Burns are some of the most serious injuries a person can face and, depending on the severity, can significantly diminish the quality of one’s life. Thankfully, if someone else’s carelessness caused a burn injury, you have the legal right to pursue a civil claim and recover damages for your losses.
After suffering this type of severe injury, legal work is likely the last thing on your mind. An experienced Tacoma personal injury lawyer could take the work off your hands while you focus on rest and recovery. If you need help with a claim, call today to schedule a meeting with a dedicated catastrophic injury lawyer.
Different Types of Burn Injuries
While all burn injuries are painful, there are various degrees of severity. An injured party could treat some burns at home, but most will require medical attention.
First-Degree Burn
The medical field refers to this type of burn as a superficial burn. A scald of this type would be red and painful, but it usually does not require medical care or affect more than one layer of skin.
Second-Degree Burn
Second-degree burns cause more damage to the tissue and impact the first and second layers of skin. A burn would appear red and blistered and be painful, but it will not require care from a healthcare provider unless it covers a large portion of the body.
Third-Degree Burn
Third-degree burns are severe injuries that destroy tissue, including the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. This degree of burn also commonly damages nearby bones, tendons, and muscles. When a person suffers a third-degree burn injury, they must seek medical attention immediately.
Fourth-Degree Burn
A medical provider may classify an injury as a fourth-degree burn in the worst burn cases. They are the most severe and life-threatening burn injuries a person could suffer.
Regardless of the type of burn a plaintiff experienced, a seasoned Tacoma lawyer could assess their case and help with the process of filing a claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Recovering Compensation After Burn Injuries
When a plaintiff suffers severe burn injuries because of the reckless behavior of a defendant, they could be eligible to recover damages for:
- Past, current, and future medical bills and expenses for ongoing care
- Loss of income and future earning potential
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental pain and anguish
A compassionate lawyer in Tacoma could help collect the evidence needed to establish liability and recover the maximum award in a burn injury case.
The Statute of Limitations for Burn Lawsuits
After a person’s negligent actions cause an accident and injuries, there is a court-enforced time limit, or statute of limitations, for an injured party to file a lawsuit with a civil court. According to the Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080, a plaintiff in a burn injury case must file a claim within three years of the cause of action. Failure to begin legal action before a statute expires could mean losing eligibility to collect financial compensation for losses and setbacks.
Tacoma Burn InjuryLawyer Near Me 206-558-5555
Call a Seasoned Tacoma Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If a person’s negligent actions caused you or someone you love to suffer severe burns, an experienced Tacoma burn injury lawyer could help you recover compensation for damages sustained. The civil court process is complex, and a skilled legal professional could help you get the payments you need to keep your life on track.
Call today to schedule a consultation if you need help holding a negligent party accountable and collecting monetary damages. Reach out soon to avoid any issues with the statute of limitations.
We Are committed to winning and winning big for our clients