Although they may sometimes be overlooked in the immediate aftermath of an accident, burns can cause both extreme pain in the short term and permanent damage in the long term that results in heavy scarring and tissue loss. Burns come in many forms and degrees of severity, but any kind of burn may constitute grounds for a civil suit if they are traceable to another party’s actions.
If you suffer a burn injury because of someone else’s negligent actions, a Cook County burn injury lawyer could help you seek compensation needed to make you whole again. This could include payments for medical bills, any loss of potential income, and payments meant to compensate you for any permanent scarring. Reach out to an experienced attorney to schedule a consultation.
The Types and Symptoms of Burns
Reflecting the fact that burns are not uniform injuries, doctors recognize three degrees of burns that each have their own symptoms and recommended treatments. The least severe burns are known as first-degree burns and affect only the topmost layer of skin. Doctors typically treat a first-degree burn with bandages and topical creams and expect it to fully heal with minimal or no treatment. Still, these injuries can require multiple office visits to treat and can still place the victim in significant pain.
Second-degree burns, which are more severe than first-degree burns, may completely destroy the topmost layer of skin and can harm a person’s muscles and nerves. As a result, these injuries can cause severe pain. Doctors who are treating these injuries may recommend a skin graft and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, though these countermeasures may not prevent permanent scarring.
Finally, the most serious version of a burn is a third-degree burn. These are burns that completely destroy all the soft tissue in the affected area, often exposing bone. Doctors sometimes have limited options in these cases and may even recommend amputation to prevent infection and end a patient’s pain.
It is important to remember that even a first-degree burn can be a compensable injury if it requires medical attention. A Cook County burn injury attorney could help potential plaintiffs better understand their injuries and demand appropriate compensation for them.
How a Burn Injury May Occur
Car accidents are a leading source of burn injuries, as motor vehicles are complex machines that carry many flammable liquids inside their motors. If these liquids escape during a crash, they can quickly catch fire. If a victim becomes trapped in their vehicle following the accident, they may be left exposed to open flames.
However, flames are not the only potential sources of burn injuries. Burns can also be the result of exposure to other hazards such as chemicals, friction, steam, and radiation. As a result, a burn can also result from industrial accidents, assaults involving acid or boiling water, or even medical malpractice in certain cases.
Regardless of how the injury occurs, plaintiffs have only a limited time to file a claim. Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/12-901, courts will only hear a personal injury case if a plaintiff files within two years of the date of injury. This rule, known as the statute of limitations, can quickly derail an otherwise powerful claim. A burn lawyer in Cook County could help a plaintiff efficiently research their claim and ensure that the statute of limitations applicable to their case does not expire.
Reaching Out to a Cook County Burn Injury Attorney
People who suffer burn injuries are often frightened, confused, and in serious pain. Even minor burns can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Victims of more severe burns may also lose weeks or months of wages and endure permanent scarring.
An experienced Cook County burn injury lawyer understands the impact that a burn injury could have on your life. Whether you were burned in a car accident, as a result of medical malpractice, or due to an assault, you have the right to demand compensation from an at-fault party. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
