Severe burns are one of the most painful types of injuries and can cause permanent damage to those afflicted. If you were severely burned because of negligent conduct by another person or entity, you might be able to pursue civil compensation. Taking legal action with the assistance of an experienced catastrophic injury attorney may be in your best interests.
However, seeking a comprehensive recovery can be a difficult task to undertake alone. Once retained, a Chardon burn injury lawyer at Tittle & Perlmuter could help you understand your options for recovery based on the nature of your injury and the accident that caused it. After an initial consultation, our attorneys could work tirelessly to help you seek the restitution you deserve.
What is a Catastrophic Burn?
Although painful, many burns are minor and quick to recover from. However, when a scalding would or any other injury is severe enough that it results in a lifelong reduction in mobility, sensation, working capacity, and/or quality of life, it may be considered “catastrophic” in nature. Burns are categorized by different degrees of severity that can help determine what type of civil claim may be appropriate for the injury.
For instance, first-degree burns only impact the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis. These wounds heal naturally over time with basic first aid. Even those who suffer second-degree burns, which penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis below it, can often avoid long-term scarring with prompt medical attention.
However, some second-degree burns do leave scars. Furthermore, third-degree injuries penetrate deep enough to damage nerves, muscle tissue, and sometimes ligaments and bones, often causing permanent damage. For these kinds of burn injuries, pursuing civil recovery with a knowledgeable attorney in Chardon may be advisable.
Short-Term and Long-Term Recovery for Burn Wounds in Chardon
In terms of legal proceedings, a catastrophic injury is no different from any other personal injury claim. To recover compensation, a plaintiff would still have to prove that the defendant directly caused them to suffer harm by breaching a duty of care. However, severe burn cases can be complicated by the matter of calculating recoverable damages for short-term and long-term losses.
For example, if someone suffers third-degree burns in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, they could seek compensation from that negligent third party for losses they experienced prior to filing suit. These could include emergency medical bills, property damage, lost work income, and short-term pain and suffering. However, third-degree burns often cause long-lasting damage and can even be life-threatening, so a comprehensive civil suit must also account for damages the plaintiff has yet to suffer.
In their remaining lifetime, a third-degree burn victim may suffer from permanent scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, prolonged physical and emotional anguish, and loss of consortium with a spouse. On top of that, they may require additional rehabilitative treatment, skin graft surgeries, physical therapy, and more. However, estimating the value of all these future expenses and losses is a difficult task, especially for someone focused on their painful healing process. This job is best suited for a skilled attorney with experience handling burn injury cases in Chardon.
Contact a Chardon Burn Injury Attorney for Dedicated Support
A serious burn accident can be continually traumatizing, especially if the scalding leaves you with permanent physical and mental scars. Fortunately, you may have the right to hold a negligent party accountable through civil litigation and recover for your losses.
Seasoned legal counsel at Tittle & Perlmuter could help you pursue comprehensive restitution for both past and future damages. One of our Chardon burn injury lawyers could explain your legal options and help determine the best course of action. Call today to set up a meeting about your particular situation.
