Burn injuries can lead to devastating consequences that affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. They can lead to scarring, which not only impacts appearance but can also impact mobility, range of motion, and sensation. Recovery is painful and may require multiple surgeries. Psychological recovery can be lengthy.

If someone else was to blame for your burn injuries, you deserve fair and prompt compensation. In a free consultation, a Torrington burn injury lawyer from D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LCC, can provide the information you need to decide whether to pursue a catastrophic injury claim. 

Understanding Burn Injuries

There are four main types of burns and four degrees of burn severity. The type of burn helps dictate treatment options. The degree of the burn impacts the treatment plan and the long-term prognosis.

The four main types of burns are:

  • Thermal burns: Burns that come from a heat source that raises the skin temperature. These types of burns can come from coming into contact with scalding liquids, flames, and hot metals.
  • Radiation burns: Burns stemming from prolonged exposure to sources of radiation, such as the sun or X-rays.
  • Chemical burns: Burns caused by acids, detergents, or solvents coming into contact with the body.
  • Electrical burns: Burns from electrical current.

Depending on how deep and severely the burn damages the skin, burn injuries are classified as either first, second,  third, or fourth-degree.

  • First-degree burns: Superficial first-degree burns affect the top layer of skin. Long-term tissue damage is rare.
  • Second-degree burns: Partial thickness burns that cause redness, blistering, and swelling.
  • Third-degree burns: Full-thickness burns that destroy the top layers of skin and even damage the bones, muscles, and tendons. The burn site will appear white or charred.
  • Fourth-degree burns: Not everyone agrees on the fourth-degree diagnosis. However, some medical professionals use it to indicate burns that go into the nerves, bones, muscles, and organs. These injuries lead to lifelong injuries and may even be fatal.

Causes of Burn Injuries

Burns are a leading cause of severe injuries and death. While some burns are accidental, most result from negligence. When another person’s negligence causes your burns, you may have a personal injury claim. Some frequent causes of burn injuries include:

  • Explosives;
  • Fireworks;
  • Flammable clothing;
  • Flammable sleepwear;
  • Batteries;
  • Building fires;
  • Car wrecks;
  • Truck accidents;
  • Product liability for dangerous products;
  • Chemical burns;
  • Cooking accidents;
  • Hot liquids;
  • Dropped cigarettes, matches or lighters which then ignite clothing that is too flammable.

When you suffer a severe burn injury, our team of lawyers in Torrington will help you hold the responsible party accountable for all forms of harm they caused you.

Understanding Legal Damages

There are three types of damages available in personal injury lawsuits—economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages refer to compensation for financial losses. Examples include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and medical bills. Non-economic damages refer to damages that are not financial but which the justice system seeks to quantify. Examples include pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and are not available in most cases—the wrongdoer’s behavior must be egregious.

Medical bills and other lifelong costs related to burn injuries can be much greater than most people anticipate. Before accepting a settlement from an insurance company, it is important you understand those long-term costs. Never go it alone without a lawyer. A Torrington burn injury attorney can be sure you receive all the compensation you are legally entitled to..

Enlist the Help of an Experienced Burn Injury Attorney in Torrington

When you or someone you love has endured a burn injury, having a strong advocate in your corner is crucial. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out money in fair settlements, and their duty is to their shareholders, not to you. You want an advocate whose only loyalty is to you and who will vigorously champion your rights and interests. Our legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC is here to offer you the necessary assistance and counsel to pursue fair compensation and reclaim your life.

We will meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding your injury, consult with important experts, gather all pertinent medical documentation, and seek input from qualified medical professionals. If you have suffered a burn injury, do not hesitate to contact a Torrington burn injury lawyer today. Time is of the essence, as you must take action before the statute of limitations expires on your case.