Have you been burned due to the negligent actions of another person? If so, you may have a viable claim for the damages you have suffered that a Beaufort catastrophic injury attorney could help you pursue.
Depending on the circumstances, these damages could include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may benefit from discussing the aspects of your particular case with a Beaufort personal injury lawyer from Schiller & Hamilton.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can have life-long effects in some situations. While not every burn results in long-term damage, the results of some such injuries can be catastrophic.
Injuries resulting from severe burns fall into one of four different degrees depending on their severity and consequences. A Beaufort attorney who focuses on burn accidents could help clarify how a burn’s classification might impact what damages a victim should seek in response.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe type of burn injuries, typically affecting only the outermost layers of skin. They result in redness and minor irritation, and the symptoms generally disappear within a few days.
Second-Degree Burns
A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn, as it involves damage to both the first and second layer of skin. A second-degree burn may result in redness, blistered skin, and fluid buildup.
Third-Degree Burns
A third-degree burn affects multiple layers of skin and can effectively char the outermost layer. These burns are severe, but they often are not immediately painful—unfortunately because the damage is so severe that the nerve endings are gone. A third-degree burn can cause the skin to turn black, hard, or rubbery.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. These burns can char the skin and even burn through the skin to the muscle below. In the worst scenarios, a fourth-degree burn can have life-altering consequences and could potentially be fatal.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
A better understanding of the causes of burn injuries can be useful for anyone pursuing a burn injury lawsuit. The cause of a burn injury can have a direct impact on the likelihood of an injury lawsuit’s success or failure.
A burn injury lawyer in Beaufort may be able to provide guidance on the odds for recovering through a particular variety of burn injury claim. Generally speaking, there are three types of burn injuries.
Scalding Burns
A scalding burn is one that is caused by an extremely hot liquid—which could be anything from boiling water to cooking oil—making contact with the skin. If the liquid makes contact with the skin of the plaintiff due to the negligence of another person, the plaintiff may have a claim for damages.
Thermal Burns
A thermal burn is any burn caused by direct contact with flames. This can include burns from a bonfire or a cigarette butt. These burns are caused by direct heat from the source, unlike scalding burns.
Chemical Burns
Finally, there are also chemical burns to consider. Unlike scalding or thermal burns, a chemical burn does not involve a high temperature. Common in workplace injuries, chemical burns involve caustic chemicals coming into contact with exposed skin.
Seek Professional Assistance from an Experienced Beaufort Burn Injury Attorney
Even if you have a strong claim for a burn injury lawsuit, it is critical that you do not delay in pursuing it. Burn injury lawsuits must be brought within a certain amount of time after the accident occurs, as claims filed after that date will generally not be considered. Contact Schiller & Hamilton today to learn what a Beaufort burn injury lawyer could do for you.