If you recently suffered a burn injury while at work or in an accident, and someone else’s negligence was a factor, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Indiana law allows alleged victims of negligence to sue the person or business responsible for their injuries. This means you may be able to file a legal claim for compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Do you have questions about filing your claim? Call a skilled attorney today to get started. A Marion county burn injury lawyer is eagerly waiting to assist you.
Burn Injury Facts
There are two different types of burn injuries: the primary burn itself, and any secondary injuries that result from the burn. There are also various degrees of burns. A first-degree burn is a least severe type and damages only the outermost layer of skin. A second-degree burn damages the middle layers of skin. And a third-degree burn damages all layers of skin and the surrounding nerves.
Secondary burn injuries or complications can be just as damaging as the burn itself, and may include:
- Esophageal damage
- Lung damage
- Other respiratory injury or illness
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Muscle or tissue damage
Causes of Burn Injuries
The majority of burn injuries are the result of coming into direct contact with a heat source, such as fire or hot metal. However, heat sources are not the only cause of these injuries. Chemical burns are also quite common, particularly in workplace injuries.
A chemical burn, like a heat source burn, can cause serious damage to the skin and surrounding tissues. Unlike a heat source burn, people can suffer chemical burns without direct contact to the source or just by inhaling the dangerous fumes, which can result in internal burns within the respiratory system. Other common causes of burns include:
- Radiation
- Boiling liquids
- Superheated steam
- Ultraviolet light
- Exposed electrical currents
Often, burns are the result of some sort of accident where a person encounters a heat source, a caustic chemical, or an electrical current. If a person’s burn injury is due to someone else’s negligence, they may be able to hold that party accountable with the help of an experienced Marion County burn injury lawyer.
For example, if a store patron is burned because of an improperly handled live wire, the property owner may be liable for their medical costs and other damages.
Medical Costs for Burn Injuries in Marion County
Most burn injuries require extensive medical treatment. While first-degree burns are the least serious type of burn, they can still cause a great deal of skin damage. Second- and third-degree burns can be debilitating, and in some cases, fatal. People who have suffered burn injuries may require specialist care, skin grafts, hospital stays, long-term medication, and occupational therapy during recovery. These treatments can be expensive, and even with insurance, the burn victim may end up facing high out-of-pocket costs.
A Marion County burn injury lawyer can help an injured person seek compensation for their medical bills. A person may also be able to pursue compensation for their lost income and emotional trauma.
Speak with a Marion County Burn Injury Attorney
If you believe someone else is to blame for your burn injury, call a Marion County burn injury lawyer. An injury lawyer can fight for justice for you in and out the courtroom, arguing for the compensation you need and deserve. To learn more, call a Marion County attorney today.