Can you sue someone for burn injuries?
Burns can result in severe injuries that could lead to permanent disabilities and affect your future income and wages. If you or a loved one have suffered burn injuries, whether it was at home, at work, or while at a business, contact our Law firm for a free no risk consultation.
One of the most common questions our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles receive is whether you could sue for burn injuries. This depends on the circumstances of the accident. This blog below discusses the different ways you could sue the at-fault party for your burn injuries suffered.
How Do Burn Injuries Occur?
- Chemical burns
- Gas explosions
- Radiation Burns
- Electrical Burns
- Fire Burns (in restaurants, hotels)
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are categorized into various different types. Usually, medical providers will categorize burn injuries into one of three categories. These different categories are:
- First-degree burns: these are burns that are very minimal compared to the other categories of burns. This degree of burn refers to the outer layer of the skin and would cause some level of discomfort. Usually, over-the-counter medication and treatments could usually treat first-degree burn injuries. First degree burn injuries could result in temporary disability; however, the patient will be able to return back to normal life.
- Second-degree burns: this level of degree burns causes blisters and several days, even weeks of pain. Second-degree burns are burns that go under the first layer of the skin and could cause swelling and fluid buildup. Second-degree burns need urgent medical treatment, and oftentimes extensive medical treatment could restore the patient back to their normal life. However, second-degree burns may cause some scarring.
- Third-degree burns: third-degree burns are the most severe kind of burn injuries. This occurs when there is a burn on the tissue of the skin, and causes dryness and severe scarring. This requires urgent medical attention, and could potentially cause permanent disability. Constant medical attention may be needed.
Can You Sue If You Are Burned at Work?
If you are burned at work, you could sue your employer for the injuries sustained. This requires you to file a negligence claim against your employee for failing to maintain a safe work environment. The plaintiff, which is the burn injury victim, will have to prove:
- The employer has a duty of care to their employees who are working within their office
- The employer failed to exercise their duty of care when they failed to act in a reasonably safe manner
- The employer’s failure to keep the premises safe caused the burn injury victim to sustain injuries
- The burn injury victim now has been damaged as a result of their injuries. Examples of damages include lost wages and hospital bills.
Can You Sue Someone for Burning You?
Depending on the party who caused the burn injuries, you will be able to sue the negligent at-fault party for any burn injuries suffered. You will have to file a claim of negligence against at-fault party. This depends on what the party’s relationship is with you.
What Should I Do After My Burn Injuries?
If you have experienced any type of burn injuries from accidents caused by another party, there are necessary steps you may have to take after sustaining a first-, second-, or third-degree burn. The different steps include:
- Seek medical attention immediately: burn injuries require immediate assistance, and should be evaluated by a medical provider immediately. If you fail to go to seek medical assistance, the at fault party may blame you for contributing to and aggravating your own injuries.
- Document the circumstances of the accident: this includes getting the information of any witnesses, and at-fault parties, taking photos of the accident scene, and taking photos of your injuries suffered. It is very important to gather as much evidence as possible regarding the injuries suffered from the accident.
- Contact our law firm for a free no risk consultation. We will look into your claim and investigate how the at-fault party caused your injuries. Along with asserting legal claims, our attorneys will also make sure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries suffered.
