Suffering a burn injury can be a traumatic and extremely painful experience, affecting not only your body but also your day-to-day life. Whether your injury was caused by an accident at work, a car crash, or a faulty product, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. You may be facing medical bills, time off work, and lasting scars, both physical and emotional.
The challenges and losses caused by burn injuries can be immense, which is why victims who were burned due to someone else’s negligence should consider speaking with an attorney about filing a claim for compensation. Our attorneys are here to evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and options. If you are looking for all-around support with your burn injury claim, you need a burn injury lawyer from Simeone & Miller, LLP.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen in many different situations, and they often occur when you least expect it. These injuries are not limited to fire alone; burns can result from a variety of accidents and hazards. Common causes of burn injuries include:
- Car accidents – Fires or explosions can occur during serious collisions.
- Defective products – Faulty electrical devices, kitchen appliances, or heaters can cause burns.
- Workplace accidents – Employees in construction, manufacturing, or food services are often at risk of burns from equipment or hazardous materials.
- Electrical burns or electrocution – Contact with live wires, faulty electrical systems, or improperly grounded equipment can cause serious burns and life-threatening injuries.
- Chemical exposure – Contact with dangerous chemicals can lead to severe chemical burns.
- Scalding – Hot liquids, steam, or water can cause serious burns, especially to children and the elderly.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified based on their severity, and understanding the type of burn you’ve suffered can help guide your treatment and recovery. The main types of burn injuries include:
- First-degree burns – These affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and usually cause redness, minor pain, and swelling. They typically heal quickly with basic care.
- Second-degree burns – These penetrate deeper, affecting both the outer and underlying layers of skin. They may cause blisters, severe pain, and potential scarring.
- Third-degree burns – The most severe, these burns destroy the skin and can damage nerves, muscles, and bones. Treatment often requires skin grafts or surgery and can lead to permanent disfigurement.
Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries
The long-term effects of burn injuries can be far-reaching, impacting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being. Severe burns often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can lead to a loss of mobility or function in affected areas. Nerve damage is another common issue, leaving you with chronic pain or numbness. Beyond the physical challenges, the emotional toll of a burn injury can be significant, as many people experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Recovery may require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and mental health support, making it important to account for these lasting effects when seeking compensation.
Pursuing Compensation for Burn Injuries in Washington, D.C.
If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation through a burn injury lawsuit. This legal action allows you to recover damages for the physical, emotional, and financial toll the injury has taken on your life. Compensation can cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Additionally, if your burn injury leads to long-term care or affects your ability to work, you can seek damages for future expenses.
Even if you know a burn was not your fault, it may be difficult to establish who was responsible for the injury. Our firm’s experienced legal investigators can examine your case to determine where the fault lies. Burn injury cases are often filed against parties that were not even present at the time of the accident, such as:
- An electronics manufacturer that released an unsafe line of devices
- The owner of a property that is not up to fire code
- A maintenance technician who failed to install an appliance properly
- A semi-truck designer who put the gas tank in a place that left it vulnerable in an accident
- The distributor of a harsh household cleaner that did not include proper safety warnings
Burn accident claims are unique because they are often filed against unaware third parties. Lacking knowledge of an accident is not an excuse, however. Anyone whose actions contributed to the tragic accident should be held accountable.
How We Can Help
We understand that dealing with an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, and the idea of bringing someone else into the process might make you hesitant. However, our fire injury attorneys can make things easier by handling every aspect of your insurance claim—from submitting paperwork and preserving evidence to fielding phone calls. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, allowing you to decide how much involvement you want.
Our burn injury lawyers are also skilled negotiators, ready to maximize your settlement. If necessary, we’ll take your case to court to ensure you receive a fair outcome. Whether through negotiations or litigation, we are committed to getting you the results you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Washington, D.C. Burn Injury Lawyers Today
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we understand how overwhelming a burn injury can be, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.
Simeone & Miller, LLP is based in Washington, D.C., and also provides legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.