Every year over 1 million Americans require medical attention for burn injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A burn injury is notoriously painful, and it can cause debilitating scars and life-threatening infections. When burn victims have been involved in a fire, they often suffer additional complications from smoke inhalation or exposure to toxic gases. Those who suffered severe burn injuries can require months of painful rehabilitation and exposure to dangerous infections. Up to 10,000 people die from burn-related infections every year in the United States.
Under Virginia law, burn injury victims have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or business whose intentional behavior or negligence caused their injuries. Burn injury victims often face significant medical expenses, and many victims are unable to return to work, making it incredibly difficult to earn enough money to pay their bills. Contacting an experienced Fairfax County burn injury lawyer is crucial. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC have successfully obtained significant compensation for burn injury victims throughout Virginia. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for your rights.
Common Causes of a Burn Injury
Burn injuries are far more common than most of us realize, and the accidents that cause burn injuries can happen at home, at work, or while running errands. According to the American burn Association, over 60 percent of all acute hospitalizations in the U.S. are related to severe burn injuries, and flames cause 43% of all burn injuries. Scalding liquids coming in contact with the skin causes 34 percent of burn injuries. Additionally, electrical and chemical burns caused by flammable gases and liquids can also cause devastating burn injuries. A few of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Scalding liquids coming in contact with the skin
- Cooking accidents at home or in commercial kitchens
- Medical malpractice
- Dangerous materials
- Construction accidents
- Faulty wiring
- Auto accidents
- Fires
- Defective products
Complications Caused by Severe Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries are challenging to treat, and they can cause long-term physical and emotional damage. Medicine has advanced when it comes to burn injuries, yet the treatment process for severe burns remains incredibly painful and drawn-out. In many cases, doctors will need to initially anesthetize burn injury victims because the pain is so great. Burns can take a significantly long time to heal, and severe burns can require multiple painful skin graft surgeries. Burn injuries can also cause the following life-altering complications:
- Organ failure
- Infection
- Sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Cellulitis
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Psychological difficulties
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Severe pain
Many of these devastating burn injury complications are permanent, and burn injury victims must cope with them for the rest of their lives. At Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC, we believe that victims of burn injuries should receive all of the compensation to which they’re entitled. Securing a favorable insurance settlement or verdict takes the financial burden off of burn injury victims and allows them to provide for themselves and their families as they recover.
Proving Negligence in a Burn Injury Lawsuit
Burn injury victims may have a legal compensation claim. When a person or company’s negligence caused the fire or accident that resulted in a person’s burn injuries, the victim has a right to file a personal injury lawsuit. The first step in bringing a personal injury lawsuit is determining who was at fault for the victim’s injuries. The following people or businesses can be held liable for severe burn injuries:
- Product manufacturers
- Employers
- Drivers
- Cities and municipalities
- Electrical companies
- Landlords
- Residential property owners
- Medical professionals
Under Virginia law, the plaintiff who files a personal injury lawsuit must prove several elements to succeed in their case and obtain compensation for their injuries. Proving another person or company’s negligence can be difficult, and the burn injury victim will need skilled legal representation to succeed. Every case is unique, but all personal injury plaintiffs need to prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed the victim a duty to act reasonably in the circumstances
- The defendant breached that duty
- The breach of duty was the case of the victim’s injuries
- The victim suffered actual, physical injuries
Our Burn Injury Lawyers Have a Proven Track Record of Success
At Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC, we have extensive experience bringing personal injury lawsuits on behalf of our clients. We also know how to assertively negotiate with insurance companies so our clients can receive all of the compensation they deserve. Our clients rest assured that we will advocate effectively for their right to obtain the compensation they deserve for their burn injuries. When our clients hire our law firm to represent them, we conduct a thorough investigation of their case. We will thoroughly investigate all potential compensation sources for our clients, including the defendant’s personal assets and compensation from insurance policies. Our hands-on lawyers also provide all of the following services:
- Using skilled investigators to locate any videos, photos, or other evidence from the scene of the accident that caused the burn injury
- Securing and reviewing police reports and witness statements
- Studying our client’s medical treatment records in-depth
- Using our network to coordinate with expert medical and financial witnesses
- Handling all communication and negotiation with the insurance carrier
- Handling all communication and negotiation with the defendant
- Negotiating a favorable settlement with the insurance company or defendant
- Skillfully representing our clients in court during a trial
Contact a Fairfax County Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you or your loved one have suffered a burn injury due to an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you seek compensation from an insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit, our legal team is here to help. Our lawyers have extensive courtroom experience and a proven track record of negotiating with insurance companies for compensation. We will thoroughly review your case and provide you with guidance on your best path to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.