Trenton Burn Injury Lawyer
According to victims, severe burns are among the most damaging, painful, and debilitating injuries you can sustain. They occur when skin or other tissues suffer damage from heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.
If someone else’s careless actions cause you harm, a Trenton burn injury lawyer from our firm can outline your options for securing compensation. In a consultation, our compassionate catastrophic injury attorneys can offer you guidance that helps you decide how you want to proceed.
What Are the Levels of Severity?
Medical professionals determine burn severity using a combination of the depth, or degree of the wound, the extent, or percentage surface area of the body affected, and the location.
First-degree burns, often called superficial burns, only affect the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin. They are red and painful, but they typically do not blister, and you can treat them at home with a first aid kit. Second-degree burns are deeper, damaging the epidermis and dermis layers of skin and leading to swelling, severe pain, and blisters.
Most Severe
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns are severe and require immediate medical care. Third-degree burns, also known as full-thickness or deeper burns, destroy the skin and often damage the nerves and muscle beneath, resulting in a white, leathery appearance and numbness.
Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and extend to muscles, tendons, and bones. They typically appear charred, black, or leathery, and may be white. Our Trenton attorneys can review your case, the details of the incident and your burn injuries, and help determine the most effective way to win a fair settlement.
Causes of Burn Injuries
Thermal sources, such as fire, explosions, hot liquids, steam, and scalding objects, are the most common causes of severe, life-threatening burns. Electrical burns can be caused by direct contact with live electrical sources, such as faulty wiring, downed power lines, or high-voltage equipment. Exposure to acids, alkalis, and gasoline can cause chemical burns.
If a motorcycle or bicycle accident causes someone’s skin to scrape against a rough surface, they can sustain painful, debilitating friction burns, called road rash. Children, older adults, and those working with flames and chemicals, whether at home or at work, are at the highest risk.
Legal Action After a Burn Accident
You may pursue a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for severe and debilitating burns, scarring, and disfigurement that happened because of someone else’s negligence. Proving liability and securing damages requires first demonstrating that the person responsible owed you a duty of care, such as following traffic laws or maintaining safe property. You must then prove that they breached their duty, and the violation directly caused your injuries.
The guidelines of the New Jersey Statute § 2A:14-1 require you to file suit within two years of the date of your accident. It allows extensions for children and those with mental disabilities, but missing the deadline usually means losing eligibility to obtain a settlement.
Recoverable Damages
Settlements in personal injury lawsuits vary substantially and depend on the case specifics. A court will typically compensate for:
- Current and ongoing medical care, including all expenses related to your injury
- Lost pay
- Decreased earning potential
- Emotional and psychological distress
- Pain and suffering
Our Trenton attorneys can help you navigate the challenging process of a burn injury claim, protect your interests, and ensure compliance with state laws.
Schedule a Consultation With a Burn Injury Attorney in Trenton
Severe burns are among the most catastrophic injuries, often leaving victims with chronic pain, permanent scarring, and disfigurement. When you suffer harm because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold them legally and financially accountable.
A Trenton burn injury lawyer from our firm can ensure you comply with state laws and meet the filing deadline. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
