Michigan Burn Injury Attorneys
A burn can be an extremely painful injury that can result in permanent damage, including damage to bodily functions. Our skin serves multiple purposes; therefore, when a burn damages our skin, it can result in severe hydration, infections, and other serious conditions. This damage is in addition to the scarring and disfigurement that is often caused by severe burns.
Sadly, most burns are the result of a preventable accident. In some cases, the accident is the fault of another party. When this is the case, you may have a legal cause of action for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, permanent disabilities, physical pain, and emotional suffering. If you have suffered a burn injury, we can help. Call the Michigan personal injury lawyers of The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation.
Severity of Burns
Burns are classified by their severity. There are three classifications of burn injuries:
- First Degree Burn — A minor burn that affects the other layer of skin.
- Second Degree Burn — A more serious burn that affects the second layer of skin (dermis) in addition to the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns can result in blisters, severe pain, and scarring.
- Third Degree Burn — A third-degree burn goes all the way down to the fat layer beneath the skin. This type of burn can be life-threatening, cause permanent nerve damage, and result in serious complications.
While a first-degree burn may be treated at home, burns that cover large areas of skin or result in large blisters, infection, redness, or other unexplained symptoms should be treated by a doctor. It is always safest to seek medical attention for any burn to reduce the risk of permanent injury or life-threatening conditions.
Causes of Burn Injuries
Over a million people suffer burn injuries each year in the United States with close to half a million people receiving medical treatment for burn injuries in hospitals and burn centers. While most victims recover from their burn injuries, thousands of people die each year because of burn injuries. Burn injuries result from a variety of causes including:
- Car Accidents — Car accidents are a common cause of burns because of the presence of flammable objects such as gasoline. Fires and explosions resulting from motor vehicle accidents can result in severe burn injuries and deaths.
- Defective Products — A product can malfunction causing severe burns. The product could be defective because of a design error, manufacturing mistake, or distribution/marketing error.
- Electrical Burns — An electrical burn can cause internal damage in addition to outward damage to the skin. In some cases, the victim can suffer cardiac arrest or other life-threatening conditions.
- Fires —Fires caused by arson, cooking, smoking, faulty electrical wiring, portable heaters, or incorrectly stored hazardous materials can result in traumatic burn injuries. Inadequate fire prevention plans, lack of fire extinguishers, locked fire exits, and other negligent acts can increase the risk of a burn injury from a fire.
- Chemical Burns —A chemical burn can occur at home, work, store, or any other location where chemicals are stored or used. If a chemical does not have a proper warning label, a person can be seriously injured. Furthermore, safety equipment should always be used when handling chemicals.
If a burn injury is the result of another party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you may have a claim for damages against that party or parties.
Results of Burn Injuries
A burn can have life-threatening, long-term results that cause the victim to suffer emotionally, physically, and financially. Examples of consequences suffered by burn victims include:
- Scarring and Disfigurement — Many victims go through painful and expensive reconstruction surgery and plastic surgery but must live with painful reminders of their burn injury.
- Post-traumatic Stress —Regardless of the severity of the burn, a victim can suffer long-term emotional and psychological problems that interfere or prevent the person from functioning normally in his or her daily life. Examples of symptoms a person can suffer including nightmares, panic attacks, social withdrawal, extreme anxiety, and flashbacks. PTS can result in a lack of confidence, isolation, suicidal thoughts, job loss, depression, and other issues.
- Financial Hardship —The treatment of burn injuries can be extremely expensive. In addition, many burn victims miss a substantial amount of time from work. Recovering from a serious burn injury can create a severe financial hardship.
Filing a Michigan Burn Injury Lawsuit
Burn injuries result in numerous damages for the victim and his or her family. In addition to the extreme physical pain, permanent disability, and mental anguish, the person suffers financial damages because of the injury. Past and future medical expenses and loss of income in a burn injury claim can result in thousands of dollars in damages. Combined with the non-economic damages (i.e. pain, suffering, and permanent disabilities), a burn injury claim can easily reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When the cause of the burn is due to another person or party’s negligence, the law provides a way for the victim to be compensated. Negligence is grounds for a personal injury lawsuit that can result in financial compensation paid by the at-fault party. However, the time to file a burn injury lawsuit is limited by Michigan’s statute of limitations. Therefore, quick action is required to protect the legal right to hold the responsible person liable for injuries, losses, and damages.
Call a Michigan Burn Injury Lawyer
It can be difficult to know when a burn injury is the result of negligence. If you have been injured, it is always in your best interest to consult with an experienced burn injury attorney as soon as possible. Call The Clark Law Office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation. We have offices in Okemos and Lansing for your convenience.