Severe burn injuries can happen in countless circumstances. From industrial accidents to motor vehicle collisions, these burns could leave you with physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime. When a burn injury results from an act of negligence, a skilled catastrophic injury attorney might be able to help.
If you were burned through no fault of your own, compensation could be available. Instead of attempting to resolve your case on your own, consider discussing your options with an experienced Tacoma burn injury lawyer.
The Nature of Burn Injuries
No two burn injuries are exactly alike. Some burns are minor, leaving little more than pain and redness for a day or two. Not all burns will resolve themselves on their own, however. Severe burns could result in severe scarring, chronic pain, and even death. A determined Tacoma attorney could help pursue compensation for these serious burn injuries.
Medical professionals categorize burns by degrees. In total, there are four degrees of burns, with a first-degree burn being minor and a fourth-degree burn being life-threatening.
First-Degree
First-degree burns are largely superficial. They can result in pain and redness on the outermost layer of skin, but they will heal on their own. The pain is treatable with over-the-counter creams.
Second-Degree
Second-degree burns typically penetrate beyond the outer layer of the skin. While not life-threatening, they do often require medical treatment. These burns can result in blistering and scars.
Third-Degree
Third-degree burns are serious injuries that can destroy entire layers of skin. They can leave the skin charred and must be treated immediately. This type of burn is often deep enough to destroy the nerve endings beneath the skin.
Fourth-Degree
The most severe and life-threatening type of burn injury is the fourth-degree burn. These injuries do more than just destroy layers of skin. The damage is so deep that they reach muscle and bone as well.
How a Legal Professional in Tacoma Could Help
There are countless ways a burn injury lawyer in Tacoma could help with a civil lawsuit. Their guidance could be invaluable from the early stages of the case until the final moments of the trial.
An attorney’s work begins long before a lawsuit is filed. A diligent lawyer could review the facts surrounding the accident in an effort to identify who was responsible for a burn injury. If they determine negligence played a part, it could result in a monetary award.
Legal professionals can also handle every aspect of a burn injury lawsuit. This includes ensuring it is filed in time. There is a deadline commonly known as the statute of limitations that applies to every case, and a proactive attorney could ensure it is complied with.
It is also helpful to have legal counsel during settlement negotiations. Burn injury cases often settle, but that does not mean securing fair compensation will be easy. The right attorney could assist with shaking loose a fair settlement offer.
Finally, the most important time to have support is during a trial. Litigating a case without legal counsel is risky, and a single mistake could result in dismissal.
Call a Tacoma Burn Injury Attorney Right Away
If you are living with the consequences of a severe burn, you might be entitled to financial recovery. Holding the negligent party accountable for these burns can be difficult on your own, but a dedicated attorney could make all the difference.
Let a Tacoma burn injury lawyer assist you with your claim. Call today to learn more.