Severe burns can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and life-changing health challenges. These injuries can occur for various reasons, like workplace accidents and motor vehicle collisions.
When negligent behavior by another person results in a burn, a skilled catastrophic injury attorney might be able to help hold the careless party accountable. The cost of treating and caring for these injuries can be high, but a Melrose Park burn injury lawyer could assist you in seeking the damages you deserve by filing a civil lawsuit.
How do Burn Injuries Occur?
Not all burn injuries are the same: this harm can result from contact with hot objects, steam, or even hot air. However, some burn injuries—including radiation burns—do not result from high temperatures. Those injuries can include the following:
- Thermal burns
- Radiation burns
- Cold burns (frostbite)
- Friction burns
Heat-related injuries often damage the skin and even the tissue or bones underneath. Burn injuries, known for having permanent consequences like chronic pain, nerve damage, and an increased risk of infection, can be costly in terms of time, money, and emotional health. Fortunately, a dedicated Melrose Park attorney could pursue compensation on behalf of anyone who has been affected by a burn injury.
Compensation in a Burn Injury Case
It is not always immediately clear what a burn injury claim is worth, especially since the cost of treating this harm can go on for decades. A dedicated attorney in Melrose Park could determine these medical expenses, as well as physical pain and emotional losses resulting from a burn incident. Typical forms of damages that could be available to the victim include:
Medical Costs
From skin grafts to physical therapy, treating severe burns can be costly and unique challenges can present when treating these injuries. Moreover, burns also increase the risk of infection and other potential health issues. A burn injury lawsuit could seek to recover the cost of this care.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Burn injuries are known for causing scarring and disfigurement, which could be awarded to the victim in addition to medical treatment damages. Unfortunately, scars can impact the victim’s quality of life, self-image, and mental health, but a compensation award could help them pay for the necessary medical or cosmetic care.
Pain and Suffering
Like scarring or disfigurement, pain and suffering are subjective losses associated with a severe burn. These injuries are excruciating, especially when they result in nerve damage, but the plaintiff could recover compensation for the pain and mental suffering they experienced.
Lost Wages
Like any serious injury, a burn could make it impossible to return to work for months or even years. These lost wages could have a detrimental impact on the burn victim and anyone who depends on them financially. Thankfully, compensation could help recoup those lost wages.
Speak With a Hardworking Burn Injury Attorney in Melrose Park Today
When you sustain burns because of another person’s negligence or recklessness, you can hold them accountable through a civil lawsuit. However, pursuing this type of legal action alone is not in your best interest and could be detrimental to the success of your case, potentially preventing you from obtaining financial recovery. Instead, let a legal representative guide you. Reach out to a Melrose Park burn injury lawyer right away to discuss your options.