Burn injuries are painful, and in most cases, they leave victims with a permanent reminder of the traumatic event that caused them to happen. Many people don’t realize that burn injuries can occur in a variety of ways until it happens to them or someone they love.
If you have been burned in an accident that someone else caused through their negligent actions, Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law is here to help you fight for compensation. Our Washington burn injury law firm is committed to representing victims who have needlessly suffered these painful injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a burn injury lawyer in Washington State.
The Unique Aspects of Burn Injury Cases
While many types of injuries can arise in personal injury cases, burn injuries are among the most traumatic. When burns occur, they create a systemic inflammatory response that can additionally cause organ dysfunction. The large open wounds created by burns open the door for infections, while the potential for permanent disfigurement and functional impairment are high.
The road to recovery will be a long one, paved with multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and other medical treatments. Along with the physical pain, victims tend to experience significant psychological impacts from the trauma and the permanent scars and disfigurement left behind.
Additionally, the severity of the burn will impact the overall prognosis. First-degree burns are superficial in that they only affect the outermost layer of skin, and as long as they are treated, they should heal in time. However, second-degree burns affect more profound layers. Third-degree burns destroy skin and muscle tissues on an even deeper level, causing serious harm, while fourth-degree burns are the most damaging, often causing victims to succumb to their injuries.
Burns can also be classified by how they are caused. You may picture a raging fire, though that isn’t the only way burn injuries can occur. For example, chemical burns are caused by coming into contact with corrosive substances, while electrical burns are delivered through an electrical current. No matter what type of burn you have from your accident, our Washington burn injury law firm is here to help.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Washington State
Burn injuries don’t always come from house fires or wildfires. In personal injury cases, burn injuries tend to arise from motor vehicle accidents. Depending on the force of impact and the type of vehicle, engines can explode, and gasoline can further set off the potential for burns through open flames.
Hot liquids from engines may spray out, or trucks carrying hazardous materials may jackknife, spilling chemicals all over other passenger vehicles. When these types of accidents happen, and victims are left with burns, the need to act quickly is dire.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Burn Injury
Car accidents are sudden and shocking events, even in the absence of a fire. However, if a fire does break out as a result of a motor vehicle collision, you must put your safety first and follow the proper steps to protect your legal rights.
Get to Safety
You may be stunned that an accident has just occurred, but if you see smoke or flames, you must get out of the vehicle immediately. When smoke is coming out from under the hood, never open it up. This can cause flames to shoot out and burn you. Always get out of the vehicle and move at least 100 feet away while calling 911.
Check for Injuries
As mentioned, not all burns are caused by flames. In the crash, you may have felt something hot and wet splash you from the engine fluids. Your adrenaline is likely surging at this point, and you may not realize you’ve suffered harm. In any accident, seeking medical treatment is imperative, especially if there has been a fire or any vehicle fluids have leaked out.
Depending on the type and degree of burn, not to mention its location, the injuries you or your passengers experience could be severe and extensive. When you call 911, tell them you need an ambulance and make sure you are treated immediately.
Contact a Burn Accident Attorney in WA
You may not think you need a car accident attorney, though if you have suffered burns, you will need a legal advocate to help you through the legal process. After your condition has stabilized, contact Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group to get compassionate legal representation and a burn injury lawyer in Washington State who will fight for your maximum compensation.
The Importance of Getting Burn Injury Legal Help in WA
Victims with burn injuries often wake up in the hospital. As they learn what has happened and see the damage done, they are usually left in a state of shock over their injuries.
If this has happened to you or a loved one in a car accident or another type of accident that a negligent party caused, you should not be left to find your way through the legal process alone.
You need a burn accident attorney in WA:
Washington State Fault Laws
The laws in Washington State follow an at-fault model, which holds the person who caused the accident responsible for damages. However, the rule of comparative negligence is also a factor. Washington State uses a pure comparative negligence rule. While it does allow you to seek compensation even if you are 99% at fault, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies know that you won’t know the entire worth of your case, and they’ll do what they can to convince you that you don’t need to hire a burn injury lawyer in Washington State. Burn injuries can be severe and have many complications, leading to expensive medical costs. Your burns may have lifelong impacts that require future medical care.
Knowing this, insurers will try to offer you a low settlement, and they know you’re desperate to put this traumatic event behind you while trying not to endure further financial suffering. You need an attorney to prevent them from taking advantage of you with lowball settlements or, worse, the denial of your claim.
Statute of Limitations
If you’re filing a burn injury lawsuit, there is a time limit imposed by the state. Known as the statute of limitations, it only allows you to file your case for three years from the date of the accident. With burn injuries, you may be in the hospital for some time, and then more time will be spent trying to deal with your burn injury claim. By the time you get a low settlement offer or a rejection of your claim, much of this time limit will have passed.
Keep in mind that the sooner legal action is taken, the better. Key evidence often fades or disappears with time. Contact Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group right away to get the support you need to fight for justice on your behalf.
Potential Compensation in Burn Injury Cases
The amount of compensation you may receive in your burn injury case will depend on the unique factors present. The severity of your burn is the biggest factor in determining how much your case is worth.
Victims who suffer first-degree burns will get lower settlements compared to those who have endured far more extensive burns that have led to long-term complications. Where the burn affected your body is another factor, as burns that cause scarring and disfigurement on visible areas such as the face, neck, or hands may be awarded a higher level of compensation.
In order to recover compensation for burn injuries, you will need to prove that another person’s negligence caused you this suffering. It can be challenging to do this without an attorney who knows the applicable laws and who can help build a strong case by calling in accident reconstructionists and medical experts.
Your compensation will generally include your medical expenses, including future medical costs, lost income, and property damage. You can also seek non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group Can Help with Burn Injuries
Extensive burn injuries can completely change your life, making it impossible to go back to the way things were before. When another person has behaved negligently, they should be held accountable under personal injury law.
The attorneys at Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group have over 100 years of combined experience, and we intend to put that experience to good use in fighting for your legal rights and compensation. Burn injuries are among the most devastating that anyone can experience, and our mission is to help you through this challenging time to see better days ahead.
Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a burn accident attorney in Washington. During this consultation, you can discuss your case and learn more about how we can help.