Burns are a common occurrence, with at least 10 million individuals suffering some type of burn wounds each year. In some cases, burn injuries need medical attention to prevent further health risks and suffering.
The American Burn Association reports that at least 1 out of 10,000 individuals are rushed to the hospital for burns annually. The most common causes of burn injuries include accidents, product defects, and unsafe home or workplace conditions. Since treating burn wounds is specialized care, it can be expensive, leading victims to seek legal remedies to cover the bills. A burn victim confined to the hospital for at least eight days can rack up expenses, reaching $24,000.
Liability in a burn injury case
Anyone can be held liable for causing burn injuries. Victims can sue an individual or a company for negligence. Either for their actions or inaction to address potential fire hazards that resulted in burn trauma. They can be:
- Employers: When they fail to set up basic fire precautions in their workplaces, such as having the right fire escape design.
- Property owners/landlords: When their houses do not pass fire safety checks or fail to address existing fire hazards.
- Manufacturers: When they sell defective or malfunctioning products that can cause burns.
- Vehicle rental owners: When their vehicles are involved in accidents that cause serious burn injuries.
- Establishments: Failure to adhere to safety guidelines lead to burn injuries.
Compensation you could get in a burn injury case
In a burn injury case, victims can seek compensation for the inconvenience they experienced. They can claim compensation for economic or non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses: These refer to costs for treating burns. It may also apply to admissions, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Physical and emotional damages: Victims can get financial compensation due to the physical and emotional pain caused by the burn injury.
- Lost wages: Workers who sustained severe burns while in the line of duty can get compensation for income losses.
- Permanent physical disfigurement: This means people who suffer scars, amputations, and facial injuries can get compensated.
- Diminished quality of life: Inability to engage in activities you once loved.
The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Can Help You
The road to recovery from severe burns can be not only painful but also financially overwhelming. This is why some victims seek other solutions, like taking legal action, to cover their bills. However, navigating the complex legal system can be intimidating. You must dedicate time, resources, and energy to ensuring you have an airtight case for burn injury claims. This is why seeking the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney like Sean M. Cleary is vital. Sean and his team can help you take the proper steps and provide you with assurance and peace of mind. If you or someone you know has suffered from severe burn injuries, contact The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary.