Cooper Schall & Levy fights for the rights of burn victims. We know that burns are some of the most painful injuries a victim can suffer. The most severe burns can cause disfigurement and scars, both physical and psychological. Some burn injuries may take years to heal and result in thousands of dollars in medical bills. When another party’s negligence is the cause of a burn injury, the victim has a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. When you become our client, we will explain all your rights and help you obtain just compensation.
Common Causes Of A Burn Injury in Philadelphia
Burns may be the result of a simple accident, like touching a hot stove or spilling scalding water on oneself. But more severe burns are usually due to another party’s negligent behavior. These are some of the most common causes of burn injuries:
- Defective products. These come in many forms, such as design defects (the product was poorly designed or not tested); manufacturing defects (the design is safe, but the product in question was assembled or built improperly); and marketing defects (lack of proper warning labels or instructions).
- Automobile accidents. A victim can experience thermal or friction burns when he or she is involved in an automobile accident. In the most extreme cases, the vehicle catches fire or explodes, causing life-threatening burns.
- Premises liability. This refers to property owners who allow unsafe or defective conditions on their properties. With respect to burns, this could involve anything from live wires on construction sites to apartment and hotel fires.
Workplace injuries. Industrial and factory workers can be exposed to chemical and thermal burns, among other types. But any worker, in any industry, could potentially be burned if workplace safety rules and regulations are disregarded.
Winning Compensation For Your Burn Injury
Although burn injuries caused by negligence are some of the most clear-cut examples of wrongdoing, taking on the liable party is a challenge. If your burns were the result of an automobile accident, for example, you’ll need to confront the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Where possible, your attorney will work to settle your claim in a way that fairly compensates you. Where necessary, however, your attorney will take your case to court.
Cooper Schall & Levy approaches every case with an eye towards uncovering all of the relevant facts. We start by investigating what happened, in order to identify the cause and origin of the fire. This helps us gather the evidence that will be needed to build your case.
Part of what your attorney will do is look into the damages you suffered. This means reviewing your medical records and possibly consulting experts who can testify as to future treatments you may need. Burn injury victims often have to undergo surgeries, physical therapy, and other procedures long after their initial treatments. They may lose the ability to work (or work at the same level), which will impact them long into the future. The compensation you demand must take these long-term damages into account.
Types Of Burn Injuries
Burns can take multiple forms, such as:
- Thermal: contact with something hot, including fire, hot objects like heated pans, and hot liquids like boiling water
- Chemical: contact with a harsh irritant or substance like acid, chlorine, and harsh cleansers
- Electrical: contact with the electric current in a live wire
- Friction: repeated rubbing or scraping of the skin against a rough surface
- Radiation: wounds that look and feel like burns and typically result from radiation therapy for cancer patients
There are three degrees of burns:
- First-degree: damage to the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Redness, minor inflammation, and mild pain or discomfort typically accompany these burns. They usually heal on their own within about a week.
- Second-degree: damage to the epidermis and dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Extreme redness and blistering are often signs of a second-degree burn. They can take weeks to heal and sometimes require a skin graft.
- Third-degree: damage through all layers of the skin and possibly to bones and internal organs. These often result in white or blackened, charred skin. Tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands are often affected. Skin grafts are required as part of the healing process.
Consequences Of Burn Injuries
Although first-degree burns tend to heal on their own, second- and third-degree burns require medical attention. Hospitalization may be necessary to prevent secondary complications such as infection. Besides the obvious physical damage, a burn injury victim will often experience the following:
- Skin grafts
- Sepsis
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
- Physical disability
- Intensive therapy and rehabilitation
- Breathing difficulties
- Bone and joint problems
- Brain damage
- Nerve damage
- Hypothermia
A burn injury victim faces the prospect of steep medical bills for the treatment and rehabilitation that will be necessary to recover. The damages go further, however. He or she will usually have to miss work, either because of extensive stays in the hospital or follow-up treatments. If the injury is severe enough, the victim will not be able to work at the same level as before. This poses consequences for the remainder of the person’s career.
Burn injuries are often accompanied by traumatic events, so the victim will experience pain and suffering plus problems like anxiety and depression. That’s why burns are some of the most significant and long-lasting injuries.
Contact A Philadelphia Burn Injury Attorney Today
The attorney you choose will make all the difference in your case. You need a firm that is not only knowledgeable about Pennsylvania law but will represent you with compassion and dedication. If you’ve been hurt because of someone’s negligence, turn to Cooper Schall & Levy. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Cooper Schall & Levy personal injury lawyers serve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as neighboring counties such as Montgomery County and Delaware County and cover neighborhoods such as Norristown and Drexel Hill.
