Spokane Burn Injury Attorney
Burn injuries, whether caused by flames, explosions, fireworks, electricity, chemicals, scalding water or gases, or contact with a hot surface, are among the most painful and disfiguring of all injury types. Burns can result from an auto accident, motorcycle accident, workplace accident or exposure to certain chemicals, as well as in the home. When your injuries were caused by the fault of another, there may be compensation available, whether through auto insurance, homeowners insurance or workplace industrial insurance. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether there is compensation available from which to recover.
Types of Burn Injuries
There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, or electrical contact.
- Thermal burns. These burns are due to heat sources which raise the temperature of the skin and tissues and cause tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames, when coming into contact with the skin, can cause thermal burns.
- Radiation burns. These burns are due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as X-ray.
- Chemical burns. These burns are due to strong acids, alkalies, detergents, or solvents coming into contact with the skin or eyes.
- Electrical burns. These burns are from electrical current, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
Classification of Burns
Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severely they penetrate the skin’s surface.
- First-degree (superficial) burns
First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease in the skin color. - Second-degree (partial thickness) burns
Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful. - Third-degree (full thickness) burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. When bones, muscles, or tendons are also burned, this may be referred to as a fourth-degree burn. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.
Compensation for Your Burn Injuries
Compensation for your burn injury will take into consideration the treatments received. Treatment of burn injuries varies depending on the severity of the burn, and severe burns may require numerous surgical procedures. Treatments may include:
- Deep cleaning of burn at an emergency facility
- Debridement of burn
- Skin grafts
- Physical therapy/Occupational therapy
- Plastic surgery/Reconstructive surgery
- Other medical procedures
Burn wounds can have long-term consequences and the recovery is often protracted as well as very painful. If the wound covers a large area of the body or is in an area that can be readily seen, the psychological impact of the injury is magnified.
Compensation for your burn injury will take into consideration your treatments, as well as the other damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (deprivation of family relationship)
- Permanent injury
- Scarring
- Loss of wages
- Loss of income
- Future medical expenses
- Future loss of wages
- Future loss of income
- Loss of limb
- Loss of life
- Other factors depending on your case
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to review your case and work to maximize your recovery while minimizing the emotional toll dealing with the insurance companies can have on a person.
Free Consultation
Real concern, real help, and the consultation is free.
Recognized as one of Spokane’s Top Lawyers from 2011-2020 by Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine.
The Insurance Company is Not on Your Side
No matter how friendly or compassionate the insurance adjuster may seem, the insurance company is not on your side. It is their job to pay out as little as possible on each claim filed and your claim is just another file on their desk. They may offer you a quick settlement that seems like a good deal at the time, but especially with the complex nature of burn injuries, a quick settlement is never a good idea. You should never settle your case until the full extent of the damages are known so you can recover fully for your injuries.
Unless you have negotiated against insurance companies and understand their approach, it is not a good idea to represent yourself. The insurance adjuster will tell you that you do not need an attorney, and while this is technically true, it’s their belief they will have better results against you than against a personal injury attorney with years of experience and knowledge of their tactics, as well as the ability to file a lawsuit should the company not negotiate in a fair and forthright manner.
To learn more about insurance companies read our article 8 Things You Should Know About Insurance Companies.
Get An Informed Legal Perspective On Your Case
If you’ve been injured and need to speak to an experienced, local personal injury attorney about your injuries, treatment, insurance, wage loss, or any other impact the accident has had on you or your loved one, please call Robert C. Hahn today for a free consultation. Voted Top Personal Injury Attorney by Spokane-Couer d’Alene Living Magazine, Robert Hahn is dedicated to protecting your legal rights and maximizing your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
