Review Your Case with A Burn Injury Attorney in LA
Burn injuries are devastating and can cause mental anguish and long-term pain. In 2018, the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) stated the national averages per 1,000 fires resulted in 2.5 deaths and 9.8 injuries. However, the statement only accounts for documented accidents. Many cases go unreported or get declined when victims are up against the government without legal help. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a fire, exposed to dangerous radiation, shock, or chemicals, you have legal options. Our team operates with the utmost professionalism. When you work with us at Gutierrez Law, we will support you, advise you, and get you through such traumatic burn injuries.
Hold The Government Accountable
There are several ways that a government entity or employee can be held accountable for injury and property damage. For instance:
- A city bus may have rear-ended your car, and a fire broke out.
- Fires set by federal park rangers can burn out of control and damage your home.
- Chemicals contaminate the air due to negligence on a nearby construction site.
- Dangerous conditions at a city park endangered your child and caused severe injury.
Many people are discouraged from filing a claim without a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles because it can be complex. The government is known as a pillar of assistance and help. So it may feel a bit out of place when you get hurt and need to act against them. Suing the government for personal injury is the only chance you have for getting compensated for medical expenses and damages. Unlike regular claims, burn injury victims must report the incident immediately. It entails a different legal process.
File A Claim on Time
Tending to your burn injuries is a priority and the first step to recovery. Although, you must file a notice of claim before you get the chance to take it to court. As a LA burn injury lawyer reviews your case, they can also help you submit the required form at a moment’s notice.
It should include details about the accident and additional facts surrounding your claim. It is not uncommon if you spot a question requesting an estimated monetary amount for damages. Although it can help speed the process along as delayed injuries may pose a challenge down the road. Its purpose is to give the government ample time to investigate what occurred. If the case is straightforward, they may settle outside of court. But, in most cases, they deny victims claims or allow them to expire if they do not get submitted within a certain period. Any dismissed case should get challenged, especially when it gets overturned for unjustified reasons.
The statute of limitations also applies to cases against government agencies. Unfortunately, the time limit is shorter when suing private individuals, corporations, and institutions. Not abiding by them can narrow your chances of settling against the negligent party.
- Punitive Damages
If a government employee acts intentionally or negligently, you can receive punitive damages for your burn injury. Punitive damages intend to hold the defendant accountable and gives you and your burn accident lawyer in LA the ability to request more money. The only time it would be harder to predict gross negligence is with cases like product liability. For instance, you would have to prove that the plaintiff failed to test the defective product before getting it manufactured, resulting in your burn. - Pain & Suffering
Compensation for burn injuries in personal injury cases can take an emotional and physical toll on victims. The wounds caused by fire, electrical, or chemical accidents can be excruciatingly painful and can lead to permanent long-term damage. Experienced legal counsel will make sure that the defendant compensates the plaintiff for the physical pain. They will also factor in the emotional toll it took on the plaintiff, but it depends on the nature of the burn or disfigurement.
Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
Just because you have a strong foundation for your case does not mean it will be easy to file a lawsuit against the federal government. Why? Sovereign immunity protects government entities and persons against getting sued.
Under the law, citizens cannot sue unless the government allows for it to happen. Fortunately, a Los Angeles burn injury lawyer can refer to the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA), which grants certain lawsuits to surpass the strict rule without permission, so suing is possible.
Consulting About Your Case and Discussing FTCA
Any time you need to act against the state, local or federal government, you must remember that each has its laws that permit victims to sue for damages caused by a “protected” individual or because of wrongful acts from agencies and employees. When you meet with attorneys for burn injuries in LA, they will confirm whether you have a strong claim and discuss if the FTCA is applicable.
If we successfully bring your case to court, the government will have a team of lawyers in place to negate each claim. Do not delay and avoid acting alone. We want the best for you, your family, and your livelihood.
About the Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez
Our law firm specializes in helping those injured due to an accident or someone else’s negligence. Navigating the insurance agencies and legal framework for compensation can be difficult, especially if English is not your first language. That is why you should call the bilingual lawyers of The Law Offices of Oscar H Gutierrez is here to make sure you get compensated for your pain and suffering.
When you meet with one of our English-speaking and Spanish-speaking personal injury attorneys, you can tell them how your accident occurred and who might be responsible. Your attorneys will then launch an investigation into your accident and the events surrounding it to find who is responsible. If someone was negligent and their lack of care led to your injury, attorneys will build a case to make sure they pay your medical bills. You should contact our law firm if you got injured in a:
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- Car accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bike accident
- Rideshare accident
- Pool accident
- Dog attack
- Workplace accident
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We can also help you with product liability and premises liability suits. Don’t leave your medical bills and property damage to chance; instead, hire a law firm that can win you the maximum settlement. Contact our office for a free consultation at 323-999-3500 or email us at contact@gutierrez.legal.