Burns are some of the most complex injuries because they have a wide range of severity and can be caused by many different sources. The sun’s UV rays can cause minor discomfort or painful blisters lasting for weeks. While you can protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, it is harder to protect yourself from someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.
If you have been burned because of someone else’s actions, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation for your injuries, and an Albuquerque burn injury lawyer could help you. The local law firm of Duran & McDonald has years of experience handling complex catastrophic injury cases and could provide you with dedicated representation for your claim.
A burn is a broad word that refers to damage to the skin caused by an outside source. Sometimes, these sources are obvious because a burn injury is commonly associated with heat. Heat sources could include fires, cooking stoves, working machinery, and hot liquids such as coffee or boiling water. An oil or gas explosion is a fast and powerful expansion of heat and pressure that could burn anyone caught in the blast.
Although it may seem contradictory, burns could also be caused by cold sources. New Mexico does not experience the kind of freezing weather that could cause frostbite, but specialty products like liquid nitrogen and dry ice are cold enough to cause damage to the skin if touched or handled unsafely.
Some industrial chemicals or household and industrial cleaners are corrosive and could cause chemical burns when they come into contact with the skin or any other soft tissue, such as the eyes. These chemicals could be deadly if they are ingested and cause damage to the internal organs.
No matter the source, the severity of a burn injury is separated into four degrees, depending on how deep the burn penetrates. A first-degree burn damages just the outer layer of skin and is the common result of a sunburn. A second-degree burn penetrates the first layer of skin to reach the second layer and causes painful blisters. A third-degree burn destroys the first and second layers, leaving the area charred. And a fourth-degree burn reaches deep enough to damage the muscle and bone.
While first and second-degree burns can heal with the help of rest and medication, third and fourth-degree burns could require extensive medical treatment like skin grafts. A burn victim in Albuquerque should seek immediate medical attention and then seek counsel with a dedicated attorney. An injured person may file a claim for compensation if the burn was caused by someone else’s action.
Most burns occur because of an accident in the kitchen from touching a hot stove or food. However, some accidents occur because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, and, unfortunately, someone could get hurt.
Negligence is when someone fails to act reasonably in the circumstances. A failure to handle a dangerous chemical safely could be considered negligent if it causes a chemical burn. Similarly, keeping a pot of coffee at an unreasonably high temperature could result in severe burns when someone tries to take a drink.
Recklessness is like negligence, except the person disregards the danger of their activity. An example is lighting fireworks off in the direction of other people.
When a burn injury is the result of negligence or recklessness, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Proving that someone acted negligently or recklessly depends on the specific facts, and a knowledgeable Albuquerque attorney experienced with burn accidents could help build a case.
If you have been burned because of someone else’s negligence, contact an Albuquerque burn injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation to pay for your medical care and pain.
A local attorney at Duran & McDonald could provide devoted attention to your case while you focus on your recovery. Call today to discuss your case with a lawyer.
