Burn injuries have the potential to be devastating events with life-altering implications. A burn victim can experience severe pain, require months of treatment, and accumulate extensive medical bills. Loss of physical abilities can also prevent a burn victim from being able to earn an income or partake in everyday activities and routines.
You may need a Pahrump personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered burns due to someone else’s negligent behavior. Burns can have long-term effects, and you shouldn’t have to worry about medical expenses during treatment. Our experienced team is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve when you need a Pahrump burn injury lawyer.
Types of Burn Injuries and Their Causes
Burn injuries affect thousands of people every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hospitals see an estimated 404,000 burn admissions annually. Additionally, the American Burn Association (ABA) reports that fires are among the primary factors in unintentional injuries and death each year.
While burns from fire may be the first to come to mind, burn injuries can occur from other sources as well. Structural fires are still the most common cause of burn injuries, but car accidents and faulty equipment also play a key role in causing harm. The most common types of burn injuries are:
- Thermal: External contact with heat that damages cells and tissues.
- Radiation: Occurs after prolonged exposure to radiation and ultraviolet rays, including the sun and X-rays.
- Electrical: Contact with electrical currents. Can be either alternating or direct currents.
- Chemical: Contact with acids, solvents, and other highly corrosive chemicals.
Common Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can range considerably in symptoms and severity. Pain, swelling, skin, and nerve damage are all possible from exposure to excessive heat. According to the ABA’s burn incidence fact sheet, the most common burn center admissions are due to:
- Fire and/or flame (40%)
- Scalding (32%)
- Contact (10%)
- Other (9%)
- Electrical (3%)
- Chemical (3%)
Degrees of Burn Injuries
Burns are categorized into three levels: first, second, and third. With each tier, the severity and the extent of damage increases significantly. Each degree of burn can be identified by its symptoms.
- First-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and tend to be more superficial in nature. This burn is associated with redness and pain without blistering.
- Second-degree burns go deeper and affect both the epidermis and the second layer of skin (dermis). This level of burn is more painful and is accompanied by blistering, swelling redness, and skin discoloration.
- Third-degree burns are the most severe. These burns go all the way down to the skin’s fat layer and can even damage muscles, tendons, and sometimes bone. This type of burn is associated with skin discoloration, leathery skin, and lack of feeling due to nerve damage.
What You Should Do if You Are Burned
If you are burned, it is vital to seek immediate treatment. Minor burns can generally be treated with first-aid, but major burns require medical attention due to their severity. Whether you’ve suffered a minor burn or a major one, the Mayo Clinic recommends taking the following actions right away:
- For minor burns, apply cool water or a cool cloth to the burned area and remove any objects before swelling sets in. Use lotion to keep the wound from drying out, and apply bandages to keep the area clean. Take pain relievers as needed to manage the pain.
- For major burns, seek emergency medical care immediately. In the interim, loosely cover the wound to keep it clean and elevate it above the heart, if possible. Severe burns are more likely to require surgery or long-term treatment.
Advantages of Working with a Burn Injury Lawyer
Working with a burn injury lawyer in Pahrump can provide you with invaluable support and assistance during a difficult time. A lawyer will help you receive compensation to mitigate medical expenses and damages by investigating the details of the event. The law firm you hire will also work to establish negligence, per Nevada laws.
Additionally, the level of your injuries, financial burden, and actions of the negligent party are all taken into account when making a claim. With all of these factors in mind, a lawyer will develop a strategy to maximize the amount of damages you are entitled to receive. Medical bills for burn injuries can be very expensive, and you shouldn’t have to cover them all out of pocket.
Establishing Negligence in Nevada
To seek damages for losses suffered, negligence must first be determined. Establishing negligence in Nevada is comprised of three parts:
- The responsible party had a duty to prevent harm
- The responsible party failed in their duty and caused injury
- The injured party is eligible to receive compensation for the injuries and damages that were inflicted
These three components form the basis of all personal injury lawsuits in Nevada. Once established, a Pahrump burn injury attorney can draw up a settlement or lawsuit for your case. By retaining representation, you can alleviate stress so you can focus on recovery.
Comparative Fault Laws in Nevada
Nevada is considered a comparative fault state, meaning that the level of causation is measured to determine who is entitled to receive damages. Whichever party bears the most fault will not receive compensation. The amount the at-fault party is required to pay in damages correlates to their degree of fault.
Let a Burn Injury Lawyer in Pahrump Help Today
At H&P Law, we are dedicated to helping you or your loved one through this difficult time and getting you the compensation you deserve. All of our lawyers are personable and give each client our full attention. Working with one of our Pahrump burn injury lawyers can also help expedite your claim.
Reach out to our team today for a free consultation if you need a burn injury attorney in Pahrump. We will answer your questions, discuss your options, and leave you with some peace of mind. Let our team of experienced lawyers support you and handle your claim.
