Burn Injury Lawyers in New York City

Types of Fire and Burn Injuries

The majority of US burn injuries occur at home as a result of accidents. However, every year, many people also suffer burns as a result of others’ negligence. The most common examples include:

• Burns from defective products such as heaters, microwaves, toasters, and electronics that use lithium-ion batteries
• Work-related burn injuries, which typically occur in the gas and oil, janitorial, food service, welding, chemical manufacturing, and construction industries
• Burns from accidents, such as car accidents

If any of these situations apply, the best thing to do is to request a consultation with a burn injury lawyer in New York as soon as possible. There may be legal options you can take to hold those who caused the injuries responsible for their negligence.

Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries

Medical professionals consider two things when determining the severity of a burn injury: how much of the person’s body was affected, and how deep the burn was.

The most common complication from second-and third-degree burns is an infection, which occurs when bacteria enter the wound. If the infection enters the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis.

Experts recommend getting treatment immediately for any burn injury affecting a sensitive area like the feet, face, or groin. Frankly, any type of burn injury should be consulted by a doctor to determine how severe the burn is.

First Degree Burn Injuries

First-degree burns only affect the top layer of skin and can typically be healed at home without the need for treatment because they rarely scar or get infected.

Second Degree Burn Injuries

Second-degree burns look red and blistered because they affect the top two layers of skin. However, the skin typically grows back on its own, often with the help of topical ointments. Medical treatments may still be necessary if complications arise.

Third Degree Burn Injuries

Third-degree burns reach past a person’s two layers of skin and deeper into other tissues. They do not heal properly on their own and require surgical treatment, often including skin grafts.

Fourth Degree Burn Injuries

Fourth-degree burns destroy skin, fat, and nerves and can even reach a victim’s muscles and bones. They are often painless because the nerves have been destroyed, but fourth-degree burns require extensive medical care and may leave victims with permanent damage.

Compensation from Burn Injury Lawsuits

When burn injuries are caused by another party’s negligence, then compensation may be available. Such instances include a driver who causes a car accident, the manufacturer of a defective product, or an employer who does not take adequate measures to ensure job site safety.

This compensation can help burn victims focus on recovery instead of figuring out how to pay for medical care and support their families. It can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Emotional damage

How a New York Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve suffered a burn injury, seeking legal representation should always be a top priority. Once you’ve gotten the necessary medical care, get in touch with an NYC burn injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to use the details of your injury to get compensation for your injuries and fight to bring justice to the negligent party.