West Lake Hills Burn Injury Lawyer
Burns injuries involve damage to the skin from exposure to heat, chemicals, cold, or other elements. Not only are they painful, but there is also the potential for serious health conditions like chronic pain, disfigurement, and an increased risk of infection.
If you suffered a burn through no fault of your own, a skilled catastrophic injury attorney can help you recover financial compensation. Your monetary award could cover your financial losses and soften the blow from your physical and emotional pain. Let a West Lake Hills burn injury lawyer serve as your advocate.
What are the Degrees of Burns?
The severity of these injuries is measured in degrees. This scale takes into account everything from minor sunburns that will heal on their own to devastating injuries that are likely to be fatal.
First-degree burns are the least serious of the group. They impact the outermost layer of the skin and heal within a day or two. Burns in the second degree are more serious, damaging multiple layers of skin. Third-degree burns destroy multiple layers in addition to the nerve endings beneath them. The highest level—fourth-degree burns—are often fatal, as they are so severe that they damage muscle and bone. An attorney in West Lake Hills understands the degrees of burns and how they can affect a lawsuit.
The Deadline to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit
There is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit based on a serious burn. The deadline—which is known as the statute of limitations—is strictly enforced. If the court determines time has expired, the judge will dismiss the case with prejudice and bring any potential claim for compensation permanently to an end.
The deadline expires exactly two years from the date the injury occurs. There are some scenarios where a person might have more time to file, particularly if they were a juvenile at the time. There are also situations that can shorten the window to act.
The statute of limitations is a pitfall that can derail an otherwise strong case for compensation. A West Lake Hills attorney could ensure a burn injury lawsuit is filed on time.
The Question of Negligence for a Burn
A claim for compensation will only be successful if the injured person can establish another was negligent. In these cases, negligence generally means causing a burn injury through careless, reckless, or intentional conduct.
There are four elements that must be proven in order to recover a monetary award in these cases. First, the person has to establish the at-fault owed them a duty of care. Second, they must demonstrate that this duty was breached. Third, there must be a link—known as causation—between this breached duty and the injuries. Finally, there must be evidence of compensable damages like lost wages or medical costs.
A West Lake Hills burn injury attorney can build a viable case for negligence. Fact patterns involved with these injuries can vary, from vehicle collisions to workplace accidents. Establishing that someone else was at fault is an important first step in the process.
Call a West Lake Hills Burn Injury Attorney Right Away
You have an opportunity to pursue legal action against the party that caused your injuries. If negligence was involved, you might be able to recover damages. A monetary award cannot undo your injuries, but it could provide you with a path toward returning to the quality of life you previously enjoyed. Call a West Lake Hills burn injury lawyer to learn more.
