Each year in the United States, almost 500,000 people suffer burn injuries which require medical treatment, with about 40,000 cases resulting in hospitalization, according to the American Burn Association. The vast majority of burns aren’t fatal, but those who suffer burns must spend weeks, months, and even years recovering. Additionally, victims might suffer from excessive pain and require one or more surgeries to deal with permanent scars.
If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury, Wisconsin law entitles you to seek compensation for damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party as long as you take legal action within the statute of limitation period which applies to your case. You deserve compensation for the excruciating pain and scarring which often accompanies burn injuries, when another party’s negligence causes your injury. Contact the skilled Milwaukee burn injury lawyers at Groth Law Firm at (855) 434-5526 for a free case evaluation to discuss your burn injury and learn how we can assist you during this challenging time.
Groth Law Firm’s Dedication to Burn Victims
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Groth Law Firm remain committed to providing a high level of service to those they represent. In addition to seeking justice for their clients, the legal team at Groth Law Firm prides themselves on holding negligent parties liable for their actions.
The attorneys at Groth have ample experience with negotiating, settling, and litigating a wide variety of personal injury claims, including those made by burn injury victims. The firm’s vast experience and continued dedication to advocacy have resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars in damages for clients.
This does not guarantee results for any particular case, but the award-winning legal team at Groth Law Firm will fight for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation for your case. We are empathetic to the struggles that come in the aftermath of a burn injury and want to help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and injury.
Common Scenarios Leading to Severe Burns
When burn victims receive medical care, they or those who accompany them, must be able to tell medical professionals the source of the burn. Each type of burn has different treatment options; and, improperly treating a burn might cause more damage. Sunlight, heat, radiation, chemicals, and electricity are the broad sources of all burns. More specific scenarios which might cause a burn, include:
- Hot liquids such as hot beverages, hot water in sinks, and hot water in bathtubs can scald the skin and cause severe burns.
- Fires that create a situation where people cannot escape can cause severe burns. This includes a house fire, a fire from a car crash, and wildfires.
- Flammable liquids such as gasoline, hydrogen, propane, kerosene, ammonia, can cause dangerous explosions and fires resulting in severe burns.
- Toxic chemicals such as bleach and battery acid can cause painful chemical burns when they come into contact with skin.
- Cancer treatment for patients who undergo radiation therapy risk painful burns caused by radiation.
- Electrocutions occur when live wires and outlets are left unprotected. These burns can be fatal, especially for children.
Burn Injury Levels
Some burns are worse than others. To appropriately treat burns, medical professionals evaluate the type of burn by assigning different degrees. Degrees of a burn are assigned by assessing the extent to which a burn penetrates the body. You likely have heard the terms first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, but you might not know what makes each different. Here is a guide to each degree of burn injuries:
- First-degree burns. These are minor burns which only cause damage to the epidermis, your outer layer of skin. First-degree burns typically heal quickly with basic first aid. Unless a large portion of your body has a first-degree burn, it’s unlikely you need to seek medical treatment.
- Second-degree burns. This higher level of burn extends into the next layer of skin, the dermis. Second-degree burns require extra time to heal and sometimes a skin graft. Doctors choose a treatment approach for second-degree burn based on how much of the body is burned and the source of the burn.
- Third-degree burns. These severe burns extend through all the layers of skin. Recovery always requires skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Third-degree burn victims need to be hospitalized to treat the excessive amounts of pain they feel until they are well into recovery.
- Catastrophic burn injuries. These burns, sometimes separated into fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-degree burns, permeate all layers of skin, and through layers of fat and muscle. In severe cases, a burn might expose the skeletal system. Catastrophic burn victims typically go into shock if they are lucky enough to live. The pain is so severe, doctors often put victims in a coma until they have completed skin grafts and had extensive recovery.
Recovering Damages After a Burn Injury
If a court rules in your favor or you settle before trial, you might receive compensation for the following damages related to your burn injury:
- Medical expenses including ambulance ride, emergency department visit, hospitalization, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, radiology, diagnostic scans, and pain medication
- Future medical treatment when severe burns require multiple surgeries and extended time for recovery
- Lost wages for missing work due to injury and hospitalization
- Future lost wages when a severe burn injury prevents a victim from returning to gainful employment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium with a spouse
- Scarring and disfigurement
Groth Law Firm Provides Needed Legal Help to Burn Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury as a result of another party’s carelessness, you deserve compensation for your pain and injury. If your injury was recent, you are likely still healing, and may even need additional procedures. Contact Groth Law Firm online or at (414) 455-6981 for a free consultation to discuss the details of your burn injury and your prognosis. Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers are empathetic to your pain and want to help you hold liable parties accountable.