed to release heat, these products can be very dangerous when plugged in for a long time. The risk of fire increases if the heating pad is damaged or manufactured improperly. Some heating devices may fail to have an auto-turnoff or have poorly written instructions or warnings.
• Furniture and Mattresses: Certain materials in furniture and mattresses can spread fires more readily, which in turn can burn victims quicker as well.
• Auto Parts: Defective parts in an automobile may increase the likelihood of fires if manufactured or installed incorrectly. Parts specifically prone to causing fires include brakes, airbags, fuel systems, tires, and accelerators.

Vehicle Fires

Another common cause of burn injuries is vehicle fires. Vehicles can easily catch fire after an accident or during a collision. Cars and trucks may also catch fire due to mechanical failures. Due to the nature of vehicles, a fire may entrap an occupant and cause them to suffer burns.

Home & Apartment Fires

Countless residential fires occur each year. Common causes of residential fires include defective products, as discussed above, faulty wiring, broken smoke detectors, and other electrical or gas problems throughout the residence. In these cases, the landlord or electrician who knew about the problem or failed to fix the problem properly could be liable for the injuries you sustained as a result of the fire.

If the fire is a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover your damages from them.

Types Of Burn Injuries

The medical community classifies burn injuries into four categories based on the severity of the burns and the damage caused. The treatment for each type of burn also varies.

First-Degree Burn Injuries

First-degree burns are the most common type of burn injury. These occur quite frequently and typically do not require the injured individual to seek medical treatment. Examples of first-degree burns include sunburns or coming into contact with a hot dish in the kitchen. Typically first-degree burns cause the victim inflammation, blisters, discomfort, and pain.

Second-Degree Burn Injuries

Second-degree burns do more damage than first-degree burns. A second-degree burn damages both the outer layer and the inner layer of the skin. This damage causes greater damage and pain to the victim. You could experience a second-degree burn by coming into contact with extremely hot water or direct contact with an oven or stove. The skin around the affected area will likely turn red, become shiny and blister after the burn. The pain level associated with second-degree burns may require medical attention.

Third-Degree Burn Injuries

Third-degree burns are much more serious and will require prompt medical treatment. These burns can cause permanent damage because they destroy the outer and inner layers of the skin, as well as commonly damage tendons, muscles, nerve endings, and even bone. After a third-degree burn, your skin will likely look yellow or white, scar, and become infected. If you suspect you have a third-degree burn, you should seek medical attention.

Fourth-Degree Burn Injuries

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and require immediate, intense medical attention. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the burns, you may even lose consciousness due to the amount of pain your body is experiencing. Fourth-degree burns can be life-threatening.

Once you seek medical attention for you or a loved one, contact an experienced burn injury attorney so we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What Should I Do Immediately after I Have Been Injured?

If you have suffered a burn injury, it is important that the first thing you do is seek medical attention. Not only is this extremely important for your well-being, but it may also be helpful later in your case as well. When a doctor is able to evaluate your injuries immediately, they can create a report about the suspected cause of the injury without being biased in any direction.

A medical professional will be able to determine the amount of care you need as well as predict any other issues that may arise as a result of your injury. Even though you think you are fine, seeking medical attention will help to ensure there are no other damages of which you are unaware. Finding and treating all of the injuries up-front will allow not only you to get better and recover faster, but it will also help provide an accurate representation of the damage you have suffered as a result of the accident.

After seeking medical attention and before agreeing to talk to whoever caused your accident, it is important to hire an attorney to represent you. In many cases, employers or insurance companies will want you to sign things right away that may not be in your best interests. These documents may limit your ability to sue and recover the fullest extent of your injuries. When you have an attorney on your side initially, we can advocate for you.

How Much Might I Be Able to Recover?

If you were injured at work or by the fault of another, you might be able to recover monetary damages from the responsible party to pay for your care and your injuries. Throughout the legal process, it is important to understand what you could gain by going through with a lawsuit. Many times a lawsuit may last for many years, and you will still have to live and pay bills while the lawsuit is ongoing. Although if we can prove your injury was caused by the negligence of another, it may seem like a cut-and-dry case, it is still important to consider what may happen if you do not win your case. One way to do that is to look at what you may recover if you win.

The value of a case depends on numerous factors. A skilled attorney can help you evaluate a potential burn injury lawsuit. They will review each factor and give you an estimate of how much your case might be worth based on the situation you are in right now. Some of the factors considered are:

• The amount of damages you have suffered
• The strength of your evidence and the case in general
• How much your employer may be able to pay
• Your willingness to wait it out.

There is no way of really knowing how much you may recover before an attorney digs in and analyzes your injuries.

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury—such as where you were injured, the location of the injury, the severity of the injury, and the cause of the fire—you may be able to seek compensation from either an insurance company or the responsible party. Based on the severity of your burns, this compensation will be vital in paying for your current and future medical bills. Some of the types of compensation we will try to recover include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earning capacity

Typically, an attorney will analyze your case and request a combination of each type of damages to make sure you receive the most compensation available for your injuries. If you have been seriously injured, or if a loved one has even been killed as a result of a burn injury, our attorneys will ensure you and your family get the support you deserve through this difficult time.

Who May Be Responsible for My Injuries?

The person or company who is responsible for your injuries is also known as the party that is liable. This means that they may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. After an injury, it is one of the first things your attorney will do. We will try to figure out who is responsible and liable for your injuries.

Once we know and can prove who is liable for your injuries, we can pursue legal action and seek justice and compensation on your behalf from the party who caused your injuries.

Types Of Long-Term Effects

Victims of serious burns suffer extremely painful symptoms. Many victims will have to deal with the injuries throughout the rest of their lives. Whether it is medical treatments, surgeries, or special clothing and garments, it becomes a full-time job to deal with the aftermath of a burn injury. Do not forget about the emotional and psychological traumas that will also affect the day-to-day activities of the victim.

Depending on the severity of the burn and the location, it is not uncommon for victims to suffer from lung damage, brain damage, muscle damage, infections, scars and disfigurement, skin grafting, and loss of mobility or a limb. These long-term effects can translate into the inability to hold a job, have a family, or do everyday things. Without the proper medical treatment and an attorney fighting for you on your side, your experience will likely be overwhelming.

Minnesota Burn Injury Lawyers

Suffering a severe burn injury can be life-changing for both the victim and their family members. From the short-term treatment to the long-term effects, it can overwhelm many people. Make sure you or your loved one is being represented by an experienced burn injury lawyer when they communicate with the person or company that is liable for their injuries. Hiring an experienced burn injury attorney to protect your rights.

If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury accident in Minnesota, the personal injury attorneys at 612-INJURED can help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you recover. Schedule an appointment with our personal injury lawyers today by calling (612) 465-8733.

Burn Injury Attorney in Minnesota

If you have acquired a burn injury in Minnesota through no fault of your own or a loved one has been burned and killed, you may have a case. Call us or fill out the form on this website for your free no-obligation consultation. Burn injuries are permanent, but you have to recover despite the fact your life will never be the same. You shouldn’t have to worry about the financial consequences of your accident, which is where we can help.