Large Compensation for Burn Injuries

Burn Injury Attorney in Los Angeles: Large Compensation for Burn Injuries

In the United States, over 1 million burn injuries require medical attention annually. Since the American Burn Association reported these alarming statistics in 2002, the risks and dangers have been consistent and prevalent. Most victims have been so severely burned that it caused death.

Fires that end in burn injuries are among the most emotionally traumatic that any person can endure. The physical and financial implications to follow can be overwhelming for the burn victim or surviving family members. At The Law Offices of Oscar H. Gutierrez, APC, we've fought aggressively for clients while they were on the mend. It might not seem so at first, but compensation matters when your condition is due to someone else's carelessness.

What Kind of Lawyer Should Your Hire for Your Burn Injury Claims?

If you have suffered from a burn injury you will need a lawyer who understands the nature of thermal heat, chemical, radiation, and electric burns to build a strong and convincing claim or lawsuit. At Gutierrez Law, we are conversant with all aspects of burn cases. Claims typically involve complex legal issues, including:

  • Defective smoke detectors
  • Smoking accidents
  • Portable heaters
  • Domestic and industrial gas explosions
  • Hospital fires
  • Scalding from a laboratory or chemical plant

Unfortunately, in California not every victim can recover damages. State laws require plaintiffs to have substantial proof before settling with the defendant. You're likely to get compensated if this was primarily a circumstance of negligence.

When our attorneys accept your case, we will sign a contingency fee arrangement with you. That means we will not get paid until we recover monetary compensation on your behalf. We strongly believe in every case that our lawyers for traumatic burn injuries accept and are ready to put in everything we have towards vigorously fighting for you.

Types of Burn Injuries 

Regardless of where you were burned, you should dial 911 to seek medical attention immediately. It can be caused by anything, ranging from chemical spills on a construction site to gas explosions and electrical burns. Knowing the type of wound you've sustained, including its severity and symptoms, will help us establish the foundation of your lawsuit.

1st-Degree Burn: This type of burn only affects the outer layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. Although minor, these types of burns may cause redness and pain.

2nd-Degree Burn: Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the second layer of skin (dermis). These types of burns often result in swelling and have a red and white blotchy appearance. These types of burns can be excruciating, with blisters and scarring to follow.

3rd-Degree Burn: The last type of burn is so severe that it reaches the fat layer beneath the skin in addition to epidermis and dermis. The appearance may be black, brown, or white, and the skin can appear leathery. These burns can destroy nerves, which may result in long-term numbness and tingling.

Damages Recoverable from an Accident

The first few moments after an accident matter. Burn injuries are damaging and painful – take time to seek emergency treatment. Due to the urgency, doctors will take detailed notes and photographic evidence of the injuries you sustained. At your earliest convenience, reach out to an attorney who has a history of winning burn accident cases.

By filing a lawsuit, you are requesting for the defendant to pay you damages. Damages are awarded compensation to provide coverage for your:

  • Injuries
  • Loss of income
  • Future earnings
  • Emotional traumas
  • Long-term medical/rehabilitative care

For maximum compensation, you must discuss all aspects of the accident, including damages, so legal professionals can assess how much your case is worth. Further investigations may be conducted through the firm.

Related Articles About Burn Injuries

A Guide to Burn Injury Settlements
Settlements reached for a burn injury lawsuit depend on the number of damages you and your attorney claim. Burns can have severe and long-lasting effects on the skin and body, as well as psychologically. Most victims have negotiated and reached amounts ranging from thousands to millions of dollars. A legal professional will work with you while you heal to prove the pain and suffering was due to the negligence of another. For more insight into reaching a proper settlement, refer to this article.

Electrocution and Electrical Burns
Electrical burns essentially occur when the skin comes into contact with any form of electricity. Depending on the level of exposure to poorly maintained equipment or wires, currents can pierce through your body and damage internal organs. It can range from mild to severe and deadly. The kinds of electric shock injuries that can support a lawsuit include:

  • Unsafe electrical lines
  • Defective household appliances
  • Defective power tools
  • Failure to properly ground electric power
  • Negligence in maintaining electrical equipment
  • Failure to warn users about the proper use of electrical equipment
  • Failure to secure downed power lines
  • Electric power accidents
  • Defective light fixtures or lamps
  • Defective wiring

Suing The Government for Burn Injuries
Depending on how your accident occurred, there might be a time where you'll need to file a claim against a government entity or employee. Unlike other personal injury cases, it will not be easy to do. The federal government is protected by sovereign immunity. When you consult with our firm and we establish you have a successful case, we would refer to the Federal Torts Claim Act (FTCA) to ensure your voice is heard.

How Burn Injuries Can Result from A Car Accident
In the event of a severe car accident, sometimes it can result in a sudden fire. Most people do not consider vehicle fires as a possibility when they think of a fender bender. However, fires kill over 300 people and injure 1,250 more a year, according to The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When a flammable item or substance, like gas, is ignited it can cause an explosion that distances nearly 10 feet from the vehicle. Burn injuries can lead to severe and permanent changes. Complications include:

  • Infections: Your skin is the major layer of protection against infection. When you undergo a burn injury, that first layer of skin can be destroyed and leave your body more susceptible to further damage.
  • Septic Shock: If you do develop an infection, this can lead to septic shock. This is a condition in which the infection spreads into your bloodstream.
  • Other: Common complications include fluid loss, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and lung damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Accidents and Injuries 

  1. How do I treat a burn injury?
    Minor to severe burn injuries should always be assessed by a doctor or medical professional to determine the severity of the injury.If the burn injury is manageable to treat at home, Healthline suggests:

    • Wash the wound in cool water over the burn area for 20 minutes
    • Place a cool compress over the burn area to reduce swelling every 5 to 15 minutes
    • Place an antibiotic cream on the burn before dressing the wound
    • Take a pain reliever to cut down on discomfort and symptoms
    • Go to the doctor even if you've treated your injury at home, should you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
  2. How much can victims recover from a burn injury lawsuit?
    That depends on the nature of the accident and the extent of your injuries. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can assess case value and ascertain if it's worth going to court. The average settlement for burn injury victims can be as low as $10,000 or as high as a million dollars (for near-fatal burns).
  3. What percentage of burn victims die from inhalation injury?
    According to the American Burn Association, 2,700 people die annually from accidental fires (80% from smoke inhalation).That's why property owners are strictly liable for maintaining their property. Faulty wiring, defective products, and nonfunctional smoke alarms are three leading causes of residential fires. You deserve to hold them accountable for failure to maintain the property and putting other tenants' lives at risk.
  4. How can an attorney prove negligence to resolve the burn injury dispute?
    By establishing a "burden of proof!" A burden of proof is the legal term that describes a standard or duty of care the defendant should have provided to ensure the plaintiff's safety. For instance, we would follow this method in court:

    • The defendant was responsible for ensuring your safety at work, on the road, or premises.
    • The defendant breached their obligation. Because of their failure, you sustained a burn injury.
    • The burn victim or surviving family members were harmed financially and emotionally due to the defendant's negligence.

    If we prove your case, the state mandates the defendant is responsible for compensating you for the harm they've caused.

Have You Been Injured In A Fire? 

From our years of providing strong legal representation for burn accident victims across the state of California, we know what lawyers must prove to secure monetary compensation for the victim(s). Our experienced legal team will provide you with the legal counsel and support you're looking for. If you have any inquiries about a burn injury, feel free to contact us for help at (323) 999 – 3500.