Serious burns can have a lasting impact, from chronic pain to permanent disfigurement. When these burns happen due to another person’s negligence, The Law Offices of David W. Holub is here to help. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand how to seek optimal results from these cases, and we are ready to help you seek justice.
If you suffered burn wounds in an accident that was not your fault, it is time for you to consider your legal options. Let a Merrillville burn injury lawyer pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Understanding Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are categorized into degrees. Each category represents a different level of severity, with fourth-degree burns being the most devastating. A Merrillville attorney could help you understand if you have a viable claim for compensation based on how your burn injuries occurred.
First-Degree Burns
These are the mildest type of burn, affecting only the outermost layer of skin known as the epidermis. These injuries typically cause redness and minor swelling, and they generally heal without the need for medical intervention.
Second-Degree Burns
Also known as partial-thickness burns, second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. Symptoms include blistering, intense pain, and swelling. These burns may leave scars and usually require medical treatment to prevent infection.
Third-Degree Burns
These full-thickness burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin, often reaching the fat layer beneath. The area may appear charred, white, or leathery, and there may be little or no pain due to the destruction of the nerve endings beneath the skin. Most people require skin grafts and other forms of long-term care to reduce the risk of infection and address the significant disfigurement that occurs in these cases.
Fourth-Degree Burns
As the most severe type of burn, fourth-degree burns extend through skin, fat, muscle, and even bone. These catastrophic injuries are life-threatening and often lead to permanent disability or limb loss.
What Leads to a Burn Injury?
There are countless situations that could lead to a serious burn injury. Whenever the human body comes into contact with open flames or an object at a high temperature, the result is typically a burn. These injuries can also come from exposure to other substances that can damage the skin, including radiation, extreme cold, or harsh chemicals. Circumstances that are likely to result in a burn include:
- Car accidents
- Building collapses
- Medical mistakes
- Defective products
- Unsafe property conditions
A Merrillville attorney could review your burn injury case and determine if someone else is at fault. With help from our team, you could receive the financial compensation you need.
Deadlines To File Suit
Under state law, you have a limited time to act when someone else is responsible for your burn injury. This deadline, commonly known as the statute of limitations, expires two years from the date of the incident.
If you wait too long to file suit or settle your claim, you may miss the chance to recover damages. This is true even if there is no dispute over who is at fault. Our Merrillville attorneys work tirelessly to hold the other party accountable in burn injury cases, and that starts with complying with every deadline.
Talk to a Burn Injury Attorney in Merrillville Today
The consequences of a severe burn injury can last a lifetime. For many people, the years of skin grafts and physical therapy they must undergo are a constant reminder of what happened. Guidance from a Merrillville burn injury lawyer cannot erase what happened, but it could help you seek the kind of financial award that will make your life easier moving forward. Contact us today to discuss your options.