Burns are among the most painful and distressing injuries one can endure, with long-term treatment in specialized burn units often being necessary. The road to recovery can be long, filled with painful treatments and high financial burdens. For many, the scars left behind are not just physical but emotional, serving as a lasting reminder of the trauma experienced.
At Carr & Carr, we understand the challenges you face following a burn injury. Our attorneys have years of experience representing individuals who have suffered because of others’ negligence. We will stand by your side, offering the legal guidance and emotional support you need during this trying time. Our goal is to help you secure the financial compensation you need to focus on recovery and moving forward.
Why Hire Carr & Carr for Your Burn Injury Claim?
Having a seasoned attorney by your side can transform your experience as well as the outcome of your case. If you choose Carr & Carr to handle your burn injury claim, you will receive several benefits that are difficult to obtain on your own. They include but are not limited to:
- Legal Skill: Managing your case alone can quickly become overwhelming since it requires an understanding of legal documents, adherence to strict deadlines, and attention to detail. Your claim could also be jeopardized if you don’t know how to deal with insurance adjusters or their legal teams. At Carr & Carr, our attorneys provide the legal expertise you need to take on these challenges.
- Skilled Legal Representation: Our experienced burn injury lawyers are prepared to guide you through each step of your case. If your injuries limit your ability to engage directly with your case, our lawyers can take charge, ensuring that your legal matters are handled effectively without your direct involvement. This level of representation ensures that your interests are vigorously defended, even when you’re not in the room.
- Peace of Mind: Trusting your case to us means you have a dedicated team fighting for your rights and working tirelessly towards the best possible outcome. Our lawyers collaborate closely with medical professionals, therapists, and other experts to compile a detailed and compelling case on your behalf, while always maintaining the strictest confidentiality with your sensitive information.
While we advance your claim, you have the freedom to prioritize your well-being, spend precious time with your family, focus on your recovery, or return to work without the added stress of legal proceedings. At Carr & Carr, our commitment is to your recovery and well-being: let us handle the legalities of your burn injury claim while you concentrate on what matters most: your health and future.
What You Need to Know About Burn Injuries.
Burn injuries can result from various sources. They include:
- Flames (for example, from a car catching fire due to a wreck or from a defective product)
- Scalding liquids
- Corrosive chemicals
- Hot objects
- Live high-voltage electrical wires
- Other dangerous substances
The impact of a burn on the body varies significantly, depending on the depth of skin and tissue damage. To provide effective treatment and care, medical professionals classify burns into three primary categories, each reflecting the severity and necessary interventions for recovery.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe, affecting only the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin. These burns typically manifest as redness, mild swelling, and pain at the injury site but do not involve blistering. Despite being relatively minor, they can cause considerable discomfort.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns extend beyond the epidermis, damaging the dermis or the second layer of skin. This burn category is characterized by pronounced redness, swelling, blistering, and significant pain. The damage can lead to scarring and requires more intensive treatment and a longer healing process than first-degree burns.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe, with damage penetrating through all layers of the skin and affecting underlying tissues. These burns may destroy nerves, resulting in numbness or reduced sensation in the affected area. The appearance of third-degree burns can vary, with the skin looking white, charred, or leathery. These injuries are medical emergencies that require immediate professional attention.
For anyone experiencing a burn injury, immediate and appropriate first aid is critical, followed by professional medical evaluation, especially for burns that are deep, cover a large area of the body, or involve sensitive locations such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals. Understanding the severity and appropriate response to burn injuries can affect the healing process and overall outcome.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
If you’ve been burned, a prompt and appropriate response can mitigate the severity of the injury, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure the best possible outcome. Below are the recommended steps for treating both minor and severe burns.
Minor Burns (First-Degree and Mild Second-Degree Burns)
Immediately hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for at least five minutes, or until the pain begins to subside. This helps reduce swelling by absorbing the heat from the skin. If running water is not available, use a cold compress or immerse the burn in cool water. Avoid using ice directly on the burn as it can cause further damage to the skin.
After washing, lightly cover the burn with a sterile, non-fluffy bandage or clean cloth. This protects the area from infection and helps reduce pain by keeping air away from the burn.
Severe Burns (Third-Degree Burns and Serious Second-Degree Burns)
If the burn is deep, affects sensitive areas such as the face, hands, feet, and genitals, or covers a large area, call emergency services right away. Do not attempt to treat severe burns on your own. If clothing is stuck to the burn, do not try to remove it. Applying substances like ointments, creams, or butter to a severe burn can cause infection and complicate medical treatment. If possible, raise the burned area above the heart level to reduce swelling.
