Burn Injury Attorney Greensboro NC


Seek Legal Advice for your Burn Injury in Greensboro NC

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn due to someone else’s negligence or an unsafe product, contact our  burn injury attorney in Greensboro NC to discuss your legal options and review your case. You may be eligible for a burn injury settlement. 

Burns in the home or workplace are among the most prevalent types of personal injuries, as well as the most severe and expensive to treat. Burn injuries are physically debilitating and can also result in scarring and psychological trauma. The recuperation may necessitate multiple operations. 

If your burn injury occurred on the job, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses and partially compensate for lost wages. Our personal injury lawyer is available to assist you with the recovery procedure. We will keep you informed of our progress in pursuing a settlement for your burn injury lawsuit. 

We are always available to respond to your inquiries. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn injury in North Carolina, contact Diener Law immediately by phone or online form.

Why Do I Need a Burn Injury Attorney in Greensboro NC?

When someone or something else caused your burn injury, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to collect your damages, which may require filing a lawsuit. 

To prove your injuries and the number of damages you’re requesting, you’ll also need to gather the necessary evidence and seek appropriate medical treatment, including follow-up care.

Identifying the appropriate insurance company (or companies) to contact and where or how to file a claim can require laborious effort. Patients may also find it challenging to identify the best locations to receive the necessary care and to determine what evidence they should collect.

Our qualified burn injury attorney in Greensboro NC has extensive experience pursuing the appropriate insurance companies and presenting all the necessary evidence to ensure that our clients receive the damages to which they are entitled.

What Are the Different Types of Burns?

Burns can be caused by a variety of incidents, including car accidents, fires, and chemical exposure. Furthermore, there are various types of burns, as we’ll explore below.

Chemical Burns

Exposure to acids and alkalis can result in serious burns. Accidents in the laboratory, exposure to something as simple as battery acid, and car accidents can all result in chemical burns. Burns caused by chemicals are extremely common in the manufacturing and construction industries.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns result from direct or indirect contact with a “hot” or live electrical current. Electrical burns are especially hazardous because they can cause surface charring, which can conceal significant internal damage.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns encompass all burns caused by external heat sources, including house fires and boiling liquids. Direct contact with an extremely hot source raises the temperature of the skin and tissues, resulting in tissue death and charring of the skin.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns are caused by exposure to high levels of radiation, including microwaves and other sources commonly found in manufacturing and construction.

What Are the Different “Degrees” of Burns?

Burn injuries are categorized into “degrees.” The degree of the burn is determined by the extent of the damage caused by the burn. It may take several days for the signs and symptoms of a severe burn to manifest. 

To accurately determine the extent of the damage and receive the proper treatment, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention after a burn injury.

First-Degree (Superficial Thickness)

A first-degree burn affects only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This type of burn causes pain and redness but typically heals on its own. A sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.

Second-Degree (Partial Thickness)

A second-degree burn damages both the epidermis and dermis, the second layer of skin. Second-degree burns can cause red, white, or blotchy skin, as well as swelling, blisters, and excruciating pain. Certain second-degree burns may necessitate skin grafts and can result in permanent scarring.

Third-Degree (Full Thickness)

Third-degree burns are especially dangerous to your health because they penetrate the first and second layers of skin and affect the fat and other tissues beneath the skin. Third-degree burns can cause the skin to appear black, brown, white, or leathery. Third-degree burns may destroy nerves, resulting in numbness. Third-degree burns are severe and require immediate medical attention.

What Are the Different Causes of Burn Injuries?

Every day, people of all ages suffer from fire or flame injuries, scalding injuries, electrical burns, and chemical burns. These injuries occur in a variety of settings and situations, not just the home. For instance, the following are some of the causes of burn injuries:

Car Crashes

A vehicle’s gasoline can ignite, causing it to burst into flames and burn its occupants. According to a report from the US Fire Administration, 16 percent of all fires that fire departments respond to involve cars, trucks, vans, and other highway vehicles. Each year, vehicle fires result in an average of 490 fatalities and 1,275 injuries.

Defective Products

Dangerous products can cause burns by sparking or overheating, or they can start fires that result in personal injuries. Burns can be caused by a variety of defective products, particularly those that utilize batteries or combustible fuel sources.

Gas Explosions

Gas explosions have become a growing concern. According to Pipeline Safety Awareness, gas pipelines span more than 2.6 million miles across the United States. More than half of these pipelines were constructed between the 1950s and 1960s. 

On construction sites, propane tanks for grills, gas furnaces, and water heaters, and any other situation where propane, natural gas, or other fuels are used, can cause gas explosions.

Chemical Accidents

Although chemical accidents are commonly associated with laboratories or work sites, they can also occur in the home. Chemical burns can be caused by common household items such as bleach, concrete mix, cleaning products, and pool chlorinators.

Electrocutions

According to OSHA, electrical burns are common among employees who are exposed to electrical currents. However, flash arc and thermal contact burns are also possible on construction sites due to electrical exposure. 

