Richmond Burn Injury Lawyer

Trusted Burn Injury Attorney in Richmond, VA

Burn injuries can be very serious, and some cause long-lasting damage and decreased quality of life. People who have suffered burn injuries because of the negligence or wrongful actions of another person have the legal right to pursue compensation. If you are in the Richmond area and you need to file a claim for a burn injury, reach out to a Richmond burn injury lawyer for help. 

About Brooks & Baez

At Brooks & Baez, we believe that people who are injured because of the actions or inaction of others deserve to seek the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience advocating for personal injury clients, and we are equipped to handle your case, no matter how complex. We are also a bilingual firm, serving both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. 

About Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are not rare occurrences. Globally, over 30,000 people each day sustain burns that are serious enough to warrant medical treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around 486,000 Americans receive medical treatment for burn injuries every year. Not all burns are the result of heat. There are actually five categories of burns. They are as follows: 

• Thermal burns. These are what most people think about when someone mentions burn injuries. Thermal burns are caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.
• Electrical burns. Electrical burns involve cell damage caused by electrical current passing through the body. These burns can also come with thermal damage because electricity produces heat. 
• Friction burns. Friction burns are caused by the heat that is generated when skin rubs or drags against another surface. 
• Radiation burns. Radiation causes cell damage, which appears as burns. 
• Chemical burns. Some chemicals, particularly strong acids, destroy skin cells, causing burn injuries. 

There are many ways a burn injury could be caused by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. A car accident victim may suffer burns if there is fire involved. Medical malpractice may result in radiation burns or chemical burns. Faulty wire installation may cause a house fire, injuring an occupant. 

However the burn happens, the consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Aside from the immediate pain and suffering associated with severe burns, they can also cause or contribute to the following more serious medical complications, among others: 

• Infections. Open skin is an entry point for bacteria, making burn victims susceptible to infections. Infections can, in turn, lead to sepsis. 
• Organ failure. In cases of severe burns causing systemic reactions in the body, a victim’s kidneys and liver may become overworked in an effort to filter toxins from the blood.
• Clotting. Burn injuries can lead to blood clots, which can cause deep vein thrombosis or embolisms. 
• Hypothermia. The skin is the body’s temperature regulator. When skin is destroyed, especially in cases involving widespread, full-thickness burns, a victim’s body may have trouble retaining enough heat. 

What Compensation Can a Burn Injury Victim Receive? 

Burn victims can generally receive compensation for the same damage categories as any other personal injury victim. These include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For severe injuries resulting in job loss or the need for long-term care, settlement packages should include compensation for projected expenses and lost wages. 

Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer

If you need to pursue compensation for a burn injury, it is advisable to hire a burn injury lawyer to help you from the very beginning, before you even file an initial insurance claim. Insurance companies have a tendency to deny or underpay claims in an effort to protect their financial interests. Sometimes, the simple act of communicating through an attorney can positively affect the outcome of a claim.

If your insurance claim is denied or underpaid, your lawyer can file a personal injury claim on your behalf and participate in negotiations with the insurance company or the party liable for your injury. If they are unable to reach a settlement and the case goes to trial, your lawyer can represent you in court, as well. 

FAQs

Is There a Time Limit to File a Burn Injury Claim in Virginia?

Yes, in Virginia, you usually have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim for compensation. This is called a statute of limitations, and it is established in Section 8.01-243 of the Code of Virginia. After this two-year window has passed, you can no longer seek compensation for the injury through the legal system. 

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Burn Injury Case?

There is no way to know for sure how long it will take to settle your burn injury case. No two personal injury cases are the same, and the length of time they take to resolve depends on the severity of the injuries, the complexity of the circumstances, and how willing the defendant is to reach a settlement. Some cases take a matter of months, while others go on for a year or more. 

Will My Burn Injury Case Go to Trial? 

It is very unlikely that your burn injury case will go to trial, but it is not impossible. The vast majority of personal injury claims, including those related to burn injuries, settle long before reaching a courtroom. Trial proceedings are expensive and time-consuming, so most defendants are very motivated to reach a settlement if a plaintiff has a legitimate case. 

What if I Need Long-Term Care Because of My Burn Injuries? 

If your burn injuries have affected your life so severely that you need long-term care, such as a home health nurse or even a skilled nursing facility, the medical expenses portion of your settlement should take this into account. The compensation should cover the money you have already spent, but it should also consider estimated future expenses.

Contact Brooks & Baez Today

The legal system can be complicated, and the process of seeking compensation for your burn injury in Richmond may seem daunting, but you do not have to do it alone. Experienced, confident legal counsel can make all the difference in a personal injury case. Contact Brooks & Baez today to find out how we can help you.