The amount of compensation victims can receive for a burned injury depends on many factors. These factors include the severity of the injury and if the victim was partially responsible. However, most burn injury lawsuits recover between several thousand and several million dollars.

If you are the victim of a burn injury, contact an experienced Tacoma Burn Injury Attorney for representation. Treatment and recovery for severe burn injuries can be a long process, so let a trained burn attorney accomplish what you cannot.

Common Accidents that Lead to Burn Injury Settlements

The likelihood of a settlement for a burn injury is higher if the burn severity is high.

First-degree burns, for example, are mild burns that can usually be treated with over-the-counter products. They heal in a matter of days. These burns are usually not treatable as they aren’t severe enough.

Second- and third-degree burns can be treated. Both require immediate medical attention. They can cause severe pain, blistering, and skin damage, as well as disfigurement. Contact a personal injury attorney if you think you have suffered second- or third-degree injuries.

Burn Injuries that Most Often Result in a Settlement

Products

Customers should not think about the possibility that a product could cause injury or death when they purchase a product. Consumers can hold companies accountable for defective or dangerous products that cause injury or death.

Sometimes, a product failure or a poorly designed product can lead to severe burns when used. These include:

  • Appliances
  • Auto defects
  • Construction equipment
  • Electronic devices
  • Chemicals for the home
  • Medical devices

SMOKE INHALATION

Too much carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gases can cause respiratory problems. Even if you’re not directly exposed to any burns, heavy smoke inhalation can cause blockage of your airways. Each year, many people die from asphyxiation caused by house fires.

THERMAL BURNS

The most common type is thermal burns. These burns are caused by direct heat contact, such as steam, fire, or boiling liquid. Sunburns can also be referred to as thermal burns.

ELECTRICAL BURNS

If a victim cannot control an electric current, such as by grasping an exposed wire or swimming in electrified waters, or mishandling machinery, electrical burns may occur. Subcutaneous tissue damage can result from electrical burns.

CHEMICAL BURNS

There are some jobs and industries that may require you to be around hazardous chemicals. Chemical burns can occur when a synthetic, corrosive material comes in contact with soft tissue, such as skin, eyes, or internal organs. The human body can be affected by certain acids, bases, and alkylating agents.

Types of Burns Most Likely to Warrant a Settlement

SECOND-DEGREE BURNS

Second-degree burns can be more severe. These can penetrate the skin’s underlying layer and cause severe discomfort, blisters, stiffening, hardening, or thickening of tendons, muscles, or other tissue. It can take up to eight weeks for second-degree burn injuries to heal.

THIRD-DEGREE BURNS

Third-degree burns can penetrate the entire dermis, which is the skin’s outer layers, and into the fat layer beneath, potentially damaging nerves and leaving scarring. These burns can cause waxy, white, and leathery skin. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention.

Because of the severity of the injury and the required treatment, an accident that results in more than a 2nd-degree burn will probably result in a settlement or trial. The following are some options for treating third-degree burns:

  • Cleaning and debriding the burnt area early (removing any skin or tissue that is not needed). This can be done in a hospital tub or as surgery.
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids containing electrolytes
  • Intravenous (IV) and or oral antibiotics
  • Tetanus shot
  • Antibiotic creams and ointments
  • Supplements and a high-protein diet

For severe burn injuries, pain medications may also require pain management and psychological counseling is given to prevent dependence.

Skin grafting may be necessary to close the wound. A skin graft is an unburned piece of skin that is removed from a patient to cover the burned area. Skin grafts may be thick or thin. The operating room is where skin grafts take place. A graft site is a place where a skin transplant is applied to a burn.

Severe burns often require follow-up reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.

Conclusion

Burn injuries may be caused by defective products, workplace injury, or negligence. The victim is responsible for any damages caused by the person or company that caused the burn injury. Even if the victim of an accident was partially responsible, damages could still be awarded based upon the level of fault.

Compensation for a Burn Injury may include damages for lost wages, medical bills, and ongoing medical care. Personal injury lawsuits can help victims and their families get compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss in income
  • Loss in earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering.

Your settlement amount will increase if you have severe pain, permanent scarring, or disfigurement. It is also important to realize that you will likely need to prove negligence in order to win a claim.

You should immediately contact a burn injury attorney if you’ve suffered severe burn injuries. An attorney who specializes in personal injury will help you determine if you have a case. A lawyer can help prove your claim and get the compensation you are entitled to.