Have you suffered a burn injury that’s left you in pain, dealing with expensive medical bills, and unsure of where to turn for help? Then contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. to speak with a Duluth burn injury lawyer today. We can fight to protect your interests and pursue the compensation and justice you deserve from the party responsible for your injuries.
For over 20 years, Kevin Adamson and his firm have advocated for the rights and interests of accident victims. Our legal team has earned a reputation for aggressive trial advocacy and taking on the most challenging injury cases. Our track record of success includes numerous six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts in catastrophic injury cases, illustrating the successes we’ve had for clients like you.
Don’t wait another moment to demand justice. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case review with a Duluth burn injury lawyer.
What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?
Burns are categorized based on the way they cause damage.
The most common burn injuries are:
- Thermal burns – Thermal burns occur from exposure to a heat source, such as a flame, scalding water, or a hot metal surface.
- Friction burns – A friction burn happens when the skin rubs against an abrasive surface, such as a rug, carpet, or road pavement. Common examples of friction burns include “rug burn” and “road rash.”
- Chemical burns – Chemical burns occur due to a chemical reaction between a substance and the skin that either dissolves the skin or generates excessive heat that burns the skin.
- Electrical burns – These burns result when a victim comes into contact with a large amount of electrical energy, such as by touching an electrical wire or being struck by lightning.
- Radiation burns – Exposure to ultraviolet rays, X-rays, or gamma rays from sources like the sun or radioactive materials can lead to radiation burns. Sunburns are the most common forms of radiation burns.
What Are Some Causes of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries have many different causes, such as hot surfaces, fires and explosions, improperly stored chemicals, and exposed electrical wires. At Keven A. Adamson, P.C., our burn injury law firm represents clients who have suffered burn injuries due to accidents such as:
- Auto accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Workplace accidents, including chemical exposure, electrocution, and kitchen fires
- Product liability accidents, including those involving defective or dangerous products
- Premises liability accidents, including fires, electrocutions, and chemical exposure caused by property owner negligence
How Are the Severity of Burns Graded?
Doctors classify the severity of burn injuries by numbered grades as follows:
- First-degree burns – Also called a superficial burn, a first-degree burn damages the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. First-degree burns may appear red or pink, dry out the skin, and cause minimal to moderate pain.
- Second-degree burns – Also called partial-thickness burns, second-degree burns damage the dermis, the second layer of the skin. These burns may appear red, white, or splotchy, form blisters, and cause moderate to severe pain. Some can result in permanent scarring.
- Third-degree burns – Also called full-thickness burns, third-degree burns damage the fat tissues beneath the skin. Burned areas may appear white, brown, or black and give the skin a leathery appearance. Burns that destroy the skin’s nerve cells may not cause severe pain.
What Are the Different Treatments for Burn Injuries?
Treatment for a burn injury depends on the degree or severity of the burn. First-degree burns and minor second-degree burns usually require first-aid and home treatment. However, severe second-degree burns and third-degree burns require medical intervention.
Treatments for burn injuries may include:
- Specialty wound dressings
- Burn creams or ointments to keep the skin moisturized, prevent infection, and promote healing
- Medications, including pain medications, anxiety medications, or antibiotics to fight infections
- IV fluids to treat dehydration
- Water-based treatments to clean burn wounds and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue
- Surgery, including skin grafts, excision of dead tissue, or plastic surgery, to improve the appearance and function of scarred areas of the body
- Physical therapy to stretch scar tissue over joints and regain range of motion
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Burn Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances behind your burn injuries, you might have a legal claim against any of the following:
- A motorist responsible for causing an auto accident
- Manufacturers or retailers of defective or dangerous products
- Property owners with dangerous conditions on their premises
A skilled Duluth burn injury attorney can review your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries and losses.
How Much Might My Burn Injury Claim Be Worth?
You could have the right to seek compensation for your burn injuries if they occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
The value of your burn injury claim depends on the costs associated with your:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Long-term care, including home health care or personal support for disabilities
- Ongoing and future losses of income
- Physical pain and anguish from the injury and subsequent treatments
- Emotional trauma or distress
How Long Can It Take for My Case to Settle?
Unfortunately, no one can predict how long it might take for you to receive a settlement in your burn injury case.
Here are some factors that could affect your burn injury lawsuit timeline:
- The severity of your injury
- The duration of your medical recovery
- Whether you suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- Whether your injuries temporarily or permanently keep you from work
- The number of potentially liable parties
- Whether other people suffered injuries in the accident that burned you
- The availability of insurance coverage
- How quickly the insurance company processes your claim
- Whether you need to file a lawsuit to pursue your burn injury claim
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Case?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline on most personal injury claims. In limited circumstances, you may have longer to file a case. However, you should not wait to pursue your burn injury claim. Filing a lawsuit after the limitations period on your claim might result in the trial court dismissing your case. Don’t let this happen. Get in touch with a Duluth burn injury lawyer today.
Contact a Duluth Burn Injury Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a burn injury in an accident in Duluth, you need experienced legal counsel to help you seek financial justice and accountability from those responsible. Contact Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation claim review to discuss your legal options with an experienced Duluth burn injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer in Duluth.