At Meyer Injury Lawyers, we understand the profound impact a burn injury can have on an individual's life. Burn injuries are among the most painful and devastating injuries one can endure, often resulting in significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our dedicated team of burn injury lawyers in Boise, Idaho, is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to victims of burn injuries, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

What Constitutes a Burn Injury?

A burn injury is damage to the body’s tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Burns are classified based on their severity and the depth of tissue damage, with each classification requiring specific types of medical intervention and having different implications for legal cases. Understanding the various types of burn injuries is crucial for medical treatment and legal considerations:

Types of Burns

• Thermal Burns: These occur due to contact with open flames, hot liquids (scalds), steam, or other sources of intense heat. Thermal burns are the most common type of burns.
• Chemical Burns: Resulting from contact with acidic or basic substances, chemical burns can damage the skin and underlying tissues. Common sources include industrial chemicals, cleaning products, and even some types of plants.
• Electrical Burns: These burns are the result of electrical current passing through the body, potentially causing both external and internal tissue damage. Electrical burns can be deceivingly severe, as the external injury might appear minor compared to the internal damage.
• Radiation Burns: Often associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds, radiation burns can also occur from medical radiation treatments. These burns damage the skin and are a major risk factor for skin cancer.
• Friction Burns: Caused by contact with a hard surface, such as road rash from a motorcycle or bicycle accident, friction burns combine abrasions and thermal burns.

Degrees of Burns

Burn injuries are also classified by their depth and severity

• First-Degree Burns (Superficial): Affecting only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), these burns cause redness, pain, and minor swelling without blistering.
• Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness): These burns damage the outer layer and the underlying layer of skin (dermis), leading to redness, pain, swelling, blistering, and potential scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness): Destroying the epidermis and dermis, third-degree burns may reach the fat layer beneath the skin. These burns can appear white, blackened, or charred, and they may not be painful initially due to nerve damage.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe burns, fourth-degree burns, extend beyond the skin into muscles and bones. These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.

Common Ways People Get a Burn Injury

Burn injuries are not only physically painful but can also lead to significant emotional distress and financial burden. In the realm of personal injury law, understanding the common ways people sustain burn injuries is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation. Here's a look at some of the most frequent causes of burn injuries that might lead to a personal injury case:

Car Accidents

Severe car accidents can lead to fires, exposing occupants to the risk of burn injuries. These burns can be compounded by the presence of hazardous chemicals or flammable materials inside the vehicle.

Potential Case: If another driver's negligence caused the accident, victims could pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for their injuries, including burns.

Defective Products

Household appliances, electronic devices, and children’s toys can cause burn injuries if they are defectively designed or manufactured. This includes products that overheat, cause electrical shocks, or fail to include adequate safety warnings.

Potential Case: Victims of burns caused by defective products may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

Hot Liquid Scalds

Scalding injuries from hot liquids or steam are common in both the home and workplace. This can include spills from cooking, hot tap water set too high, or steam from industrial processes.

Potential Case: If a business or property owner fails to address known hazards that lead to a scalding incident, they may be liable for the resulting injuries.

Chemical Burns

Exposure to strong acids, bases, or other corrosive substances can cause chemical burns. These injuries might occur in a lab, at work, or even at home due to improper handling of cleaning products or other chemicals.

Potential Case: If chemical burns result from inadequate safety warnings or instructions, or from another party's negligence in handling or storing chemicals, there could be grounds for a claim.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can happen in various settings, including construction sites, homes, and offices, often due to faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, or during maintenance work on electrical systems.

Potential Case: If the injury is due to someone's failure to maintain electrical systems properly or due to a defect in an electrical product, the injured person might have a claim.

Fireworks and Explosives

Burn injuries from fireworks or other explosives are often the result of mishandling or malfunctions. These incidents typically occur during holidays or in industrial settings.

Potential Case: Injuries from fireworks or explosives due to lack of safety measures, improper instructions, or product defects may lead to a personal injury claim.

