At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we understand the profound impact a burn injury can have on your life. Dealing with the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden can be overwhelming. Our legal team is here to help guide you through this difficult time. Our Rutherfordton personal injury lawyers know what you’re going through and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for a free case review. Let us help you start the journey towards recovery with the support and understanding you need.
A Rutherfordton Burn Injury Lawyer Knows What You Are Going Through With Your Burn Injury
From the University of Rochester Medical Center, burn injuries are classified into four main degrees, each with its distinct challenges:
- First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and pain. They usually heal without long-term damage but can be uncomfortable.
- Second-Degree Burns: Damage extends beyond the top layer of skin, leading to blistering, severe pain, and risk of infection.
- Third-Degree Burns: Reach the fat layer beneath the skin, destroying the affected area and possibly causing numbness due to nerve damage.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe, affecting muscles and bones, and often lead to permanent tissue damage or loss.
Each degree presents unique recovery challenges, from managing pain and preventing infection to surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation. Legal cases must consider the degree of the burn to accurately assess damages, including medical costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
The Cause of Your Burn Injury Will Help a Rutherfordton Burn Injury Lawyer Identify the At-Fault Party
Obviously, burns are the result of direct contact with a source of heat, but they can stem from a range of scenarios, each presenting unique challenges for victims and requiring immediate care:
- Chemical exposures: Injuries from acidic or alkaline substances can deeply penetrate the skin, necessitating specialized treatment.
- Electrical burns: Contact with live electrical wires or equipment can cause both external and internal injuries.
- Auto Accidents: Fuel igniting and gas explosions are rare in car accidents, but the possibility still exists for car accident victims.
- Workplace accidents: High-risk industries are prone to accidents that can lead to severe burns, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.
Knowing the cause of your burn injuries helps our attorneys identify the party at fault for your injuries. It also allows us to tailor a legal strategy to support you effectively in your recovery and compensation claim.
Your Legal Rights and Options in a Burn Injury Case
As a burn injury victim in an accident caused by another’s negligence, you have the legal right to compensation. Your compensation should cover your physical recovery. It should also cover your financial recovery and more. With the help of our Rutherfordton burn injuries lawyers, we can make sure you are demanding compensation to cover all of your losses.
The types of damages you could claim include the following:
- Compensation for medical bills: Victims are entitled to seek compensation for both current and future medical expenses related to their burn injuries. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and any rehabilitative therapy.
- Compensation for lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This also covers future earning potential if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Compensation for pain and suffering: Beyond the tangible costs, victims can also seek damages for their pain and suffering. This acknowledges the emotional and physical pain endured due to the injury.
In North Carolina, it’s essential to act within the statute of limitations. Per N.C. Gen. Stat. §1-52, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to act on your burn injury case before that deadline expires could result in your case being dismissed. It could also affect your chances of receiving fair compensation.
The earlier you contact us, the sooner we can get started building your claim and preserving your rights.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today for a free case evaluation.
Proving Negligence in Burn Injury Cases
In personal injury law, negligence plays a critical role in determining liability and your right to compensation. Establishing negligence is about proving that the responsible party failed to act with the care expected under the circumstances, directly leading to the injury.
Our goal is to prove the four elements of negligence in your burn injury case:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act in a manner that prevents harm.
- Breach: The defendant failed to meet this duty through action or inaction.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the injury to you.
- Damages: You suffered quantifiable harm as a result.
Successfully proving these elements can help us secure compensation for you.
Building Your Case With the Evidence a Rutherfordton Burn Injury Lawyer Collects
As your burn injury lawyer, we are committed to building a strong case on your behalf, guiding you through every step of the legal process. Here’s how we approach building your case:
- Evaluating your case: We would begin by thoroughly assessing the details of your incident to understand the extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.
- Investigating your accident: We investigate the cause of the accident to identify the liable party and determine a fair settlement value of your losses.
- Legal strategy development: We then create a legal strategy that aligns with the specifics of your case, focusing on maximizing your compensation.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle all communications and negotiations, aiming to secure a fair settlement without the need for a trial.
- Litigation: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court, advocating on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
During our investigation, our catastrophic injury lawyers will collect the following evidence to prove negligence:
- Medical records: Documenting the severity of your burn injuries and the treatment required, both immediate and long-term.
- Accident reports: Reviewing any official records of the incident, such as a police report.
- Witness statements: Gathering accounts from witnesses who can corroborate how the incident occurred and the negligence involved.
- Photos and videos: Collecting visual evidence of the scene, your injuries, and any factors contributing to the accident.
- Pay stubs: Showing the financial loss you suffered as you recovered from your injuries.
- Expert testimonies: Consulting with medical experts, safety professionals, and forensic analysts to support claims of negligence and its impact on your life.
By compiling evidence and crafting a personalized legal approach, our goal is to protect your right to compensation that covers your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your recovery is our priority.
Call For a Free Review of Your Rutherfordton Burn Injuries Case
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today and speak with our legal team. We can review your case for free. Our Rutherfordton burn injuries lawyers work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win. There’s no risk to you.