Burn injuries can happen in a multitude of ways with a wide range of causes. Figuring out what caused your burn injury is important when you want to sue. To file a lawsuit for compensation, you will need to prove negligence. At times this can be challenging but you may not have to do this alone. Feel free to ask a New York City personal injury attorney for guidance.

Types of Burn Injuries

There are four main types of burn injuries with different levels of severity. These types of burn injuries include:

• Chemical burns
  
• Thermal burns
• Electrical burns
• Radiation burns

Chemical burns happen when a corrosive chemical comes in contact with the skin. Strong acids and solvents are common chemicals that can cause severe burns to the skin. The eyes can also become damaged by hazardous chemicals, sometimes resulting in permanent vision problems.

Thermal burns are the most commonly known type of burn injury. They happen from fires, scalding liquids, steam, and other forms of strong heat. Touching a hot metal surface, for example, would be a thermal burn. These burns can leave severe scarring, chronic pain, and permanent disfigurement.

Electrical burns happen when someone comes in contact with electricity. Touching an exposed wire is one example. Radiation burns involve exposure to radiation and may not show effects right away. These burns can cause blisters and, in severe cases, can make the skin start coming off.

Within each of these types of burn injuries are severity levels measured by degrees. First-degree burns only damage the outermost layer of the skin, leaving redness and pain but no blisters. Second-degree burns can create blisters and swelling because two layers of skin become damaged. Third-degree burns damage deeper layers of skin, creating a high risk of infection, deformity, and severe pain.

When to Sue for a Burn Injury

You might be able to sue for a burn injury if someone else caused your injury. This involves filing a personal injury lawsuit against that person. To file a personal injury claim, you must prove negligence, causation, a duty of care, and damages. Common examples of incidents that involve negligence and burn injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Workplace incidents
• Product defects like exploding batteries

A lawsuit is most strongly built with facts and evidence. The more evidence you have like medical records and pictures, the better. Depending on the situation, you may also need witness testimonies, medical records, and police reports. Consider contacting a New York City accident lawyer if you have any questions. A lawyer can take over many of these steps for you.  

New York City Burn Injuries Attorney

Dealing with severe burn injuries is highly stressful. Start by contacting the Sullivan and Brill Law Firm by dialing (212) 566-1000 to speak with a New York burn injuries lawyer for a free consultation today. Our Richmond County attorneys might be able to help you obtain additional compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. We are located throughout New York City, Long Island, Kings, Bronx, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland Counties, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.