Sunset Hills Burn Injury Lawyer

Major burn injury recovery is a long and painful process. It is also costly and will likely keep the injured party out of work while they heal. If a person’s negligent actions caused you or someone you love to sustain severe burn injuries, a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney could hold them financially accountable.

Award amounts could cover medical care, the time you miss from work, and pain and suffering. Call a Sunset Hills burn injury lawyer to go over your case.

The Different Types and Classifications of Burn Injuries

There are various ways a person can sustain severe burn injuries leading to permanent scarring and disfigurement. The different types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal burns: The most common type of burn injuries people sustain, and they come from a heat source such as scalding liquids or hot metals
• Chemical burns: Occur after the skin comes in contact with powerful substances such as acids, alkalis, and solvents
• Radiation burns: Happen after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays
• Electric burns: Come from contact with an electrical current

A skilled Sunset Hills burn injury attorney could review the details of the injuries to determine whether a victim has a strong case for compensation.

Burn Injury Classifications

Burns generally fall within three categories, which include:

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn will not blister and only affects the outermost layer of skin. The injured party can care for first-degree burns at home and should heal within three to six days.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect the top layer and the skin’s second, or dermis, layer. They usually heal within seven to 21 days and do not require professional medical care unless they cover a large portion of the body.

Third-Degree Burns

A third-degree burn destroys the epidermis and dermis layers of skin and can damage the muscles and bone around the area of the wound.

In the most severe and damaging burn injury cases, the medical care provider may classify a burn injury as a fourth-degree burn.

Statute of Limitations in Burn Injury Claims

The civil court statute of limitations restricts the length of time a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit after an injury occurs. Under the Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120, a claimant must file a negligence lawsuit within five years of sustaining the burn damage.

If a plaintiff files a civil action after the statute of limitations expires, the judge will likely throw the case out, leaving them no other options for financial recovery. It is always in the petitioner’s best interest to prepare and file the lawsuit immediately.

Initiating the action soon after the injuries occur ensures evidence is still available and more easily attainable. A proactive burn injury lawyer in Sunset Hills could help investigate and find the evidence needed to file the claim for damages. They could also handle the legal work and ensure the lawsuit is filed within the legal time limits.

Schedule a Meeting with a Sunset Hills Burn Injury Attorney Today

Burn wounds are among the most damaging and painful injuries a person can suffer. They also leave both long-term physical and psychological injuries that require extensive treatment.

If another person’s careless actions caused the accident that led to your burn injuries, you should not have to cover the expenses. Contact us to speak with an experienced Sunset Hills burn injury lawyer today.