When a worker is exposed to electrical current and electrocution ensues, the electrical current running through the body can cause damage to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems. This usually results in wrongful death.

Where Do Burn Injuries Usually Occur?

Burns can occur in a variety of environments and have numerous causes. Burn injuries can occur in homes, restaurants, workplaces, and any other location where a person comes into close contact with a flammable or heated object. Where and how a burn injury occurs can be significant factors in determining a person’s legal recourse against the responsible party.

Workplace Accidents

The workplace is the second most common location for burn injuries severe enough to require admission to a burn center. Workers in the industrial, agricultural, and service industries, as well as any other work involving chemicals, the use of heat, or radiation exposure, are at high risk for workplace accidents.

Examples of employer negligence that may give rise to a claim for burn injuries include:

  • Failure to implement adequate fire safety measures
  • State or local law prohibits the absence of an adequate number of fire extinguishers
  • Other essential safety measures necessary to prevent serious injuries are absent

Apartment Building 

Nearly seventy-five percent of serious burns occur in the home. If your landlord has acted negligently, you may be able to hold them responsible for a catastrophic injury you have sustained. In this instance, negligent behavior can refer to the landlord’s failure to comply with federal, state, and local laws intended to protect residents from hazards.

The following factors may also affect your ability to sue your landlord for negligence:

  • Whether language in your lease waives your right to sue your landlord for personal injuries in court
  • Where in the United States you reside (due to variance in state laws on suing a landlord)
  • The quantity of evidence you have to support your negligence claim

Commercial Property and Businesses

Burn injuries can occur in business establishments if there is a fire or exposure to a substance that is hot enough to cause a serious burn, although they are much less common than accidents in the workplace and the home. Commercial properties at risk of causing burn injuries:

  • restaurants
  • hotels
  • malls
  • fitness facilities
  • nightclubs
  • community facilities
  • retail food stores

What to Do Following a Burn Injury in North Carolina?

Consider taking the following actions if you or a loved one has sustained a burn injury as a result of another party’s negligence:

Seek Medical Assistance

Burns of the second, third, and fourth degrees require medical attention. First-degree burns and some second-degree burns may require first aid or a visit to the doctor, but may not necessitate immediate treatment. Dial 911 for medical assistance in an emergency if:

  • You are burned to the third degree
  • You are in extreme pain
  • Your face, hands, feet, or genitals are severely burned
  • The burned skin is white, charred, or leathery in appearance
  • The burn victim is either an elderly adult or a young child

If your burn is not severe enough to require immediate medical attention, rinse the affected area with cool water and consult your doctor about using antibiotics or aloe vera gel to reduce pain and scarring.

Upon receiving medical care, request a copy of your medical records. If you decide to take legal action against the responsible party, it will be crucial to have evidence of your symptoms, the severity of your injury, and other pertinent details.

Document Your Injuries

Once you are no longer in immediate danger, photograph your injuries and record any pertinent information regarding how the burn occurred, where and when it occurred, the cause of the burn, and whether you suspect foul play. 

An example would be a burn injury that occurs as a result of your landlord’s failure to maintain a fire extinguisher in your apartment building. If any witnesses to the incident caused your burn, obtain their contact details. 

If you file a lawsuit against another party for personal injury, witnesses may be able to provide testimony in the future.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney with experience in burn injury cases can assist you in determining your rights and compensation entitlement. If you are unsure whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit, our competent burn injury attorney in Greensboro NC can evaluate and give you legal advice based on the specifics of your case. 

Understanding your legal rights following a fire or other injury-causing incident is crucial, especially if your injuries are severe. Burn injuries are among the most difficult to treat, and their treatment and management can become costly over time. 

Individuals who have sustained severe burn injuries, such as permanent disfigurement, loss of sensation, nerve damage, or respiratory problems, are likely to require ongoing care, which can be expensive and have a significant impact on their long-term ability to earn a living.

If you or a loved one have sustained a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, we can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve to help cover these costs and compensate for physical and emotional suffering.

What Are the Possible Complications of Burn Injuries?

Not all burns heal quickly or uniformly. Even though each patient may experience a unique outcome, many burn injury cases result in the same complications. These complications may include:

Infection

This includes bacterial skin infections and sepsis, which occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Organ failure can be caused by serious infections, especially in patients who are already compromised.

Breathing Issues

Smoke inhalation or damage to the lungs caused by inhaling hot air can impair breathing and require respiratory therapy.

Scars

Burns can cause the skin to scar and contract, possibly requiring skin grafting or replacement surgery. It is possible for skin graft surgeries to fail, adding complications and costs to the treatment.

Fragile Skin

Burned skin may not recover completely. It may become thinner and more susceptible to damage for the remainder of a patient’s life.

Bone and Joint Issues

Even if the burn injury did not directly affect tendons and ligaments, scarred and contracted skin can have a domino effect on these tissues. This can result in ongoing joint mobility difficulties.

Psychological Injury

Burn patients may experience mental and emotional issues as a result of the accident that caused their injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Burn Injury in North Carolina?

