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Burn injuries can inflict permanent scarring and disfigurement on the victim, not to mention long-term emotional and psychological harm. If you or a loved one suffered serious burns due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. A Bluffton burn injury lawyer could explain your rights and what legal remedy could be available.
A skilled catastrophic injury attorney could help you understand the civil case process and provide the aggressive advocacy you need and deserve at all phases of your claim.
Circumstances Which May Lead to Severe Burn Injuries
Below are common situations where a person’s negligence could lead to significant burn injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Faulty products
- Chemical explosions
- Fuel tanker fires
- Insufficient precautionary fire protocols
Anyone who has suffered a severe burn injury caused by another person’s careless misconduct should discuss their case with an experienced Bluffton attorney. A lawyer could help them determine whether someone’s negligence was responsible for their losses and pursue a just civil remedy accordingly.
Categories of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries may range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the which of the four burn degree classifications they fall into.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the mildest variety. These burns impact only the surface of the skin and may cause some discomfort and reddening of the affected area.
Second and Third Degree burns
Second-degree burns impact both the outer and secondary dermis layers, recognizable by skin damage, blisters, and fluid. Next are third-degree burns, which should be taken very seriously as they scorch the dermis. These burns may inflict nerve damage and cause discoloration and hardening of the skin.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Finally, fourth-degree burns are the gravest type of burn which may be sustained. Not only do fourth-degree burns scorch all dermis layers, but the bone and muscle may also be damaged. These burns can inflict severe scarring and disfigurement, and often, may prove fatal.
Obtaining Compensation
The substantial cost of medical treatment, time missed from work, and possibly reconstructive surgery are just a few of the financial losses burn injury victims may endure. A knowledgeable Bluffton attorney may be able to help victims of severe burn injuries achieve financial recovery for their extensive damages. Injured claimants may be eligible to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Hospital bills
- Surgical costs
- Lost earnings
- Future diminished earning potential
- Future medical treatment costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Statutory Deadline to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit
Under South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530, claimants have just three years from the date they are injured to commence civil lawsuit proceedings. This also means that an attempt to file a burn injury case after the three years have passed could result in an immediate dismissal. A qualified lawyer understands the stringent time constraints which apply to burn injury claims in Bluffton and could ensure the victim’s case is filed by the statutory deadline.
Reach Out to a Bluffton Burn Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were severely injured due to the reckless and careless actions of another, you should schedule a consultation with a Bluffton burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney could honestly evaluate your claim and discuss what legal recourse you may have.
A lawyer could handle all components of your claim, including investigating the scenario which led to your injury, collecting evidence, documenting your damages, and pursuing compensation on your behalf. Call Schiller & Hamilton today to schedule a consultation.