Burns could leave people with significant scars, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, that can result in substantial financial challenges to the burned party.
If you are facing the devastating aftermath of being severely burned, you should consider speaking with a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney. An Anchorage burn injury lawyer from our accomplished firm could advocate for your rights.
What Could Cause Someone to Get Burned?
Burn accidents could happen for a multitude of reasons. Some things that notoriously cause people to get burned include:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Contact with hot liquid or steam
- Chemicals
- Scalding metal or glass
- Electrical malfunctions
- Overexposure to sunlight or UV rays
- Radiation
Some instances are inevitable, such as radiation for chemotherapy. However, in many cases, injuries like this are avoidable. If someone got burned because of the actions of another person, an Anchorage lawyer could determine if they have grounds to file a lawsuit.
Types of Burns
This type of harm falls into four different classifications: first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree. First-degree burns are mild and only harm the first layer of skin. They rarely leave scars, but if they do, scarring is minimal. These do not typically result in long-term damage. Second-degree burns harm the outer and second layers of skin. More severe than first-degree ones, these leave redness, blistering, and occasionally mild scarring.
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns are much more serious than the previous types listed and often leave scarring. Third-degree burns penetrate all three layers of the skin and appear black, brown, or yellow instead of bright red. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe of all burns and could be fatal. They impact the skin, bones, and tendons.
What to Do After Being Burned
If someone suffers a third or fourth-degree burn, they should get medical treatment immediately. Some second-degree burns also require professional medical attention, but if the pain and visible symptoms are minimal, the individual might be able to tend to the wound on their own.
After getting their burns treated, a person should contact a severe burn attorney in Anchorage to discuss their legal options. A skilled legal representative could assist with investigating the case, compiling evidence, and negotiating a settlement.
What Damages Could Someone Seek After Being Burned?
People who suffer severe burns might receive compensation for a wide variety of damages. These damages might include:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering in performing daily activities
- Punitive damages
Other potential damages could be given based on individual cases. Courts award compensation based on the extent of the damage, who was responsible for the incident that caused the injury, and other factors.
An experienced Anchorage attorney cannot predict what damages someone who was burned could receive, nor how much. However, they might be able to estimate what compensation is fair to pursue based on the individual’s wounds and the details of the accident that caused them.
Work with an Anchorage Burn Injury Attorney Today
Anyone who has been severely burned should consult with an Anchorage burn injury lawyer to learn the details of applicable legal procedures and find out if they could file a claim against the at-fault party. A knowledgeable local attorney could guide you through the process of a lawsuit and ensure you receive fair compensation for your harm.
Our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for you after a devastating accident. Contact a representative at our practice today to set up an individualized consultation.