Bellevue Burn Injury Lawyer
According to statistics published in the Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation, up to half of all burn injuries are completely preventable. That is because many burn injuries stem from the negligent or careless actions of others. When someone else causes your burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the related losses. Contact a skilled Bellevue burn injury lawyer to learn about your potential legal options.
Burn injuries can be catastrophic and may require treatment for an extended period of time. They also can cause permanent disfigurement and scarring. If you have suffered a serious burn injury due to another’s negligence in Bellevue, you may need an attorney. Our dedicated catastrophic injury lawyers at Inkelaar Law could help you get the justice you deserve.
Common Accidents Leading to Burn Injuries
Burns can result from a number of different incidents, many of which are preventable and caused by another’s negligent behavior. Some common examples of situations involving negligence that may lead to burn injuries include the following:
- Defective products
- Motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted or reckless drivers
- Food or drinks that are too hot
- Stores without operable sprinkler systems
As these examples illustrate, burns can result from fire, steam, hot liquids, and chemical exposure. In many situations, careless or reckless behavior can cause accidents that lead to burn injuries. An experienced burn injury attorney in Bellevue may be able to assess potential claims and determine their legal validity.
Classifications of Burns
Burns are classified by degrees, with first-degree burns being the least severe and third-degree burns being the most severe. First-degree burns only impact the outermost layer of skin and can result in redness and swelling. A common example of a first-degree burn is a sunburn.
A second-degree burn affects not only the outermost layer of skin but also the next layer, which may cause discoloration of the skin and blisters. Third-degree burns, however, affect all layers of skin and the tissue beneath, which can result in numbness and blackened skin. These are the most serious forms of burns and may require significant treatment, including skin grafts and plastic surgery.
The more severe the burn, the more extensive the treatment for the burn is likely to be, and the more medical expenses you will incur. Speaking with a Bellevue burn injury lawyer at Inkelaar Law about your injuries may help you evaluate the strength of your potential claim.
Comparative Fault in Bellevue Claims
Burn injuries often result from the negligent actions of another individual or entity. However, in some cases, you may also be partially responsible for the accident that led to your injuries. The ability to recover damages in this situation depends on the portion of fault you bear for the accident.
Under Nebraska law, injury victims can seek recovery for their losses so long as they are less than 50 percent liable for the accident that led to their injuries. If they are 50 percent or more at fault for their injuries, then they generally cannot seek damages for their injuries from any other responsible parties. The portion of fault allocated to injury victims also impacts the total amount of damages that they may be able to recover.
Working with a Bellevue Burn Injury Attorney
Burn injuries may be among some of the most catastrophic injuries that you can experience. When you have suffered a burn injury, you may be required to undergo medical treatment for an extended period of time, incur extensive medical expenses, and be unable to work, perhaps on a permanent basis. If the negligent actions of others have caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
A Bellevue burn injury lawyer may be able to evaluate the facts and circumstances that led to your burn injuries and help you determine the best course of action. With the help of the injury lawyers at Inkelaar Law, you may be able to make the decisions that will best benefit you and your family.