If the burn injury was caused by the negligence of another party, that party could be held liable for the losses. For example:

  • When a defective product causes injury, the product’s manufacturer may be sued under the theory of product liability.
  • When someone sustains a burn injury in a hotel or apartment, the hotel owner, apartment owner, or landlord may be held liable.
  • A child or senior citizen who suffers a scalding injury might be able to file a lawsuit if someone else was responsible for the water’s excessive temperature.
  • Burns in the workplace may result in workers’ compensation claims, which cover medical expenses and missed wages regardless of fault. If a third party’s negligence caused a burn injury at work, a personal injury lawsuit could be filed to recover greater compensation than is available through workers’ compensation.
  • If someone was negligent, gas explosions, chemical exposure, and electrocution could all result in lawsuits. For example, the gas company could be sued if a worker punctured a gas pipeline and caused an explosion.

Are Burn Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Tens of thousands of dollars might be required to treat a severe burn injury. The medical treatment may necessitate multiple surgical procedures and plastic surgery to remove scarring. If the burn injury occurred on the job, it may be fully covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation may cover the total cost of medical care, surgery, and rehabilitation for an on-the-job burn victim. If the burn injury results in the loss of use of a body part, you may also be eligible for temporary disability payments while receiving medical care and compensation.

Consult with our burn injury attorney in Greensboro NC who has experience representing workers with burn injuries if you are having trouble obtaining workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a burn injury on the job. Many legitimate claims for workers’ compensation are initially denied. 

To pursue full workers’ compensation benefits if your claim has been denied by an insurer, you may need to file an appeal.

Can a Burn Injury Be Included in a Claim for Injuries From a Vehicle Accident?

The occurrence of a fire in a car or truck accident greatly increases the risk of serious injury, particularly if the crash victim is trapped or pinned inside the vehicle. Exposure to flames or smoke can exacerbate the injuries caused by the collision’s impact. 

If you sustain burn injuries in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have the right to file a burn injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and the driver’s insurance company and demand compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

After a serious accident, our competent burn injury attorney in Greensboro NC at Diener Law can assist you in holding the at-fault driver accountable and pursuing a personal injury claim to cover your medical bills and other expenses.

How to Prove Negligence in a Burn Injury Claim?

Negligence is a legal concept utilized in personal injury cases such as burn injuries. The injured party bears the burden of establishing the defendant’s legal liability. The plaintiff in a case involving burn injuries must demonstrate the following elements of negligence:

Duty

The defendant must be shown to have owed the plaintiff a legal duty or obligation. That means they were at fault for what happened. For instance, an inspector may be required to ensure that a piece of equipment complies with safety regulations.

Breach of Duty

The plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their legal duty by acting or failing to act negligently. For instance, if the inspector ignored a dangerous piece of equipment and failed to ensure that it met safety standards, they would violate their duty.

Breach Caused the Accident

You must clearly show that the defendant’s breach of duty caused the accident. For instance, the lack of inspection must have contributed to the accident that burned you.

Harm

To receive compensation, you must clearly show that you suffered an injury. The accident must have caused your injuries, and you must have suffered losses as a result. If you were burned in the accident, this demonstrates that you suffered actual harm.

What Are the Recoverable Damages for Your Burn Injuries?

If you or a loved one sustained severe burns due to someone’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may recover some or all of the following damages, depending on the specifics of your case:

Medical Fees

The expenses may include immediate emergency care, ongoing care, and rehabilitation.

Physical Pain and Suffering

Ongoing physical issues and new injuries can affect the amount of a judgment or settlement.

Mental Suffering

Many patients with burns suffer from anxiety or stress-related disorders for years as a result of the accident, and they may be eligible for compensation.

Lost Earnings

Patients with burns must frequently undergo lengthy rehabilitation and surgical procedures, rendering them unable to work.

Loss of Companionship

Family members are entitled to compensation if the patient’s injuries prevented them from performing their regular household duties.

What is North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims?

North Carolina’s Statute of Limitations restricts the amount of time you have to file a personal injury case for your burn injuries, should you choose to do so. This period is limited to three years in our state. Three years may appear to be a lengthy period at first glance. 

However, proper research, evidence collection, witness interviews, and other legal matters require time. Therefore, three years is not as long as it appears. Consequently, you should contact our law firm immediately. If you fail to file a lawsuit within three years, you will have lost the chance to do so.

Talk to Our Seasoned Greensboro NC Injury Attorney Burn Today

At Diener Law, our Greensboro personal injury lawyer gives each case our personal and professional attention. We have served Greensboro and all of North Carolina’s injury victims for years.

When you hire our qualified Greensboro NC burn injury attorney, you can rest assured that we will utilize our vast resources to advocate for you to receive the highest possible compensation.

Diener Law’s attorneys and staff work diligently so that you can focus on rest and recovery. You can reach us by phone, or you can contact us online. Personal injury and accident victims throughout North Carolina, including Greensboro, are represented by Diener Law.

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