Burns

Whether you have suffered burn injuries in a workplace accident, car crash or other circumstance, these types of injuries may often require hospitalization and costly ongoing medical care. At Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC, our experienced attorneys and skilled legal team understand the devastating effects burn injuries can have on you and your family and we have helped hundreds of clients recover compensation for burn injuries.

Types Of Burn Injuries

Burns can cause very serious injuries that result in ongoing pain, nerve damage, permanent scarring, disfigurement, infection, and other physical and psychological problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 50,000 burn victims require hospitalization each year. There are several types of burns, and knowing the causes and treatment for each type is vital to help prevent injury.

First-degree burns affect only the top layer of skin and can cause pain, swelling and redness. This type of burn usually does not cause blisters and should heal within a week. Examples of first degree burns include sunburn, exposure to flame or slight scalding from hot liquids.

Second degree burns typically affect the first two layers of skin. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, a dark red appearance, blisters, fluid leakage and potential skin loss. Partial-thickness second-degree burns may heal within 2-3 weeks with minimal scarring. However, full-thickness second-degree burns usually require removal of skin and grafting for optimal healing. They are often caused by chemicals, scalding, or flash flames.

Third-degree burns permeate all layers of skin and cause permanent tissue damage. They spread into subcutaneous tissues, which are made up of fat and connective tissues that contain larger blood vessels and nerves. Third-degree burns may appear black, white and dry. Because they destroy tissue and nerves, third-degree burns may be painless. However, pain can be caused by less severe burns that may surround a third-degree burn. Third degree burns usually require skin grafting, cause permanent scarring and often take months to heal. These burns typically result from prolonged contact with electricity, chemicals, flames, and hot surfaces or liquids.

Fourth-degree burns involve injury to all layers of the skin and even deeper tissues such as muscle, tendons, or bone. These types of burns are often black in color and frequently lead to loss of the burned tissue or bone and permanent tissue and nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns are typically caused by prolonged exposure to the source of the burn.

If you have suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our skilled attorneys at Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC can help. Contact us online or call 732-936-9901 for a free initial consultation. Se habla español.

Sadly, explosions and fires are a common occurrence around the world. Injuries from a fire or explosion can include burns from the heat and flames, lung damage from smoke and toxic fume inhalation, broken bones, head injuries and hearing damage or shrapnel injuries from the blast of an explosion. These serious injuries can be extremely painful and life-altering, and can take years of extensive medical treatment to recover.

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a fire or explosion caused by someone else’s negligence, proving liability is vital to recover compensation. The fault of the responsible party must be clearly established, and it is essential that the extent and cost of injuries, losses and other damages is verified.

Fire Cases & Establishing Liability

Countless factors may be involved when a fire or explosion occurs. For example, the release of toxic gas or chemicals could be due to faulty equipment or products, not negligence on the part of bystander or operator. A house fire could be the result of a smoke detector’s failure or malfunction, or a faulty furnace or boiler. Both of these cases are product liability claims and the manufacturer can be held liable for damages.

However, if a fire or explosion is due to a property owner failing to keep smoke detectors, electrical systems and other potential hazards in good working order, a premises liability case may be brought against the responsible party. In the case of a car fire or explosion, the negligent party could be the other driver who caused the accident, or it could be a defect in the gas line or the car design.

What To Do After A Fire

After a fire, it is essential to let investigators complete their work to determine the cause of the fire and extent of the damages. Obtaining statements, reports or any other information available on the event can help to prove who was at fault if you opt to file a personal injury claim.

The property owner’s insurer will ask questions and gather statements. Be honest and straightforward, but do not sign any documents that may be presented to you. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Many law firms have their own fire experts and investigators who can collect evidence to build a solid case and establish who is at fault.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a fire or explosion, the experienced legal team at Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC, can assess your case and help to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us at 732-936-9901 to schedule a free consultation today.