Helping Burn Injury Victims
Burn injuries are among the most painful and disabling injuries a person can experience. Suffering a severe burn injury is a traumatizing event that can impact you mentally and physically. In addition to the immense pain, some burn victims also must deal with blistering, swelling, scarring, infections, and even the need for skin grafts. This is an injury that is so outwardly visible that many victims are forced to confront it in the mirror every morning — a painful reminder of the accident that changed their life.
Burns can happen for a variety of reasons, but if they happen in an accident that was caused by someone else's negligence or reckless behavior, you need to take action. The Hopkins Law Firm has a legal team with years of experience dealing in personal injury cases. They will make sure you are covered for your damages.
Read on to find out more about how they can help you protect your rights.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Unfortunately, burns can happen in a variety of circumstances. Many burns may heal on their own, but some require medical attention and extensive treatment.
Though burns can be the result of numerous different accidents and situations, there are several common circumstances in which another person is likely responsible for the burn, including:
- Explosion accidents
- Chemical burns
- Fires
- Industrial accidents
When you or a loved one suffers from a burn injury due to these or other situations in which another person was negligent, considering filing a personal injury claim to pursue the justice and compensation you need.
These hazards can appear at home, at work, or even somewhere that you least expect. The bottom line, however, is that most burn injuries are preventable and are often caused because of another person's negligence. Even if it was a complete accident, it still may be that the financial burden of your injury not fall completely on your shoulders.
What are the Types of Burn Injuries?
In addition to the different types of burns, there are also different categorizations which denote a burn's severity. These categorizations are classified as such:
- First Degree – The mildest burns are first degree burns. They affect the top layer of skin and typically heal on their own within a week.
- Second Degree – Second-degree burns affect the top layer of skin called the epidermis and the layer directly beneath it called the dermis. Some symptoms may include acute pain and blistering. It's best to consult with a doctor if you think that you have a second-degree burn
- Third Degree – Third-degree burns are serious. Seek medical attention. Third-degree burns affect the skin and the tissue beneath it.
Very rarely, victims may experience fourth, fifth, and even sixth degree burns.
What Compensation Can I Get in a Burn Injury Case?
Burn victims are allowed compensation for “damages” in South Carolina. Some losses are obvious, such as past medical expenses and lost income. Likewise, some of the harms caused by a burn accident are undeniable. Take for instance scars or discoloration. However, South Carolina law requires that injured people also be allowed compensation for less obvious, though equally detrimental, losses.
Therefore, you may receive compensation for all future medical costs, decreased earning potential, mental anguish, and a number of other hardships, such as the pain of going through a painful skin graft operation or the possibility of permanent disfigurement. All of this should be taken into consideration when calculating the damages in your South Carolina burn injury case. Anything less than fair and full compensation violates South Carolina law and should not be accepted.
Contact a South Carolina Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you are suffering from a burn injury in South Carolina, whether you live in Charleston, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, or any other part of our state, the Hopkins Law Firm is here to help. If you have suffered burn injuries because of another person's recklessness or negligence, Clay Hopkins might be able to help you pursue the justice you are seeking. We have many years of experience helping victims of these types of injuries get the financial compensation they deserve and may be able to do the same for you.
We serve the entire state of South Carolina, but routinely handle cases in Andrews, Beaufort, Conway, Charleston, Georgetown, Goose Creek, Hanahan, James Island, Johns Island, Kingstree, Ladson, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Summerville, Surfside Beach, and Walterboro.
Call the Hopkins Law Firm at 843-314-4202 today for a free consultation or fill out an online contact form here.
