You may not think of burns as a common accident-related injury, but statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal they occur more often than many realize. Each year in the US, 1.1 million victims suffer burn injuries severe enough to require medical treatment, and around 50,000 are hospitalized. While approximately 4,500 individuals succumb to their injuries, up to 10,000 people die due to infections associated with burns. Survivors often face extreme scarring, especially when surgery or multiple skin grafting procedures are necessary.
If you suffered burn injuries in an accident that was not your fault, it is important to know that Virginia law provides options for recovering compensation. A Roanoke burn injury lawyer at MichieHamlett Law Firm can take on the legal challenges so you can focus on recovery. We will pursue the monetary damages you deserve, so please contact us today to set up a free consultation. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can explain your specific options, but some general information may also be useful.
Negligence is the reason victims suffer burns in accidents, but this term has a very exacting meaning in the practice of law. To recover compensation, you need to prove that the responsible party or entity caused the incident by breaching a legal duty of care. Burn injuries may occur because of:
Also, you should note that there are multiple sources of burn injuries. You could be hurt when your skin comes into contact with a hot surface, but burns also result from exposure to chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
In most cases, you start the legal process by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. It is possible to reach a settlement agreement with the insurer, but the company may refuse to pay a fair, reasonable amount to cover your losses. Therefore, you may need to file a lawsuit in civil court to get the highest amount available under Virginia law.
Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm will handle dealings with the insurance company, but we are equally prepared to fight for your rights in court. It is our goal to help you recover for such losses as:
For more information on your rights and remedies after suffering burn injuries, contact us at the MichieHamlett Law Firm. A Roanoke burn injury lawyer from our team can provide a no-cost case assessment, review your circumstances, and explain the laws that apply to your situation.