Chemical Burns
If safe, gently rinse the chemical burn with cool water and carefully remove any clothing that may have been contaminated by the chemical, avoiding further skin contact with the substance. Chemical burns can have delayed effects and might require specific treatments depending on the chemical involved.
Even if a burn appears minor, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially for chemical burns or if there is any uncertainty about the severity of the injury. Early medical evaluation can prevent potential complications and provide guidance on wound care.
Legal Considerations
If your burn injury occurred under circumstances that might involve negligence or wrongful actions by others, documenting your injury and the steps you took immediately after being burned is extremely important. This includes seeking medical attention promptly, which not only supports your healing process but also strengthens any potential claim for compensation.
Compensation for Burn Injuries
The cost of treating burn injuries can quickly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars, covering a wide range of medical treatments and long-term care needs. Knowing that these injuries can have a huge impact on your life, it’s important to know what types of compensation may be available to help you recover.
Medical Expenses
For many burn survivors, the primary financial concern is the cost of medical care. Compensation for burn injuries often includes coverage for all related medical expenses, such as:
- Immediate and ongoing wound treatment and management
- Medications for pain and infection control
- Skin grafts and surgical interventions
- Physical and occupational therapy to restore mobility and function
- Psychological counseling to address mental and emotional trauma
Lost Pay and Wages
Burn injuries can result in time away from work, leading to lost wages, benefits, and other earnings. Compensation claims can address these financial losses by covering both current and future income that is lost as a direct result of the injury. This aspect of compensation seeks to mitigate the economic impact of the injury on the victim’s life and provide financial stability during the recovery process.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering encompasses the physical discomfort and mental anguish experienced by burn victims. This includes loss of enjoyment of life, diminished quality of life, and the emotional distress associated with scarring, disfigurement, and the recovery process. Acknowledging these challenges is a key step toward addressing the full scope of the injury’s impact on the victim’s life.
Wrongful Death
When burn injuries lead to the victim’s death, surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, as well as for the emotional and financial damages they suffer due to their loss. This compensation also covers any medical costs and suffering the victim experienced from the time of the injury until their passing.
FAQs
How Do I Know If I Have a Burn Injury Claim?
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, here’s a straightforward guide to help you assess whether you have grounds for a burn injury claim.
Cause of the Burn
The first factor to consider is how the burn occurred. Burn injuries that result from someone else’s negligence, a defective product, unsafe working conditions, or a lack of proper safety measures might qualify for a claim. Examples include but are not limited to, chemical spills due to improper labeling, electrical burns from poorly maintained equipment, or scalding injuries from a malfunctioning appliance.
Negligence or Fault
For a burn injury claim to be viable, there must be evidence of negligence or fault by another party. This means demonstrating that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care, leading to your injury. If the injury occurred in a workplace, on someone else’s property, or involved a product or service, identifying the party at fault is key.
Impact of the Injury
Significant medical treatment, hospitalization, long-term care, loss of income, and pain and suffering are indicators of a serious injury that warrants compensation. Documenting the extent of your injuries, treatments received, and how the injury has affected your daily life and financial stability is essential.
The best way to determine if you have a claim is to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. An Oklahoma burn injury lawyer can evaluate the details of your case, help identify the responsible parties, and advise you on the strength of your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Oklahoma?
If you’re considering filing a burn injury claim, it’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which governs how long you have to take legal action.
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including burn injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the day you were burned to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries. If you file your claim within this period, you may retain your opportunity to pursue compensation through the court system.
While the two-year deadline applies to the majority of cases, there are exceptions that might extend or shorten this time frame. For example, if the burn injury victim is a minor, the countdown might not begin until they reach the age of majority. Additionally, certain circumstances, such as the responsible party leaving the state, could also affect the deadline.
Even with the two-year window to file a claim, you should begin the process as soon as possible. Gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, and consulting with an attorney can take time. Early action also helps ensure that evidence remains fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear, strengthening your case.
Get a Free Consultation From an Oklahoma Burn Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries, call the experienced Oklahoma and Arkansas personal injury attorneys at Carr & Carr today at 1-800-697-6413 or contact us online. Based on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. There is no cost to you for our initial phone conversation. Additionally, since we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay for our services only if we settle or win your case. To learn more or schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today.
