(864) 582-0416 If you enjoy the gorgeous South Carolina summers, then you know how important it is to wear sunscreen to prevent a sunburn. Even a minor sunburn on a small part of the skin can be incredibly painful. Most people are familiar with this type of burn because it’s the most common, but some burns are more serious and could result in permanent scarring.
If you’ve been burned because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover financial compensation with the help of a catastrophic injury attorney. If you have questions about how to get started and what filing a claim involves, a Spartanburg burn injury lawyer at Holland & Usry can help. Call us for a free* case review.
Burns are some of the most complex injuries because they can come from a variety of sources and they’re measured by varying degrees. Minor ones—such as sunburns or those caused by touching a hot stove—usually heal on their own over time or just need some over-the-counter medication. Others can be so severe that they require extensive surgery.
A burn is damage to the skin or other soft tissue caused by an outside source. Burns are commonly associated with heat or fire from:
Hot liquids, such as boiling water or coffee, are also sources of heat burns.
Electrical burns can occur in construction sites or industrial settings where exposed wiring, power lines, or faulty equipment cause high-voltage injuries. These burns can cause severe internal damage even if the external wound appears minor.
Some of the chemicals in industrial and household cleaners are corrosive, meaning they cause chemical damage to other materials, including skin. These products could be fatal if swallowed, as they burn the internal organs. Chemical burns are especially common in manufacturing plants, laboratories, and workplaces where employees handle hazardous substances without proper protective gear.
Skin is made up of three layers, and the degree of a burn—whether it’s from heat, cold, or chemicals—is classified by the layer that has been damaged. A first-degree burn only causes minor damage to the top layer. A second-degree burn penetrates the protective top layer to reach the soft tissue underneath. And a third-degree burn gets through the first and second layers and causes damage to the vulnerable nerves, blood vessels, and possibly bones and muscles.
First- and second-degree burns often heal with time and medicine, but third-degree burns can cause devastating harm. Victims of severe burns often require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. The recovery period from this level of burn damage can be challenging, but a Spartanburg attorney can offer support as you heal.
If your burn was caused by a defective product, workplace hazard, a negligent property owner, or anyone else’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to recover compensation to cover expenses associated with your injury. This could include monetary damages for hospital bills, ongoing medical treatment, and lost wages from being unable to work. Damages for the emotional distress, pain, permanent scarring, and suffering could also be available.
With so many different sources of burns and three degrees of classification, it’s difficult to determine the exact amount you could recover. It will heavily depend on the severity and extent of the damage. A lawyer in Spartanburg can help you understand the unique circumstances of your burn injury case so you can better understand what to expect.
Suffering an injury that wasn’t your fault is one of the most helpless feelings in the world. You might feel alone and confused about what to do next, but a Spartanburg burn injury lawyer can help you during this distressing time.
Holland & Usry is here to provide support and guide you through your legal options to give you peace of mind. Whether your burn injury resulted from a serious car accident, workplace accident, or a dangerous product, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call to talk to a lawyer for a free* case review.
