A burn injury can cause significant damage to a person’s body. Beyond the immediate and ongoing pain, burns can leave scars, emotional trauma, and quite a hefty sum of medical bills. If you have been the victim of a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation, and you deserve an experienced attorney to help you fight your case.
At Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C., our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with these injuries, and we know adding a legal battle to that list can be taxing. Let us handle that part for you. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, we have the skills to help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. We put emphasis on open communication and unwavering advocacy. But don’t take our word for it. See what our clients have to say by reviewing our client testimonials.
Contact Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C. today, and let us help you take the first step towards justice.
Table of Contents
- What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Scottsdale?
- What Are Some Types of Burn Injuries?
- What Are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?
- Who Could Be Held Liable for My Burn Injuries?
- What Do You Need to Prove Someone Was At Fault for My Burn Injuries?
- Can I Seek Compensation from the At-Fault Party?
- What If the Burn Injuries Happened at Work?
- Is There a Deadline for Filing a Scottsdale Burn Injury Claim?
- Contact a Scottsdale Burn Injury Lawyer
What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Scottsdale?
A severe burn injury can happen for many reasons, both accidental and negligent. Some of the most common causes of these injuries are:
- Defective products – Fire hazards include faulty appliances, batteries, or gas-powered devices.
- Residential fires – Poorly maintained appliances, faulty wiring, or unattended cooking can cause house fires.
- Car accidents – Some crashes can cause fuel leaks, which lead to fires.
- Workplace hazards – Construction sites and laboratories introduce risks of burns from hazardous materials and flammable substances.
- Fire safety failures – Faulty smoke detectors, blocked exits, and a lack of fire prevention measures in public or private properties can worsen fire-related injuries.
What Are Some Types of Burn Injuries?
You should be aware of several types of burns:
- Thermal burns – This burn results from flames, steam, hot liquids, or heated objects.
- Chemical burns– Exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or toxic substances can lead to a chemical burn.
- Electrical burns– Direct contact with live electrical currents or faulty wiring can cause electrical burns.
- Radiation burns– These burns are often due to prolonged exposure to radiation from UV rays or medical treatments.
No matter what the cause, burns are often excruciating and preventable. If you suffer from a burn due to negligence, seek guidance immediately from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What Are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?
You can suffer mild discomfort to extreme pain, depending on the severity of your burn injury. The degrees of burns include:
- First-degree burns – Only the outer layer of skin is affected, causing minor pain.
- Second-degree burns – The outer layer of skin and the layer immediately under it are affected, causing blisters and heightened pain levels.
- Third-degree burns – Both skin layers and deeper tissues are affected, resulting in numbness and nerve damage.
Depending on the severity of your burn, you may face multiple medical visits and surgeries to recover physically. You can even end up with life-altering consequences.
Who Could Be Held Liable for My Burn Injuries?
To pursue justice and compensation for your burn injury, you must determine the identity of the liable party. Depending on what happened when you were burned, several parties may be liable, such as:
- Property owners or landlords – The property owner can be held liable if your burn is caused by faulty wiring, lack of fire safety, or failure to meet building codes.
- Employers – If an employer neglects safety standards in the workplace, and your burn results from that negligence, your employer may be liable.
- Manufacturers – If a defective product caused your burn, the manufacturer can be liable under product liability laws.
- Negligent individuals or businesses – A reckless driver causing a vehicle fire in a serious car accident, a contractor performing unsafe work, or a business neglecting a fire safety regulation may also be responsible for burn injuries that result from their misconduct.
Determining who is responsible for a burn injury requires an investigation. If you hire a Scottsdale burn injury lawyer, they can investigate your burn injury while you focus on recovery.
What Do You Need to Prove Someone Was At Fault for My Burn Injuries?
Establishing fault is critical in seeking compensation for your burn injury. To prove fault, you must establish that the other party:
- Had a legal obligation to act in a way that promotes safety
- Failed to uphold this obligation
- Committed acts, or was unable to do something, directly leading to your injury
- Caused you to suffer actual losses.
Medical records, witness testimony, and maintenance records are a few examples of the evidence you may need to prove fault. A Scottsdale burn injury lawyer can help you prove liability and build a strong case against the liable party.
Can I Seek Compensation from the At-Fault Party?
After you’ve suffered a burn, it is possible to seek compensation for the trauma you’ve suffered physically, emotionally, and financially. The compensation available may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Compensation for permanent scarring, disfiguration, and disability
- Punitive damages
A personal injury lawyer at Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C., can help determine your case’s value.
What If the Burn Injuries Happened at Work?
If you’ve suffered a burn at work, you must report the injury immediately and seek medical attention. Arizona’s workers’ compensation program can provide many benefits in these situations. However, if the burn is related to a third party’s negligence, like a defective product, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Speaking to a personal injury attorney will help you discover your legal options.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Scottsdale Burn Injury Claim?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Arizona allows an injured person to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party within two years from the date of the injury. It’s critical to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case so you don’t lose your right to seek compensation. Hiring a Scottsdale injury lawyer can help you stay on track so you can file your lawsuit promptly.
Contact a Scottsdale Burn Injury Lawyer
With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, Mushkatel, Gobbato & Kile, P.L.L.C., can offer personalized legal representation with resources and experience. Our team knows how to handle burn injury claims. Don’t hesitate to contact us today or visit our offices for assistance with your personal injury case.