In any of these scenarios, the key to a successful personal injury claim is establishing that the burn injury resulted from another party's negligence or a defect in a product. Victims of burn injuries should seek legal advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer who can evaluate their case, guide them through the legal process, and help secure the compensation they deserve for their suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages

How a Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

Suffering from a burn injury can be a life-altering experience, filled with challenges that extend beyond physical pain to include emotional trauma and financial strain. At Meyer Injury Lawyers, we understand the depth of impact these injuries can have on every aspect of your life.

Here’s how Meyer Injury Lawyers can assist you in your journey to recovery and justice:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

Understanding the specifics of your burn injury case is crucial. We offer a thorough case evaluation to understand the circumstances of your injury, assess the extent of your damages, and determine the best course of legal action. This evaluation is the first step in developing a personalized strategy tailored to your case.

Experience in Burn Injury Litigation

Burn injuries are unique and demand specialized knowledge to navigate effectively. Our team has extensive experience in handling burn injury cases, including those involving defective products, chemical exposure, and more. We are well-versed in the medical complexities and long-term implications of burn injuries, enabling us to effectively advocate for your needs.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when facing the tactics they often use to minimize payouts. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand how to counter these strategies, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related damages.

Access to Medical Experts and Resources

A successful burn injury claim requires a clear understanding of the medical aspects of your injuries. We have access to a network of medical experts who can provide valuable insights into your treatment needs, prognosis, and the long-term impact of your injuries. This expertise is vital in quantifying your damages and strengthening your case.

Litigation and Trial Experience

While many burn injury cases are settled out of court, some require litigation to achieve a fair outcome. Our lawyers are experienced litigators, ready to take your case to trial if necessary. We are committed to presenting a compelling case on your behalf, utilizing our legal experience and resources to fight for your rights in court.

Personalized Support and Compassionate Representation

At Meyer Injury Lawyers, we believe in providing personalized support to our clients. We understand the emotional and physical toll of burn injuries and strive to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. Our team offers compassionate representation, ensuring that you feel heard, supported, and confident in your legal journey.

No Upfront Costs - Contingency Fee Basis

We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This approach allows you to pursue justice and compensation without the burden of upfront legal fees.

What To Do After a Burn Injury

After sustaining a burn injury, taking the right steps immediately and in the days following can significantly influence both your physical recovery and your ability to secure appropriate compensation for your injuries. Here's a guide on what to do after a burn injury:

• Cool the Burn: Immediately cool the burn with cool water; avoid using ice.
• Protect the Area: Cover with a sterile bandage or clean cloth; avoid applying creams or ointments.
• Seek Medical Attention: Consult a healthcare professional for all burns; severe burns require emergency care.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the injury and scene, and write a detailed account of the incident.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments.
• Report the Injury: Notify the appropriate authority or company if the injury occurred at work or involves a defective product.
• Limit Social Media: Do not discuss the incident or your injuries on social media platforms.
• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before accepting any offers, speak with a burn injury lawyer.
• Avoid Quick Settlements: Do not sign documents or accept settlements without legal advice.

Suffered a Burn Injury? Let Us Help.

Don't navigate the aftermath of a burn injury alone. Meyer Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the medical attention you deserve and the compensation you're entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation. Protect your rights and secure your future with a team that cares about your recovery.

Burn Injury FAQs

Can I receive compensation for a burn injury?

Yes, if your burn injury was due to someone else's negligence, a defective product, or unsafe work conditions, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How do I know if my burn injury case is valid?

A burn injury attorney can evaluate the details of your case, including the cause of your injury and its impact on your life, to determine its validity and the potential for compensation.

What types of compensation can I recover in a burn injury case?

You may be eligible for various types of compensation, including medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in some cases.

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim?

The statute of limitations for filing a burn injury claim varies by state. It's important to consult a lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe.

Do I need a lawyer for a burn injury claim?

Yes, navigating the legal and insurance aspects of a burn injury claim can be complex. A personal injury lawyer can provide the experience needed to secure the maximum compensation.

What does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer?

Most burn injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win your case. The personal injury attorneys fee is then a percentage of the settlement or verdict.