Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer

Severe burn injuries are unfortunately common and can have a devastating effect on your physical, mental, and financial health. When a person’s careless actions cause you or a loved one to sustain serious burns, you can hold them accountable for the resulting damages with the help of a catastrophic injury attorney.

The process to collect compensation must begin right away to ensure you recover the total potential award. During this challenging time, that often is difficult to think about or deal with alone. An experienced Chicago burn injury lawyer could help you recover damages while you focus on getting yourself or your loved one back on their feet.

Different Types of Burn Injuries

There are four main ways people suffer burn injuries. Thermal burns occur because of flames, hot liquids, and other sources of extreme heat. Chemical burns happen when the skin comes in contact with an acid or alkali.

The last two are radiation and ultraviolet burns and occur from radiation or ultraviolet exposure, respectively. An experienced Chicago burn injury attorney could review the accident, injuries, and details surrounding the event to help identify the liable party.

Burn injuries are classified according to severity. The three major categories of burn injuries are:

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns affect the surface of the skin. There is minimal skin damage, the area is red, and there is some pain. A person who suffers first-degree burns can care for them at home without medical intervention.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more painful because they penetrate the second layer of skin. The area of the burn will blister immediately. They rarely require medical attention, unless the burns cover a large portion of the body.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are severe and cause damage to all layers of skin and the surrounding tissue. These burns may cause damage down to the bone. The area will look black or charred, and the wound will destroy the nerves, so there will not be any feeling or pain.

A person must seek immediate medical attention upon receiving these severe burn injuries. Substantial compensation may be available to victims of third-degree burns, as these injuries never fully heal.

Collecting Damages after a Burn Injury

Burn injury victims often face years of pain and suffering. They may also require extensive medical care and follow-up treatment and miss time from work. The costs can be mounting.

After successfully proving to a Chicago civil court that a person’s negligent actions caused the plaintiff’s burn injuries, the judge may award damages to cover medical and other out-of-pocket expenses, as well as non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering. The award amount may cover:

• Current and future medical care, follow-up, care, and psychological care
• Current and future loss of pay and benefits, including health insurance and retirement
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring
• Mental pain and anguish

Time Limit to Sue After Suffering Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are excruciating, and the thought of filing a claim for damages will likely feel overwhelming for a survivor of such trauma. However, Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 ILCS 5/13-202 gives them only two years to file a claim to recover compensation.

If they do not file the petition for relief before the statute expires, they will probably lose the right to collect compensation from the negligent party. Therefore, it is essential to contact a severe burn injury lawyer in Chicago right away to get the process going.

Meet with a Diligent Burn Injury Attorney in Chicago

Severe burn injuries can change the course of your entire life. They will require years of follow-up medical care, and you or your loved one may never have the ability to return to their job before the accident. Therefore, when a person’s negligence causes otherwise preventable burn injuries, an attorney could help hold them financially responsible for the resulting damages.

If you need help filing a claim for compensation, contact a compassionate and hard-working Chicago burn injury lawyer to schedule a consultation. Call today and ensure you do not miss the civil filing deadline.