Has a burn injury in Charlotte left you in pain and unable to pay your bills? At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we know the challenges that people face after suffering life-changing burn injuries.
While you focus on healing, we can handle every aspect of your case, including dealing with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how our experienced personal injury lawyers and hard-working support staff can help. Our initial consultations are free, and they carry no obligation. We charge no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What Are Common Causes of Charlotte Burn Injuries?
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Charlotte include the following:
- Defective products – Faulty appliances, electronics, or industrial equipment can malfunction and cause serious burn injuries to unsuspecting users.
- Inadequate safety training – Employers who fail to properly train workers put their employees at serious risk of burn injuries from industrial equipment or other hazards.
- OSHA violations – When employers ignore federal workplace safety standards, they create dangerous conditions that frequently lead to severe burn injuries.
- Building code violations – Property owners who cut corners on fire safety requirements put everyone inside their buildings at risk.
- Lack of fire safety equipment – Buildings without functioning sprinklers, extinguishers, or alarms leave occupants defenseless when a fire breaks out.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Fuel leaks and explosions from serious crashes can cause severe burns to drivers and passengers.
- Premises liability – Negligent property owners who ignore hazardous conditions on the grounds, such as exposed wiring or flammable materials, may hold responsibility if those hazards injure visitors.
- Construction accidents – Construction sites can expose workers and passers-by to open flames, electrical hazards, and flammable chemicals that can cause burn injuries.
What Are Some Different Types of Burns?
Burn injuries come in many forms, and each type has its distinct effects and challenges for victims. Depending on the severity, they may be considered catastrophic injuries.
The different types of burns include the following:
- Thermal burns – Caused by contact with flames, steam, or hot surfaces
- Electrical burns – Result from electric current passing through the body
- Chemical burns – Occur when corrosive substances like acids or industrial chemicals contact the skin
- Radiation burns – Stem from prolonged exposure to UV rays, X-rays, or nuclear radiation.
What Are the Different Levels of Burn Injuries?
The level of a burn injury indicates the severity of the injury and which tissues were damaged.
From least to most severe, the levels of burn injuries are:
- First degree – First-degree burns affect the outermost layer of skin, causing redness and minor swelling. These burns typically heal within a few days. These burns are also called “superficial burns.”
- Second degree – Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin. As a result, these burns often produce blisters and intense pain, and they have a higher risk of infection and scarring. They are also called “partial thickness” burns.
- Third degree – Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin, meaning victims often require skin grafts for the burn to heal. These burns usually cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. People may call these injuries “full thickness” burns.
- Fourth degree – Fourth-degree burns reach beyond the skin into muscles, tendons, and bones. They are the most harmful type of burn injuries and may result in amputation or death.
How Are Burns Treated?
The treatment for a burn injury depends on its severity. For minor burns, treatment often involves cooling the area, applying soothing ointments, and keeping it clean.
Second-degree burns may require professional wound care, prescription medications, and sometimes skin grafting. Severe third-degree burns require immediate hospitalization and surgical intervention.
Furthermore, recovering from third-degree burns often involves extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy and mental health counseling.
What Steps Should You Take After a Burn Injury in Charlotte?
You should take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights after a burn injury in Charlotte:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if your burn seems minor.
- If your injuries allow, take a moment to photograph your injuries, the scene, and any hazardous conditions.
- Do not discuss the incident or your injuries on social media.
- Contact an experienced Charlotte burn injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How Do You Prove Who Was Responsible for Your Burn Injuries?
You’ll need solid evidence to prove that someone else was responsible for what happened. For example, photographs and videos of the accident scene can establish dangerous conditions, while medical records document the full extent of your injuries.
Witness statements corroborate your account of events, and expert testimony can connect someone else’s behavior directly to the harm you suffered. An experienced burn injury lawyer at Elrod Pope will know how to gather and present this evidence effectively on your behalf.
What If Your Burn Injuries Happened at Work?
If you suffered burn injuries on the job, workers’ compensation likely covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, workers’ comp benefits are limited and will not cover the full extent of your lost income or the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
You may also have grounds for a separate personal injury claim if someone other than an employer or coworker contributed to your injuries, such as a negligent contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner. A lawyer Elrod Pope can identify all your legal options to pursue every cent of the money you need.
What If Burn Injuries Lead to a Loved One’s Death?
In cases involving fatal burn injuries, North Carolina law allows eligible family members to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. A successful claim can help you recover compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the loss of your family member’s companionship.
What Are Possible Damages for a Charlotte Burn Injury?
“Damages” is the legal term for the compensation you receive for your losses through a personal injury claim. With proper legal support, your compensation could include money for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses related to your burn injury
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced earning potential due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
When you meet with an attorney at Elrod Pope, we can assess your situation to determine what compensation you may be eligible for for your Charlotte burn injury.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Charlotte Burn Injury Claim?
According to North Carolina law, the usual deadline to file a burn injury lawsuit is three years from the date your injury occurred. You might have additional time in some circumstances, but don’t assume so. Contacting a lawyer immediately after your injury gives them more time to build your case and preserve crucial evidence before it disappears or deteriorates.
Contact a Charlotte Burn Injury Lawyer
At Elrod Rope, we have fought for Charlotte residents for over 45 years, and our results and client testimonials demonstrate our commitment to justice. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation case review. Your initial consultation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
