Albany Burn Injury Lawyer
Although most burns are caused by fire and heat, they can also be the result of chemicals, cold, electricity, friction, or radiation. They can also be debilitating, often having long-lasting or even permanent effects.
Because burn injuries generally require extensive care, it is important for you to contact a team of Albany burn injury lawyers who can help you recover compensation for your injuries if they were the result of another’s negligent or intentional acts. Call a seasoned attorney today for a free case review.
Types of Burn Injuries
Regardless of the specific cause, burns are classified as first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree. Each type of burn injury has different characteristics that distinguish it.
- First-Degree – superficial burns that only affect the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Although the burn site for a first-degree burn may be dry, painful, and somewhat reddened, there are generally no blisters.
- Second-Degree – partial thickness burns that affect the epidermis and the dermis, which are the second and thickest layers of skin. The burn site for second-degree burns is generally red and blistered and is often painful and swollen.
- Third-Degree – full-thickness burn that destroys the epidermis and the dermis and extends into the hypodermis, which is the third layer of skin. Depending on the location of the burn, the burn-site for third-degree burns may be charred or whitish.
- Fourth-Degree – burns that have also damaged the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons are fourth-degree burns. Also, there is generally no sensation in the burn site for a fourth-degree burn because all the nerve endings in that area have been destroyed.
Claims for Damages in Albany
Depending on the cause and severity of the injury, burn victims in Albany may be able to receive three types of compensation. Often, people can receive compensation for any out-of-pocket expenses that he or she incur for medical expenses, rehabilitation services, and other related services until he or she is fully recovered from the injury. In addition, he or she may also be able to receive compensation for any earnings lost because he or she was unable to work for a period and, in the most severe cases, for his or her ongoing diminished earning capacity.
Individuals are also eligible to receive monetary damages to compensate him or her for the physical pain and mental anguish he or she endured because of the injury. He or she may also be awarded added damages if the injury left him or her with any permanent scarring, impairment, or disfigurement.
Finally, if the person’s injury was the result of another party’s extremely reckless conduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and to discourage others from engaging in similar conduct. For calculating damages, it is crucial for the injured person to obtain an Albany burn injury attorney when he or she is filing a claim.
Statute of Limitations
In Albany, all personal injury lawsuits must be brought within two years of the date the injury occurred. Even if someone is still undergoing treatment for his or her injury, he or she must meet this filing deadline or risk the possibility of having the lawsuit denied in its entirety. A professional attorney can assist an injured person with filing a claim before the deadline.
Contact an Albany Burn Injury Lawyer
After suffering a burn injury, you may be besieged by attorneys, insurance companies, and other representatives of those responsible for the injury to obtain a quick settlement or to gather information and statements that can be used against you later. That is why you need to contact a team of Albany burn injury lawyers who can discuss your case and help you assess any settlement offers you may receive.
Putting together a successful claim often requires gathering and analyzing numerous records, holding discussions with a variety of medical personnel, and retaining expert witnesses. A team of accomplished attorneys offers an in-house doctor who can provide medical insight for your injuries. Call today to schedule your consultation.
