Burn injuries are among the most painful injuries that someone can sustain. Additionally, burns may lead to various complications such as infection, disfigurement, scarring, and long-lasting psychological trauma. If a negligent party caused your injury, you may consider filing a lawsuit with the help of a skilled Piscataway burn injury lawyer. Our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal system and can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while you are focusing on your recovery.
Different Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injury cases are different than other personal injury cases. Burn victims may suffer from permanent disfigurement and require long-term medical treatment and numerous surgeries. Medical costs are high because burn victims often have to seek specialized medical treatment and there is often a risk of re-infection and complications. Apart from medical complications, burn injuries have a strong emotional impact on victims. Burn victims frequently suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Regardless of whether a burn is severe or minor, victims of these injuries may be eligible for compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit if it is determined that the event was caused by a third party’s negligence or wrongful act. Common events that lead to burn injuries include:
- Defective products
- Building fires
- Workplace accidents
- Car, truck, and motorcycle wrecks
- Chemical exposure
- Pedestrian accidents
- Medical malpractice
In a negligence case, causation is the link that proves that the defendant’s action directly caused the injury to the injured party. For example, when a burn is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer can be named as a party to the suit. When the injury is caused in a workplace accident, then an employer, co-worker, or equipment manufacturer may be named as a defendant. A Piscataway burn injury attorney can help identify who should be held responsible for damages.
Statute of Limitations for Burn Injuries
A statute of limitations is the designated timeline by which a lawsuit has to be filed. The purpose of the statute is to ensure that there is speed and fairness in the legal justice system. The statute prevents the injured party from delaying legal action indefinitely.
Under New Jersey Statutes Title 2A:14-2, individuals have two years from the date of the injury to start legal proceedings for personal injury cases, including burn injuries. Adhering to this deadline is essential for preserving the right to seek compensation.
Categories of Burns
Burns can be caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. The severity of a burn varies widely from case to case. Burns are classified by degree: first, second, third, or fourth. It may be difficult to classify a burn immediately when the injury occurs and it may take several days to assess the full extent of the harm.
First-degree burns are the least severe and only affect the outer layer of skin. They may cause redness, pain, and minor swelling. Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin and also the second layer of the skin called the dermis. Second-degree burns cause blistering, severe pain, and swelling.
Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and may even go into deeper tissues such as muscle or bone. Such burns result in charred skin, loss of feeling in the affected body area, and significant scarring.
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. Not only is there damage to all layers of the skin, but the injury extends to underlying tissues, muscles, and bones. The nerve endings are usually destroyed so there is limited feeling in the affected area. These types of burns may lead to permanent disability or death. Our Piscataway attorneys can review the details of a burn injury to craft a settlement demand that considers the full extent of an injured person’s needs. If negotiations do not yield the desired results, we are not afraid to take the case to court to fight for what is needed.
Call Today to Schedule a Consultation With a Piscataway Burn Injury Attorney
A skilled Piscataway burn injury lawyer plays an important role in advocating for the rights of those who have sustained serious injuries. Our firm provides personalized support, from gathering evidence and conducting investigations to negotiating with insurance and representing your best interests in court. Please call Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today to book your introductory case consultation.
