Burn Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

Compensation for Your Burn Injuries

An accident that results in burns of any degree can have a significant impact on your life, career, and health. At the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler, our burn injury lawyer understands how overwhelming a burn injury can be, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Read on to find out how you could be compensated for your burn injuries in Riverside, CA.

Why Do You Need a Riverside Burn Injury Attorney?

A Riverside burn injury attorney is essential if you are pursuing a personal injury claim. They specialize in the nuances and complexities of burn injury cases, which often require different expertise than general personal injury cases. The attorney’s role involves identifying responsible parties; assessing the full extent of physical, emotional, and financial damage; and pursuing just compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially long-term care costs.

Causes of Burn Injuries in Riverside

Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Riverside include:

• Auto accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Building fires
• Chemical exposure
• Scalding water
• Hot surfaces

Where Can I Go in Riverside To Treat a Burn Injury?

If you have been burned, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize scarring and other complications. Once you’ve been evaluated at the hospital, you may need to be referred to a specialized burn center.

Degrees of Burn Injury

The phases of burn injuries are determined using a system of degrees. There are four main degrees of burn injury, and which degree your burns fall under will dictate what kind of treatment you need and even what kind of compensation you can pursue. The degrees are:

• First-degree: First-degree burns are only limited to the outer layer of skin, also known as the epidermis. The symptoms can include moistening or redness. Minor burns or even sunburns can be classified as first-degree burns, and they often heal quickly.
• Second-degree: Second-degree burns can be either superficial or deep. They will eliminate the outer layer of skin and penetrate the second layer, also known as the dermis. A superficial second-degree burn can have a permanent effect on your skin color or pigmentation, and you may need skin grafts if you suffer from deep second-degree burns.
• Third-degree: Third-degree burns not only destroy the epidermis, but they also eliminate the dermis and can damage the tissue beneath. Skin that suffers from a third-degree burn will become leathery and discolored. Any nerve endings in the skin affected by third-degree burns are destroyed, which is why the victim may feel no pain. Skin grafts are almost always required, as third-degree burns can have major disfiguring effects.
• Fourth-degree: Fourth-degree burns are the most serious. They penetrate below the fat level and even damage or eliminate muscle and bone tissue. Fourth-degree burns can often lead to death or amputation.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Depending on the degree of your burn injuries, you may experience scarring or disfigurement. An individual is considered disfigured if they have suffered from a permanent physical change that affects their appearance. Burn scars often lead to lower self-esteem in victims of all ages. This type of mental anguish is often considered when pursuing a burn injury settlement.

How To File a Burn Injury Claim

To file a burn injury claim, first seek immediate medical treatment and document the incident comprehensively. Speak with a burn injury attorney in Riverside, who will notify the responsible parties of your claim, compile evidence, including medical bills and proof of negligence, and negotiate with the insurance companies. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney will proceed to file a lawsuit in court.

Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Burn Injury Claim?

You have two years from the date of your injury to pursue your burn injury claim. It’s important to note that after this date has passed, you will not be able to pursue compensation, so it’s essential to contact a burn injury law firm right away.

How Is Liability Assigned in Burn Injury Cases?

Liability in burn injury cases is determined by proving negligence. This involves establishing that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and as a result, the plaintiff suffered injuries. Evidence – such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions – can help establish liability.

What Kind of Damages Are Recoverable in Burn Injury Cases?

Recoverable damages in burn injury cases typically include economic damages, such as current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What Does a Burn Injury Lawyer Do?

 A burn injury lawyer specializes in handling cases involving burn injuries. They identify liable parties, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Their primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages you may have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

Why Choose Our Burn Injury Lawyer

Harlan B. Kistler has been serving the community of Riverside since 1989. He offers an aggressive representation of victims who have been wrongfully injured and are now experiencing a lower quality of life. He has represented over 2,000 victims with successful results, and he is dedicated to fighting for you with the same level of professionalism and compassion.

Contact Our Burn Injury Law Firm in Riverside Today!

If you’ve been burned and injured as a result of someone else’s actions, you deserve the best possible representation from an attorney that will fight for your rights. Contact the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler today for a free consultation!