Burn Injury Attorneys Los Angeles

Injured by a burn? Let us help you rebuild your future.

Suffering from burn injuries can be a devastating experience, both physically and emotionally. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Los Angeles burn injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims like you recover the damages they deserve.

Key Summary:

Burn injuries can be devastating physically and emotionally, affecting skin, muscles, neurons, blood vessels, and the respiratory system. They can result from heat, radiation, chemicals, or electricity and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Burn injuries are classified into four degrees based on severity. First-degree burns affect the epidermis, second-degree burns reach the dermis, third-degree burns involve all skin layers and deeper tissues, and fourth-degree burns extend into muscles, tendons, and bones.
Burn injuries can result from incidents like workplace accidents, defective products, house fires, and chemical exposure. Determining liability involves investigating the cause, identifying responsible parties, and establishing negligence or fault.
Victims of burn injuries may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, rehabilitation costs, home and lifestyle adjustments, loss of consortium, punitive damages, and out-of-pocket expenses. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, with specific requirements for claims against government agencies.

Your burn injury has caused you more than enough anguish at this point. There is no reason for you to be concerned about your rehabilitation as well as your financial prospects. Let us help and guide you in handling your case from here forward.

What is Burn Injury?

A burn is damage to the skin or other organic tissue produced mostly by heat or by radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or chemical contact. They are severe injuries to the skin or other tissues. Serious burn injuries can be devastating both physically and psychologically.

Burns can not only change your appearance, but also the way your muscles, neurons, blood vessels, and breathing system work. Some burn victims require years to fully recover and sometimes necessitates significant rehabilitative effort and money.

What are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?

Burns can be broken down into three distinct categories or degrees of severity. These range from first-degree burns, which are relatively minor, to fourth-degree burns, which pose a significant risk to the patient’s life. Here is a brief overview of the basic types of burn injuries:

First-Degree Burns: These burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They cause redness, minor swelling, and discomfort. The skin usually remains intact and dry, with no blisters. Common causes include mild sunburn and brief contact with hot objects.
Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend into the second layer of skin (dermis), resulting in redness, swelling, and intense pain. Blisters often form, and the skin can appear moist or shiny. They commonly result from scalding by hot liquids or prolonged contact with hot surfaces.
Third-Degree Burns: These severe burns penetrate through all layers of the skin, affecting deeper tissues. The skin may appear white, blackened, or leathery, and there may be little to no pain due to nerve damage. This type of burn usually results from prolonged exposure to flames or hot objects and often requires surgical intervention.
Fourth-Degree Burns: These are the most severe burns, extending beyond the skin into underlying tissues such as muscles, tendons, and bones. The damage is extensive and may appear charred or blackened. Fourth-degree burns often result from electrical injuries or extreme fire exposure and require complex medical and surgical treatment.

Each type of burn requires different levels of medical treatment and care. Proper diagnosis and treatment by healthcare professionals are essential to manage the injury and reduce long-term complications.

What Incidents Can Cause Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can result from a variety of incidents, each posing unique risks and requiring specific responses. Understanding the common causes of burns can help in preventing them and ensuring timely treatment. Here are some frequent sources of burn injuries:

Workplace Burn Accidents – These accidents can arise from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or flammable materials. Workplace burn accidents can vary in severity from minor burns requiring first aid to severe burns necessitating extensive medical treatment and recovery.
Defective Products Burn Injuries – These refer to burn injuries caused by products that have flaws or defects in their design, manufacturing, or labeling. These defects can lead to unexpected and hazardous conditions that result in burns when the product is used.
Burn Injuries From House & Apartment Fires – Faulty wiring, damaged smoke detectors, and faulty cooking equipment are the root causes of many house and apartment fires. If an electrician performed inadequate work or a landlord was aware of a problem but failed to address it, they may be held accountable.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – Accidents and mechanical breakdowns are two of the most common causes of fires in automobiles and trucks. Sustaining burns injuries are a possibility for any passenger in the vehicle due to the flames and the hot fluids that are present.
Scalding Liquids – Exposure to hot liquids, such as boiling water, coffee, or steam, can lead to burns. These burns often affect the skin’s surface and may cause blisters or severe pain. Scalding injuries are common in kitchen accidents or spills.
Chemical Exposure: Contact with corrosive substances, such as acids or alkalis, can cause severe chemical burns. These burns can damage the skin and underlying tissues, potentially leading to long-term complications if not promptly treated. Protective gear and immediate rinsing are crucial in these situations.
Electrical Burns: Electrical currents passing through the body due to faulty wiring or contact with live wires can cause burns. These burns can be internal and severe, affecting deeper tissues and organs. Immediate medical care is essential to address both the burn injuries and potential electrical damage.

Whether it’s from house fires, chemical spills, electrical faults, or other hazards, each type of burn requires specific safety measures and treatment. Recognizing these risks and implementing appropriate safety practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of burn injuries.

How Can I Determine Who’s Liable for My Burn Injuries?

