Despite the fact that burns are unfortunately common, they are often considered one of the most painful injuries to endure. As such, if you have sustained a burn due to the negligent actions of another person, understanding your legal options is critical. Unfortunately, many assume that these injuries are just unfortunate incidents, and do not recover the compensation they are entitled to. As such, if you have sustained a burn injury due to the actions of another, the following blog explores the steps you should take following the injury and the importance of working with a San Angelo, Texas burn injuries lawyer to fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Are There Different Types of Burns?
It’s imperative to understand that there are different forms of burn injuries you can endure. These include the following:
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Friction burns
- Radiation burns
- Scalding burns
- Thermal burns
Burns can also come in various degrees based on their severity. This includes first-degree burns, which are often the most mild. These can typically be treated at home and can heal on their own. However, second- and third-degree burns require medical attention as these are more severe. Third-degree burns are the most serious, penetrating all layers of skin and even potentially the tissue and bone. Third-degree burns penetrate the layers of skin so deeply that they destroy the nerve endings.
You should note that burns can be incredibly severe. These injuries can result in infections, shock, scarring, contractures, organ damage, organ failure, hypothermia, limb loss, and even death.
What Should I Do if I Suffer a Burn Injury?
In the event you suffer a burn injury due to the negligent actions of another person, understanding your legal options is critical. Generally, the most important thing to do is seek immediate medical attention for the injuries you’ve sustained. Until you can obtain care, you should run the burn under cool, running water and keep it as clean as possible.
You should also document as much of the incident as possible, including taking photos of the burn you’ve sustained and the circumstances that caused it. This can include photos of unsafe flooring in restaurants, inadequate warnings on to-go containers, or exposed and frayed wires left exposed. If any witnesses were present at the time of the injury, you should also obtain their contact information as they can help provide testimony and to help corroborate your story.
As you can see, sustaining a burn injury due to the negligent actions of another person can be incredibly overwhelming. Navigating the healing process while also pursuing a claim against the negligent party can often be too much to handle. That is why working with an experienced personal injury attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC is in your best interest. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to learn more.
