Though most people will undoubtedly accidentally touch a sizzling pan or spill hot coffee on themselves, these burns tend not to be life-altering injuries but rather painful, minor inconveniences. However, there are instances where these injuries can have chronic impacts, making your life a continuous uphill battle. If you’ve been injured because of another party’s negligence, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Keep reading to learn more about burn injuries and how Monmouth County personal injury attorneys can help get you the justice you deserve.
What Are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries can occur in several ways, as there are four types of burns – thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation. Thermal injuries are the most common and result from the skin coming into contact with a hot substance or surface. For example, hot liquids, metals, or substances can lead to serious burn injuries that penetrate the skin and injury muscles and bones.
Chemical injuries occur when harsh substances contact the skin, which can cause intense injuries. Due to the compounds and hazardous ingredients in things like cleaning products, hair dyes, and paint thinners, someone can sustain serious injuries. If a product is labeled wrong, stored incorrectly, or defective, you may endure injuries.
Less common, electricity burns occur when the skin is exposed to electric currents. The injuries can occur due to unsafe workspaces with exposed wires or product defects, such as short-circuiting. Radiation burns, on the other hand, occur when the skin is exposed to radiation. Though most commonly associated with sunburn, someone can suffer these injuries when undergoing radiation therapy.
Am I Eligible for Financial Compensation?
If you sustained burn injuries due to another party’s negligence, you could be eligible to receive financial compensation. For example, if injured due to improperly stored chemicals at your workplace, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of winning the case.
The first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Even if the burn seems insignificant, you should still receive emergency medical attention. Unfortunately, some burns can be more severe than they appear. For example, electric burns can lead to internal organ damage as the currents travel through your body. Plus, the opposing attorney or insurance adjuster may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe, considering you did not seek treatment.
You should also keep any documentation of your burn, such as medical notes, journals, photographs of the wound and accident scene, and the injury report if it occurred at work. You’ll need to reach out to an attorney within two years of the accident, as that is the statute of limitations on burn injuries in New Jersey.
When you’re injured, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to is vital. Medical treatment and wages lost can lead to financial ruin. Holding the party responsible can help ensure you receive compensation. The Wilson Law Firm can help represent you during this difficult time. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.
