Burn Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

A burn injury can occur in a variety of ways. A burn is when the body’s tissues are damaged from coming into contact with heat, radiation, electricity, chemicals, or sunlight. Some common causes of burns include fires, explosions, flammable liquids, steam, hot liquids, defective products, experiments gone wrong, excess inhalation of smoke, and motor vehicle accidents. Burn injuries cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, infections, disability, restricted movement, skin sensitivity, disfigurement and other serious medical conditions. Depending on the severity of the burn injury, a burn victim can face years of painful reconstructive surgery and physical therapy.

Because the damages in a burn injury case can be substantial, you need a personal injury attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. The Riverside and Southern California attorneys of Heiting & Irwin have the experience, skills, knowledge, and resources needed to give you the best chance at receiving the compensation you deserve for your damages, losses, and injuries. Contact our office online or by calling 951-682-6400 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney.

Are all burn injuries the same?

No. Burn injuries are categorized into three levels based on the severity of the burn.

First Degree Burns

A firstdegree burn is the least severe category of burns.  A first-degree burn causes only “minimal” damage to the outermost layer of skin. A first degree burn is often referred to as a “superficial burn.” Symptoms of a first degree burn include pain, redness, and minor swelling. As the burn begins to heal, you will notice dry, peeling skin.

Because a first degree burn damages the top layer of skin, most first degree usually burns heal within a few days or a couple of weeks. Most people with first degree burns treat the burns at home by using antibiotic ointment, covering the burn with gauze, and taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. However, if a large area of skin has been burned, if the burn is on a sensitive area of the body or your face, or if the burn does not begin to heal in a couple of days, you should see your doctor. Even these “superficial” burns can result in very serious consequences.  Don’t ignore increasing symptoms. If in doubt, you should always see your doctor regardless of the severity of the burn injury.

Second Degree Burns

A second degree burn is more serious than a first degree burn. Second degree burns damage the layers of skin below the outermost layer of skin. With a second degree burn, the skin will blister and become extremely red and sore. Some of the blisters may open, causing the burn to have a “wet” appearance. In most cases, more or deeper blisters indicate how severe the burn is, and that it will take longer to heal.

In severe cases, skin grafting may be required to repair the damage to the skin. Skin grafting requires taking healthy skin from another area of the body to replace the burned skin at the site of the injury. Because of the risk of infection from open blisters, scarring, and other complications, it is always in your best interest to see a doctor if you experience a second degree burn.

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are the most serious of all burns because they cause damage to all layers of the skin and beyond. Third degree burns can reach areas under the skin leading to internal organ damage and death. One problem with third degree burns is that the victim may not feel as much pain because nerves have been damaged from the burn. If you have suffered from a third degree burn, call 911 immediately, raise the burned area above your heart if possible, and get medical assistance.

Complications from Burns

A burn injury carries the risk of complications. Complications are more likely with third degree burns; however, even first and second degree burns can cause serious complications if not treated properly. Common complications include:

• Infections
• Blood loss
• Shock
• Sepsis
• Tetanus
• Hypothermia and Hypovolemia
• Scars and keloids

Death can occur from burns and associated complications. Immediate medical attention is required to reduce the risk of complications from a burn injury. Treatment of these injuries and their complications can be costly depending on their severity. In some cases, a burn victim may require numerous surgeries, including plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery, which may require lengthy hospital stays.

The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin have handled burn cases up an down the state of California.

The Riverside, CA, burn injury attorneys of Heiting & Irwin understand the substantial damages associated with these cases. Contact our office online or by calling 951-682-6400 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you recover compensation for damages caused by a burn accident from the responsible party or parties.

Damages Available to Burn Injury Victims

In a burn injury case, as in other cases that involve personal injury, the damages a victim may be entitled to receive depend on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the accident. In most cases involving fault of another, a burn injury victim is or may be entitled to receive compensation for:

• Past and all future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional suffering
• Mental anguish
• Embarrassment, grief, depression, anxiety
• Other consequential damage
• Permanent disfigurement and/or scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life

As experienced  burn injury attorneys, we understand the complex nature of this type of injury and we understand how to translate your pain, suffering, and losses into a fair and just settlement or award. A monetary award will not undo the damage caused by a burn injury; however, the party who caused your pain and suffering must be held accountable, and you deserve to be compensated as fully as possible for the effect this has had on your life. We work very hard to make this a reality for our clients.

Burn Injury Attorneys Helping Victims in the Inland Empire and throughout California

If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury, we want to help. The experienced burn injury lawyers of Heiting & Irwin are prepared to aggressively fight for your right to receive just compensation from the at-fault party. We offer free consultations and we do not collect any fees until and unless we obtain a settlement or judgment in your favor.

Contact our office online or by calling 951-682-6400 today to get help.