Denver, Colorado Burn Injury Lawyer
Recovering from severe burn injuries is a long-term process. To ensure a smooth recovery, you need to focus on getting rest. However, doing so may be difficult if you pursue compensation for your injuries without the help of an experienced burn injury lawyer.
Luckily, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The Denver burn injury lawyers with The Wilhite Law Firm can advocate for your rights and interests, allowing you to focus on fully recovering. We will review your case, evaluate your legal options for seeking compensation, and work tirelessly to pursue the financial relief you deserve. Learn more about how we can help during a free initial consultation with one of our Denver burn injury attorneys.
What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries?
Burns can occur for various reasons. According to Penn Medicine, some of the most common causes are the following:
- House and industrial fires
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Defective space heaters or other similar products
- Negligent use of matches, lighters, etc.
- Kitchen accidents
- Unsafe use of fireworks
The World Health Organization (WHO), which tracks burn injury statistics and trends, reports that most burn victims suffer injuries at home or in the workplace.
What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?
There are different types of burn injuries based on their causes:
- Thermal burns – These burns result in tissue cell death due to contact with a heat source. For instance, someone might suffer a thermal burn if they accidentally touch a hot stovetop.
- Radiation burns – Radiation burns result from exposure to UV rays or other forms of dangerous radiation. Burn injury victims may develop radiation burns over long periods due to prolonged radiation exposure.
- Chemical burns – People suffer these burns as a result of contact with dangerous chemicals, like acids.
- Electrical burns – Electrical currents cause these burns.
A person’s risk of sustaining specific burns often depends on their profession and lifestyle. For example, an electrician is more likely to sustain electrical burns than the general population.
What Are the Severity Levels of Burn Injuries?
The American Burn Association categorizes burn injuries based on severity. The categories of severity are:
- First-degree or superficial – A mild sunburn is an example of a first-degree or “superficial” burn, affecting only the skin’s outer layer. Wounds may be red and painful but will typically heal without significant complications.
- Second-degree or partial thickness – A superficial partial-thickness burn may result in blisters and intense pain. A deep partial-thickness burn wound can cause more significant damage. However, burn injury victims may experience less pain from these burns as a result of nerve damage.
- Third-degree or full thickness – Full-thickness burns damage the outer and middle layers of skin, destroying nerve endings. They result in dry wounds that may appear charred and white. Third-degree burns can be severe enough to damage underlying bones, muscles, and tendons.
How Are Burn Injuries Treated Medically?
Treatment for burns often involves burn rehabilitation and integrated medical care from specialists such as plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and occupational therapists. Some of the medical treatments for burns include:
- Skin grafting and cosmetic reconstruction
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Counseling
- Complex wound care
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Burn Injuries?
If you suffered burn injuries in an accident caused by someone else, you could have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault individual or company. The parties that could be liable for your burn injuries include:
- Motorists, if you suffered burns in a traffic accident
- Manufacturers, designers, or retailers, if you suffered burns due to a defective product
- Property owners or managers, if you were burned in a private residence or on commercial property
If you suffered injuries at work, you may have a right to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover compensation for your injuries and income losses. Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance, available regardless of who is at fault for injuries. You may need to submit evidence with your claim proving that your injuries are work-related, which an experienced lawyer from The Wilhite Law Firm can help you do.
How Will a Denver Burn Injury Attorney Prove Liability?
Determining who is liable may require investigating the circumstances of your injury. A Denver burn injury attorney can gather and preserve crucial evidence to build a strong case against the at-fault party. Your lawyer may collect the following evidence to prove liability:
- Police or incident reports
- Photos of the scene where the burn injuries happened
- Surveillance camera footage that shows how the injuries occurred
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Testimony from medical experts
What Compensation Can I Receive for My Burn Injuries?
If you file a burn injury claim, you may recover compensation for the following financial and personal losses:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mobility equipment
- Lost income for time away from work while you heal
- Loss of future earning capacity and benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Incidental costs, such as mileage to doctor’s appointments
- Physical pain and suffering due to your injuries or medical treatments
- Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of quality of life due to your injuries or permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Costs to repair or replace damaged personal property
How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim?
Under Colorado law, an injury victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. This may sound like plenty of time, but gathering evidence to build a solid case can take months. You should immediately contact a burn injury attorney to protect your right to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.
Contact a Denver Burn Injury Lawyer
The Denver burn injury lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm understand that these injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. We can help you seek the compensation and accountability you deserve from at-fault parties. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options during a free initial case review.