Determining liability for burn injuries involves several steps and factors. Here’s a general approach to identifying who may be responsible:

Assess the Cause of the Burn: Identify what caused the burn. Common causes include fires, hot liquids, chemicals, electrical sources, or unsafe conditions.
Investigate the Circumstances: Consider where and how the burn occurred. Was it in a public place, at work, or at a private residence? The setting can help identify responsible parties.
Identify Potential Responsible Parties:
1. Property Owners: If the burn occurred due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, the property owner might be liable.
2. Manufacturers: If the burn resulted from a defective product, the manufacturer or seller might be liable.
3. Employers: In workplace incidents, the employer might be responsible if they failed to provide a safe environment or proper training.
4. Individuals: In cases of negligence, another person’s actions might be the cause of the burn. It could be a driver, another motorist, or other negligent parties.
5. Government: If a government employee’s negligence caused your burn injury while performing their duties, the government might be held liable. If your injury occurred due to unsafe conditions on government-owned property or resulted from a defective product supplied by a government agency, you might have a case.
Establish Negligence or Fault
1. Duty of Care: Show that the defendant had a duty to prevent harm. If they are a property owner, they must ensure safe conditions.
2. Breach of Duty: Prove that the defendant breached this duty by acting negligently or failing to act.
3. Causation: Demonstrate that the breach of duty directly caused your burn injury.
4. Damages: Provide evidence of the damages suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant information, including medical records, photographs of the injury, and witness statements. Any reports related to the incident such as a police report can be a strong support.
Consult Professionals:

Medical Professionals: Get a detailed medical evaluation. A thorough understanding of the extent of your injuries and the treatment is needed.
Legal Professionals: Consult with Los Angeles burn injury attorneys to assess the strength of your case and guide you through the legal process. They can help determine who is legally responsible and advise on how to proceed.

By carefully evaluating these factors and seeking professional guidance, you can determine who is liable for your burn injuries and pursue appropriate legal remedies.

What Compensation Can I Recover in My Burn Injury Claim?

In a burn injury claim, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. The type and amount of damages will depend on the specifics of your case. Here’s a breakdown of common types of compensation you might be able to recover:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs related to the burn injury.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This includes the mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of quality of life experienced.
Lost Wages: This covers income lost due to your inability to work while recovering from your injury. This can include past and future lost wages if the injury impacts your ability to earn income in the future.
Disability and Impairment: If the burn injury results in permanent disability or impairment, you might receive compensation for the long-term effects and limitations on your ability to perform daily activities or work.
Rehabilitation Costs: Compensation for the physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and any other rehabilitative services needed to aid in your recovery and adaptation.
Home and Lifestyle Adjustments: If your burn injury necessitates modifications to your home or lifestyle (such as wheelchair access or special accommodations), you might be compensated for these expenses.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationships with family members, including loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Compensation for any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury, such as travel costs for medical appointments.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to determine if you have a claim. Filing for damages can help cover the significant costs associated with your recovery and address the impact the injury has had on your life.

Is There a Deadline in Filing a Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. The statute of limitations commences on the date of the injury or when the injury is discovered by the victim. If you fail to bring a lawsuit within two years, the court will not hear your personal injury case and you will forfeit your entitlement to compensation.

If you are bringing a lawsuit against a government agency, you must first file an “administrative claim” with the government office or agency. The administrative claim must be submitted within six months after the injury date. When a government entity rejects a claim, the plaintiff has two years from the date of the injury to launch a civil lawsuit.

If you are confused or simply do not want to miss your chance to hold the responsible parties to your burn injuries accountable, you can seek legal advice and legal representation from a burn injury lawyer in Los Angeles, California.

Why Do I Need a Burn Injury Attorney in California?

If you’re in California and have sustained a burn injury, seeking the help of a burn injury attorney can be crucial. They have the experience to guide you through the complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Here’s why having a burn injury attorney in Los Angeles is essential for your case. They can

Investigate the incident and identify the cause that resulted in your burn injury
Determine the responsible parties
Collate your medical records and other documentation pertaining to your injury
Consult with experts in the medical field to understand the full extent of your case
Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
Negotiate a reasonable and fair settlement on your behalf
File a lawsuit and prepare you for court trials, if necessary

Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-term consequences. You need a skilled legal representation that can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call our Los Angeles Burn Injury Attorneys Now!

Recovering from a burn injury can be extremely challenging for both the burn survivor and her family. From the initial consultation until the successful resolution of your case, our Los Angeles burn injury attorneys at Conlogue Law LLP will fight relentlessly for your rights. We will represent you with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that you receive the fair and complete recompense you deserve.

Regardless of the type of burn you have suffered, you have been through a traumatic and painful experience. We cannot remove this suffering. However, you should not have to bear the added stress of understanding your legal rights on your own. There is a way out, and Conlogue Law LLP is always available to assist you in finding the best solution for your case.

Conlogue Law LLP will always pursue your best interests. We can provide legal assistance to any kinds of injury cases including but not limited to knee, back, hip, and more. Talk to us now for a free initial consultation. Let’s begin our journey toward justice and fair compensation!