Connecticut Burn Injury Lawyer

Just about everyone has experienced some type of burn at some point in their life, mostly from minor accidents like grazing against a hot pan or forgetting to put on sunscreen during a day spent outside. Unfortunately, these minor injuries pale in comparison to the harm a reckless or careless person can do if, through their misconduct, they expose someone else to open flames, superheated materials, or caustic chemicals.

If you recently sustained serious burns directly due to another person’s irresponsible behavior, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The catastrophic injury attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna are here to help you through this process. Get in touch with a seasoned Connecticut burn injury lawyer today to get started.

Differentiating Between Degrees of Burn Injuries

Burns are categorized by most medical professionals into one of three “degrees,” with first-degree burns being the least severe. Since they only affect the outermost layer of skin, cause few symptoms beyond redness and localized pain, and generally heal on their own after a few days, first-degree burns caused by others may not be serious enough to justify civil litigation. However, there may be exceptions for first-degree burns covering large and/or sensitive areas of the body.

Conversely, second-degree burns—which affect both the outer epidermis and inner dermis skin layers—generally do require professional medical care, which is one of the key components of a personal injury lawsuit. These burns may cause swelling, skin discoloration, blistering, and substantial physical pain, and without prompt medical care, they may end up causing permanent scarring.

Third-degree burns are even more severe and sometimes even life-threatening, as they penetrate deep enough to damage fat layers and muscle tissue beneath the skin. These burns cause dark and leathery skin discoloration and may destroy nerve endings as well as cause damage severe enough to require surgical interventions like skin grafting. A Connecticut burn injury attorney can assess a particular situation and determine whether filing an injury claim is a viable option.

Compensable Losses in Connecticut Burn Accident Claims

The financial value of a burn injury lawsuit or settlement demand depends largely on how severe the burn is and what kind of long-term effects it is likely to have. For first-degree burns and some second-degree burns, recoverable damages may be limited to short-term medical bills, missed work wages or salary during recovery, and compensation for physical pain and suffering.

For severe second-degree burns and virtually all third-degree burns, though, an ensuing civil claim should account for the various effects that permanent loss of sensation and/or scarring caused by the burn may have. In this sort of situation, a burn injury lawyer in Connecticut can help seek restitution for lost earning capacity, future medical expenses, emotional anguish, and lost quality and enjoyment of life.

Get in Touch with an Experienced Connecticut Burn Injury Attorney

Severe burns can be life-altering in numerous ways. It can be especially upsetting and frustrating when your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence. That said, getting fair compensation from the at-fault party can be key to maximizing your quality of life now and well into the future.

Our award-winning team at Berkowitz Hanna is here to help if you or a loved one suffered burn injuries at the hands of someone else. Schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut burn injury lawyer to get started on your case.