Serious burns can result from various scenarios, including house fires, car crashes, or commercial property accidents. When another person’s negligence contributes to a burn accident, injured victims may have legal options for holding them accountable and pursuing compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered serious burns because of another person’s actions, call an experienced attorney at Smith Hulsey to discuss your case. A Winder burn injury lawyer could advise you on your rights and help seek the restitution you deserve.
Types of burn injuries are divided into four major categories ranging from first to fourth degree. First-degree burns affect the outer layer of a person’s skin. Second-degree burns affect both the outer and lower layers. These injuries typically include blisters and swelling and often require medical care.
Third-degree burns affect all skin layers and can often make the skin appear charred. These types of wounds may also lead to nerve damage and loss of feeling. Fourth-degree burns affect all skin layers and may extend deep into muscle tissue and bones. Accidents involving fires can also leave victims suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.
Negligence is often a factor in burn accidents. For instance, property owners may be held accountable for fires in apartment complexes and commercial properties such has hotels, restaurants, or performance venues. However, to recover compensation from an at-fault party, a plaintiff and their lawyer must establish the following elements of negligence:
Landlords and owners of commercial property are required by law to provide safe environments for tenants or patrons. Some common acts of negligence cited in burn injury claims include:
Auto accidents can also cause severe or even fatal burn injuries. If a vehicle defect caused the fire, such as a faulty battery in electric cars or an exposed gas tank, the manufacturer could be liable for any ensuing injuries. If the owner of the vehicle failed to properly maintain it, resulting in a fire, that person could be held accountable for an injured victim’s damages.
A burn victim has two years from the date of their injury to file a claim, as per O.C.G.A. §9-3-33. If a burn accident is fatal, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the person’s death. If the wrongful death claim is part of a criminal case, then the statute of limitations begins after that case is completed but not to exceed six years. It is important to consult a nearby attorney as soon as possible after a serious burn accident to retain one’s right to file for compensation.
If you suffered burn injuries due to an auto accident, commercial property fire, or any other incident involving another person’s negligence, call our firm to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation in a civil claim. An experienced Winder burn injury lawyer could work tirelessly on your behalf to get a comprehensive damages award for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Give us a call today.
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