A burn is one of the most painful and traumatic types of injuries. According to data from the American Burn Association, approximately 100,000 Americans seek emergency medical treatment for fire and burn injuries every year. Recovering from a burn can be emotionally and physically challenging. Victims may require long-term hospitalization, skin grafts, and cosmetic surgery. Even with extensive medical care, a burn can have long-lasting, even permanent effects.
At Henness & Haight, our top-rated Las Vegas burn injury lawyers work tirelessly to protect the rights and interests of injured victims. When we take on a case, we will ensure that every issue is handled to your absolute satisfaction. If you or your family member suffered a serious burn injury in Southern Nevada, our law firm is here to get you justice, accountability, and full financial compensation. For a free, no obligation review of your case, please call our Las Vegas law office today.
The Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur in a number of different ways. When most people think of burn injuries, they generally conjure up an image of fire. Yet, more than half of all burn injuries that are treated by medical professionals in the United States are actually caused by something other than an open flame. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Nevada include:
- Fires caused by dangerous/defective products;
- Fires caused by hazardous conditions;
- Structural fires;
- Chemical burns;
- Scalding burns;
- Steam-related burns;
- Thermal burns;
- Smoke-related burns; and
Understanding the Categories of Burn Injuries
In diagnosing, assessing, and treating a burn injury, medical professionals will generally classify the severity of a burn injury by ‘degree’. The three different categories of burn injuries are as follows:
- First Degree Burn: A first degree burn is the mildest type of burn injury. While painful, a first degree burn only affects the top layer of skin. In general, emergency medical treatment is not required to deal with this type of injury. That being said, if an infection develops, professional medical attention will be necessary.
- Second Degree Burn: A second degree burn is defined as one that damages the deeper layers of skin tissue. These are more painful, more serious, and take longer to heal than first degree burns. With second degree burns, medical attention may be required.
- Third Degree Burn: The most severe class of burn, a third degree burn, always requires immediate medical attention. With a third degree burn, tissues below the skin are damaged. Often, a skin graft will be needed to close the wound associated with a third degree burn.
How to Prove Liability in a Burn Injury Case
Whether your burn injury occurred because of a dangerous or defective product, in a motor vehicle accident, or for any other reason, you need a qualified attorney by your side. To hold a defendant liable for a burn injury in Nevada, a plaintiff generally must prove that the defendant’s careless, reckless, or unreasonably dangerous conduct contributed to causing the burn.
The circumstances surrounding the burn must be carefully investigated by an experienced professional. If you or your loved one suffered a severe burn injury, our Las Vegas, NV burn injury attorneys are ready to conduct a thorough investigation. We will determine what happened, why it happened, who should be held accountable, and what steps must be taken to get you justice and full compensation.
You Have Limited Time to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit In Nevada
One of the biggest mistakes that an injured victim can make is waiting too long to take legal action.
Under Nevada law (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e)), plaintiffs only have a certain amount of time to take legal action. Burn injury claims are subject to a strict two-year statute of limitations. You must file your claim before the statutory deadline. The sooner you take action, the better. Protect your rights. Contact a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer immediately.
Victims Deserve Full Financial Compensation
Through a personal injury lawsuit, plaintiffs can seek financial relief for the complete value of their damages. To recover full and fair compensation, it imperative that you work with an experienced lawyer. Insurance companies are aggressive — they often offer settlements that are wholly unreasonable. At Henness & Haight, our Las Vegas, NV burn injury lawyers know how to help clients recover the maximum compensation. You may be entitled to damages for:
- Emergency room treatment;
- Medical bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Psychological counseling;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Scarring or disfigurement;
- Permanent impairment; and
- Wrongful death.
Notably, with burn injury claims, plaintiffs should be offered financial relief that accounts for their pain and suffering and for any long-term scarring or disfigurement. Serious burns are extremely painful, and they may leave disfiguring scars. These non-economic damages must be properly compensated.
Why Hire the Burn Injury Attorneys at Henness & Haight
Our Nevada burn injury attorneys are dedicated and attentive advocates for our clients. We firmly believe in putting client needs first. If you or your family member suffered a serious burn injury in Nevada, we will:
- Conduct a free, no obligation review of your burn injury claim;
- Answer any questions you have about your legal rights;
- Carefully investigate the case — obtaining evidence;
- Work directly with top medical professionals to get you the right treatment and to document your injuries;
- Handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
- Craft a strong, persuasive burn injury lawsuit.
We are proud of our proven track record of successful results representing clients in personal injury claims in Nevada. In case after case, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys have helped clients obtain maximum settlement offers. At the same time, we are always ready to pursue litigation to hold negligent defendants and their insurers accountable.
Speak to Our Las Vegas, NV Burn Injury Attorneys Right Away
At Henness & Haight, our Nevada personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience required to handle the full range of burn injury claims. If you or your loved one suffered a serious burn in an accident, we are available to help.
To set up a free, strictly confidential consultation, please contact our law firm today. With office locations in Las Vegas, we represent injured victims in communities throughout Clark County, including North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Summerlin South, and Winchester.