Maine Burn Injury Attorneys

The World Health Organization estimates that 180,000 people die each year from burns. While some burns don’t lead to death or severe complications, other burn injuries pose significant health problems. Burns typically happen in the home or are the result of workplace accidents. They can be caused by a variety of factors.

If you or someone you know has suffered burn injuries because of someone else’s neglect or because of a faulty product, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call Gideon Asen, Maine burn injury attorneys, to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Burn Injuries

However they are caused, burn injuries fall into three categories. While it is still common to hear the severity of a burn classified into “degrees,” a more modern system divides burns into categories known as superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness. Like “degrees,” these terms describe the depth of the burn.

Superficial (First Degree)

A superficial burn is one that damages the top layer of skin or epidermis. Superficial burns are considered minor and can be self-treated.

Partial-Thickness (Second Degree)

A partial-thickness burn damages the epidermis and the layer of skin below it. These burns may cause blisters, discoloration and redness, and inflammation of the skin. A partial-thickness burn should be treated by a medical professional and could be a serious medical emergency that causes moderate to severe pain.

Full-Thickness (Third Degree)

A full-thickness burn goes through all skin layers and may reach the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Burns that are deep enough to destroy nerve endings may not cause immediate pain, but the healing process is extremely painful and may include one or more surgical procedures. Full-thickness burns may lead to permanent disability and death.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

The type of burn a person has may relate to the severity of the damage and the treatment procedure.

Chemical Burn

Chemical burns can happen on the job and at home. They are the result of coming into contact with acids and other corrosive substances. Even common household cleaners like bleach can cause a chemical burn. Some workers may be exposed to dangerous chemicals daily. If these chemicals splash on their skin or eyes, they might suffer a severe burn.

Thermal Burn

A thermal burn is one caused by fire or extreme heat. Housefires and car accidents are two ways people come into direct contact with flames. Being scalded with steam or other hot liquids is another cause of thermal burns. Touching hot objects can cause contact burns.

Electrical Burns

When a person is shocked by electricity, they may receive an electrical burn. These burns may not look severe from the outside, but electrical burns can cause damage to the bones and tissues underneath the skin.

Electricians may suffer an electrical burn while working, but anyone who accidentally touches an exposed wire or a faulty electrical appliance is at risk for this type of burn.

Potential Complications

Burn injuries can be life-threatening on their own, but potential complications make burns even more serious. Damaged skin has difficulty protecting itself from germs. Infections can turn minor or moderate burns into severe health risks.

Scarring may appear with deeper burns. Scar tissue can be painful and may require medical care. Swelling is another complication. Burn injuries can cause swelling not only in the damaged area but in other areas of the body as well.

Some complications that require emergency care include:

• Shock
• Blood loss
• Compartment syndrome
• Difficulty breathing
• Organ damage
• Hypothermia
• Sepsis
• Blood clot

The deeper the burns and the more area of the body they cover, the higher the risks of developing complications.

Burn Injury Treatment and Recovery

Large and severe burns require treatment from a medical professional. Care may include:

• Pain treatments such as medications
• Cleaning and debriding, removing dead skin, dying tissue, and other debris
• Dressing with sterile bandages
• Specialized wound care, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Surgeries like skin grafting to repair wounds or to reduce scarring
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Mental health care

Depending on the placement, size, and severity of the injury, a doctor may recommend additional therapies. Some individuals may also need employment assistance or retraining if injuries prevent them from returning to their current line of work.

What to Do After a Burn Injury

Minor burns may not require immediate medical care, but if you’re concerned about infection or have other medical conditions that could complicate healing, contact your primary physician for an evaluation.

Other burns require emergency care. Follow all medical recommendations. Keep all appointments, and keep a record of your care.

Gather information about the accident if possible. Get witness statements and contact information. Take photos of the equipment, product, accident, etc., that caused the injury. Also, take photos of any personal property that may have been damaged.

Even if you’re not sure you are eligible to file a burn injury lawsuit, schedule a free consultation with Gideon Asen’s experienced Maine burn injury attorneys.

How Can a Maine Burn Injury Attorney Help?

Our burn injury attorneys are personal injury attorneys with experience helping clients receive compensation for burn accidents. Our attorneys can evaluate your potential burn injury lawsuit and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Gideon Asen attorneys work hard for our clients to prove liability and fight for fair compensation. Some of the tasks our burn injury lawyers will complete include:

Gathering Evidence

If your injury was caused by a defective product, a lack of proper manufacturer’s directions, or someone else’s careless behavior, your lawyer will gather the evidence needed to prove liability. That evidence may include:

• Photos
• Manufacturer’s instructions
• Witness statements
• Professional testimony
• Medical evidence
• Security or video footage

The more evidence your attorney can discover, the stronger a case we can build on your behalf.

Negotiating With Insurance Representatives

Our experienced burn injury lawyers understand how to calculate fair compensation for our clients. We know what your case is worth and how to negotiate with insurance attorneys for the best results. Each case is different, but if you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for:

• Present and future medical bills, including ongoing therapies
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Most Maine burn injury lawsuits are settled out of court, but when a case does go to trial, your attorney will represent you in front of a judge and jury.

FAQs

How Do I Know if I Have a Strong Burn Injury Lawsuit?

Most Mainers don’t know if their burn injury warrants a lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney will listen to the details of your injury during a free consultation. If the facts show that a party neglected to act with reasonable care, your attorney may suggest filing a lawsuit.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Maine?

Like all states, Maine puts time limits on filing civil actions. Depending on the circumstances, you may have between two and six years to file a burn injury lawsuit. Contact Gideon Asen to learn how statute of limitation laws apply to you.

What if I’m Partially Responsible for My Burn Injuries?

Maine follows a comparative negligence law, which means if a plaintiff is 50% or more at fault for their injuries, they may not recover any damages. However, if they are 1% to 49% at fault, they may receive a reduced sum based on their percentage of liability.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive for Maine Burn Injuries?

The exact amount a plaintiff may receive for burn injuries depends on many things. Medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other factors must all be considered. For example, the median settlement offer for injury in product liability cases is around $748,000.

Call Experienced Maine Burn Injury Attorneys at Gideon Asen

Burn injuries can be mild to severe. They can be caused by heat, chemicals, or electricity. Treatment for burn injuries can take months and can be extremely painful. A burn injury can threaten your life and could leave you unable to work for many months.

If a defective product or a negligent person is responsible for your injury, hire an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights. Call Gideon Asen to schedule your free consultation today.