As a law firm that has stood by burn injury victims, we understand the physical and emotional toll these injuries can impose. Burn injuries not only cause immediate pain and suffering but can also lead to long-term medical complications and financial burdens. The responsible party should be held accountable for their negligence, and you deserve fair compensation for the damages you’ve endured.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our Gaffney personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. This approach allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle your personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence in Gaffney, SC, please call us for a free consultation. Let us help you through this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Burn Injury Treatments and Their Impact on Your Life
Burn injuries are traumatic injuries. Treatment for burn injuries often starts with mitigating the pain, preventing infections, and starting the healing process. This initial care often includes cleaning the burn area, applying appropriate dressings, and, in some cases, administering pain relief or antibiotics.
For severe burns, though, long-term medical treatments become necessary. This care might involve multiple procedures over time. Victims may require reconstructive surgery to improve the function and appearance of the damaged skin and underlying tissues. Treating scars is also a significant part of the recovery process, as it helps reduce the physical and psychological impact of the burn. Techniques such as skin grafts, laser therapy, and physical therapy are commonly used to enhance mobility and minimize scarring.
The journey through burn injury treatments is not only about physical healing but also about restoring the individual’s quality of life as much as possible. The severity of your injuries, the impact it has on your life, and the medical care you require will all influence the damages you may claim.
Burn Injury Severity Is Measured in Four Degrees
Burn injuries are categorized as four degrees of damage to the skin and tissues of the body. They include:
- First-degree burns affect the epidermis or outer layer of skin. Symptoms include redness, minor inflammation, and pain.
- Second-degree burns extend to the dermis, the second layer of skin. Symptoms include blisters, severe redness, and splotchy skin.
- Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis, reaching the fat layer beneath the skin. Symptoms include a white or blackened, charred appearance with numbness due to nerve damage.
- Fourth-degree burns extend through the skin and into underlying tissues, affecting muscle and bone. These injuries often result in permanent damage to muscles, tendons, and bones and come with a high risk of infection.
For more information, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
Common Accidents that Could Result in Victims Suffering Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of personal injury accidents, often leading to severe and long-lasting results. By identifying the cause of your burn injury, our Gaffney burn injury lawyer can also determine the at-fault party and liability:
- Workplace accidents and workers’ compensation cases include industrial settings, kitchens, and construction sites. These settings often pose risks for thermal, chemical, and electrical burns due to unsafe working conditions or lack of protective measures.
- Car accidents can lead to fires or explosions, especially in crashes involving fuel tank damage. Distracted driving and driving under the influence significantly increase the risk of such accidents.
- Defective products, such as household appliances, electronic devices, and children’s toys, can malfunction due to design or manufacturing defects, leading to thermal or electrical burns.
When accidents occur due to negligence or defective products, victims may have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and related losses.
Your Compensation for Burn Injuries in a Gaffney Accident
When you suffer from burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to understand your rights and the types of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Compensation for burn injuries can be divided into two main categories:
Economic damages are tangible losses that have a specific monetary value. Examples include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working in the same capacity as before.
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that do not have a direct monetary value but significantly impact your life. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured. This can include anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts of your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying your hobbies and daily activities.
- Disfigurement and scarring: If your burns result in permanent scars or disfigurement.
Our catastrophic injury lawyer in Gaffney can determine the fair value of your damages. They can advocate for your right to receive the full compensation you deserve for both your economic and non-economic damages.
South Carolina Laws that Could Affect Your Burn Injury Claim
Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence law, S.C. Ann. § 15-38-15, if the plaintiff is found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, they can still recover damages. However, the amount is decreased by their percentage of fault. If they are 50% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages. Our legal team can protect you from questionable insurance adjuster tactics that would place a greater amount of blame on you just to deny you compensation.
Also, South Carolina’s personal injury statute of limitations, S.C. Ann. §15-3-530, gives victims three years to take legal action against the liable party to their injuries. Failure to reach a fair settlement agreement with the insurance companies and file a lawsuit could bar the plaintiff from pursuing compensation through the courts. Our burn injury attorney in Gaffney can protect your right to file a lawsuit, but they need you to contact us as soon as possible.
Reach Out to Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today on Your Gaffney Accident Claim
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping burn injury victims in Gaffney with the legal system. Our Gaffney burn injury attorneys are here to ensure that negligent parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Let us focus on your legal battle, so you can concentrate on your recovery. For compassionate and dedicated legal assistance, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today for a free case review.