Burns are among the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can sustain. These injuries can result from direct contact with fire or another source of extreme heat as well as from harsh chemicals, electricity, and radiation. Burns are not uniform, and each degree of severity presents unique symptoms and challenges.
When burns result from an accident caused by another person’s negligence, a South Elgin burn injury lawyer can help pursue compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. At Costa Ivone, our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys can advocate for your best interests and help you seek justice.
Most burns occur when a person’s skin comes into direct contact with a heat source. While stovetops, radiators, steam, or campfires can severely burn a person’s skin, burns can also happen as a result of contact with other heat sources. Exposure to caustic chemicals, radiation, strong electricity, or friction can also cause serious burns.
Burns present with many symptoms, including:
The severity of a burn typically falls into one of three categories, also known as degrees.
A first-degree burn affects only the topmost layer of skin. These burns are entirely superficial and often result from mishaps in the kitchen or staying out in the sun too long. They are commonly treated with topical ointments that are available over-the-counter and usually heal quickly.
A second-degree burn affects the outermost layer of skin and some of the underlying layers. These burns often occur from direct exposure to fire or chemical spills, or during electrical accidents. Symptoms may include blistering, swelling, and pain. Treating second-degree burns can involve taking antibiotics and applying topical ointments to prevent wound infection.
The most severe type of burn, third-degree burns result from prolonged exposure to a burn hazard, affecting someone’s deep tissue and sometimes their bones. These burns may be less painful than second-degree burns since the nerves in the affected area are often destroyed. Treatments for third-degree burns can include skin grafts and intense antibiotic regimens. A compassionate South Elgin attorney can help investigate the severity and cause of a burn injury and connect that harm to the actions of a negligent person or entity.
While burn injuries are often accidental and not always the fault of another person, a personal injury lawsuit may be possible when burns result from someone else’s negligence. For example, car accidents can result in someone being trapped in a vehicle and exposed to fire. A person may also suffer burns due to improper chemical use and storage while at work or prolonged radiation exposure due to medical malpractice.
In these instances, people can seek compensation for their injuries. A burn attorney in South Elgin can help injured people identify their rights and legal options to pursue the appropriate action for compensation.
Importantly, state law places a time limit on seeking compensation following an injury. According to 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/13-202, this time may be as short as two years after the date of the burn incident. By talking with skilled legal representation now, a burn injury patient can pursue a claim well within these time constraints.
Serious burns are often the consequences of poor decisions made by other people. When these injuries are severe enough to require medical care, you have the right to demand the compensation you need to help you recover. This may include payments for medical bills, lost income, and a diminished quality of life.
A South Elgin burn injury lawyer is here to help, by handling your case with compassion and diligence and by promoting and protecting your interests. Call our firm today to learn more about moving forward.
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