You may not think of burns as being a common injury from accidents, but statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that they are more common than you expect. Every year in the US, 1.1 million victims suffer burn injuries severe enough to require medical treatment, and around 50,000 them are hospitalized. While approximately 4,500 individuals succumb to their injuries, up to 10,000 people die because of infections associated with burns. Those who survive are often left with extreme scarring, especially when they require surgery or a series of skin grafting procedures.
If you suffered burn injuries in an accident that was not your fault, it is good to know that Virginia laws provide you with options for recovering compensation. Our lawyers at MichieHamlett Law Firm will tackle the legal challenges to ensure you get the monetary damages you deserve, so please contact our office to set up a free consultation. An attorney can explain your options, but some general information may also be useful.
How Burn Injuries Happen
Negligence is the reason victims suffer burns in accidents, but this term has a very exacting meaning in the practice of law. To recover compensation, you need to prove that the responsible party or entity caused the incident by breaching a legal duty of care. Burn injuries may occur because of:
- Car accidents;
- Truck collisions, especially when the cargo includes hazardous materials;
- Motorcycle crashes, which may lead to a specific type of abrasion burn called road rash;
- Pedestrian, bicycle, and e-scooter accidents;
- Slip and fall incidents and other accidents that occur because of dangerous conditions on property;
- Workplace accidents; and,
- Many other incidents.
Also, you should note that there are multiple sources of burn injuries. You could be hurt when your skin comes into contact with a hot surface, but burns also result from exposure to chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
Liability in Burn Injury Cases
In most cases, you start the legal process by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. It is possible to reach a settlement agreement with the insurer, but the company may refuse to pay a fair, reasonable amount to cover your losses. Therefore, you may need to file a lawsuit in civil court to get the highest amount available under Virginia law.
Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm will handle dealings with the insurance company, but we are equally prepared to fight for your rights in court. It is our goal to help you recover for such losses as:
- Medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Diminished quality of life.
Get Legal Advice from a Skilled Virginia Burn Injury Attorney
For more information on your rights and remedies as the victim of burn injuries, please contact the MichieHamlett Law Firm to speak with a member of our team. We can schedule a no-cost case assessment with a burn injuries lawyer who can review your circumstances and explain the relevant laws.