A burn injury is defined as skin or deep tissue damage caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, sun, or radiation. Depending on the severity of the burn, an injured party may require costly medical treatments and extensive time away from work to recover. When someone else’s negligence has caused your burn injury, it is important to know that you have legal options.
Because burn cases present complex causation and multi-party liability issues, it is wise to discuss your claim with a seasoned Auburn burn injury lawyer. The catastrophic injury attorneys of Gideon Asen, LLC will pursue every avenue to secure the compensation you deserve for your losses. Allow us to handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on making your best recovery. Call today to get started.
Determining the Cause of Burn Injuries
Every year in the United States, over 1.1 million people suffer burn injuries and seek medical treatment. While not every burn injury is caused by negligence, victims who suffer a burn because of another person’s carelessness have the right to pursue compensation for their losses.
Burn injuries fall into three categories: first, second, and third-degree. First-degree burns damage the skin’s outermost layer. Second-degree burns are more severe and can affect several layers of tissue. Third-degree burns are the most serious, destroying deep tissues and often leading to nerve damage or death.
Serious complications can arise from burn injuries, so victims must seek medical treatment immediately. Burns can become infected if not treated properly, and conditions like sepsis can be life-threatening. Injuries of this nature can cause serious scaring or disfigurement, and smoke inhalation can lead to respiratory conditions. In addition to physical complications, burns can also lead to lasting emotional and mental trauma.
Burn injury victims should not have to shoulder the financial burdens of an injury that was not their fault. An Auburn attorney can help determine liability for a burn injury and spearhead legal action against those responsible.
Legal Action for Burn Injury Victims
Burn victims, or family members of deceased burn victims, may be eligible to file an insurance claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or a wrongful death action if another person or entity’s negligence contributed to the injuries. Victims could recover the costs of past and future medical care, lost income or earning potential, pain and suffering, or emotional damage. Unfortunately, many burn victims do not speak to a legal professional as they do not realize they have a viable claim for damages. If another party’s negligence played a role in the burn incident, it is worth consulting an Auburn attorney to determine if compensation is available.
In a burn injury case, it is essential to determine who is responsible for the incident. In some instances, multiple parties may be liable; for example, a product manufacturer and retailer could both be held accountable for a negligently designed product that causes burn injuries. When there is multi-party liability, Maine law allows victims to recover compensation so long as their responsibility for the incident is less than 50 percent.
An Auburn Burn Injury Attorney Can Represent You
In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is six years from the date of the accident. While this filing deadline is more generous than that of many other states, speaking to an Auburn burn injury lawyer as soon as possible is essential to build a strong case.
When someone else’s reckless actions have hurt you, Gideon Asen, LLC is the call to make. Our committed attorneys will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Call today to discuss your unique situation with a compassionate legal advocate.