Burn injuries occur frequently, but for most people, they are minor and heal quickly. Unfortunately, severe burns can impact your livelihood and quality of life.
If you suffered a burn incident because of another’s negligence, our seasoned catastrophic injury attorneys are ready to fight for you with compassion and determination. You may be entitled to financial compensation, and our team could pursue legal avenues to secure the full recovery you deserve. Our Butler burn injury lawyer could review your case and guide you through each step of your legal options.
Burn injuries fall into four categories, known as degrees. These types of wounds are classified by severity, and understanding their differences could be invaluable as you pursue compensation. Our dedicated injury attorneys in Butler could represent you when negligence causes any of the following types of burns.
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, which is called the epidermis. These are the least severe of the four categories, causing redness, minor pain, and swelling. While painful, these burns usually heal within a few days without scarring.
Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. These burns are more serious, causing blistering, severe pain, and an increased risk of infection. Healing may require several weeks, and some second-degree burns result in permanent scarring.
Third-degree burns penetrate the full thickness of your skin and often harm nerve endings. The burned area may appear white, blackened, or leathery, with pain that may persist long after the injury. Because of the damage to nerve endings, these burns need immediate medical attention and long-term care.
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, devastating, and life-threatening. They extend beyond the skin and tissue, reaching muscle, tendon, and bone. These catastrophic injuries frequently result in permanent disability or death.
Even with a strong case for compensation, any delay could end your pursuit of justice. Every personal injury lawsuit must meet a legal deadline called the statute of limitations, and burn injury claims follow the same rule.
You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after suffering a severe burn. This two-year period begins on the day of your injury. Once the deadline passes, the opportunity to recover damages diminishes. The courts usually dismiss a case, with prejudice, if it is filed after the statute of limitations expires.
Certain exceptions may allow additional time to file a claim, but they apply only under limited circumstances. It is not advisable to assume that an exception will apply in your case. Our Butler burn injury attorney could help ensure compliance with every legal deadline and protect your right to seek full compensation.
If you are facing the aftermath of a severe burn, now is the time to evaluate your legal options. You might be entitled to a monetary award if you demonstrate that someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
Our firm is ready to aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. Before attempting to settle your case alone, contact our Butler burn injury lawyer to review your options, discuss your legal rights, and take action toward recovery.