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Are you struggling to heal and rebuild your life after you suffered a burn injury in Fredericksburg due to someone else’s wrongful actions? If so, our experienced and knowledgeable burn injury lawyers at Marks & Harrison are ready to help you seek compensation that will allow you to move forward.
Our personal injury lawyers have fought for Virginia burn injury victims and their families for over a century. With our proven results and outstanding client reviews, you can trust us to protect your rights while you focus on healing. Call or complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation through our conveniently located Fredericksburg law office.
What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Fredericksburg?
Burn injuries in Fredericksburg often occur in accidents resulting from someone’s careless or dangerous actions. Common causes include:
- Car accidents that cause fires or explosions
- Residential or workplace electrical failures
- Exposure to caustic chemicals in industrial settings, or chemical burns
- Defective household products or appliances
- Kitchen accidents in homes or restaurants
- Scalding from hot liquids or steam
- Exposure to unsafe conditions on construction sites
- Gas leaks in homes or businesses
- Malfunctioning space heaters or furnaces
- Poorly maintained public utilities
- Fireworks or open flame accidents
- Unsafe practices at manufacturing facilities
- Nursing home neglect leading to scalding or fire hazards.
What Are the Different Levels of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries in Fredericksburg fall into three categories, with first-degree burns being the least severe and third-degree burns being the most severe. Recognizing the type of injury is essential for seeking proper medical care. Here’s an overview of the three levels of burn injuries:
- First-degree burns – These injuries damage only the outer layer of skin. They can cause redness, tenderness, and dryness, but do not create blisters. Long-term damage rarely occurs in these cases.
- Second-degree burns – These serious burns extend into the second layer of skin, often producing swelling, pain, and fluid-filled blisters. Because they go deeper than the surface, second-degree burns may require intense medical treatment to lower the risk of infection and promote healing.
- Third-degree burns – These severe burns destroy all skin layers and may reach underlying fat, bone, or muscle. The affected area can appear white, blackened, or leathery. Since these burns destroy nerve endings, the injury may cause little or no immediate pain despite the extensive bodily harm. Third-degree burns always need immediate medical attention. In many cases, they require surgery or skin grafts to heal correctly.
How Are Most Burn Injuries Treated?
Doctors treat burn injuries based on the injury’s severity and location. Minor burns may need only cool water, clean dressings, and pain medication until the skin heals. These injuries often improve with at-home care. However, people with these injuries should still watch for signs of infection.
More serious burns require more extensive medical treatment. To prevent infection and stabilize the patient, doctors may use:
- Prescription ointments
- Specialized dressings
- IV fluids.
Treatment for second- and third-degree burns may also involve antibiotics, debridement to remove damaged tissue, and hospitalization for close monitoring.
The most severe burns can require surgical procedures such as skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Patients may also need long-term physical therapy to restore mobility and function in affected areas.
Do Burn Injuries Have Long-Term Effects on the Injured Person?
Severe burn injuries, especially second- and third-degree burns, can have significant long-term effects, including:
- Chronic pain – Nerve damage and scar tissue can leave burn injury victims with lasting discomfort that requires ongoing care.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Deep burns can leave visible marks that may impact patients’ self-esteem and require reconstructive surgery.
- Limited mobility – Burns across joints or large areas of skin can tighten the tissue and restrict movement.
- Infection risks – Damaged skin provides less protection, which increases the chance of future infections at the injury site.
- Emotional distress – Many people with catastrophic burn injuries experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the accident and their recovery.
- Financial strain – Extended hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation can lead to long-term financial burdens for the injured person and their family.
How Can a Fredericksburg Burn Injury Lawyer Help Me with My Claim?
Our Fredericksburg burn injury lawyers at Marks & Harrison can guide you through your personal injury lawsuit and help you pursue fair compensation. We will investigate the cause of your injury, gather evidence, and identify the liable parties. Our team can also work with medical professionals to show the full impact of your injuries and calculate the harm you’ve suffered, including how your injuries affect your quality of life and future earning potential.
Marks & Harrison can also handle all communications with the insurance companies and pursue a full and fair settlement for you. If the insurance company refuses to make an offer you can accept, we’ll be ready to take your case to trial.
Who Could Be Held Responsible in a Burn Injury Accident?
In Fredericksburg burn injury claims, liability often lies with the party whose careless or dangerous actions caused the accident and subsequent fire or explosion. Depending on how the injury occurred, the liable parties could include:
- Drivers who cause crashes that result in vehicle fires or explosions
- Landlords, businesses, or homeowners who fail to correct fire hazards or maintain safe conditions
- Employers who ignore safety standards, fail to train workers properly, or provide unsafe equipment
- Product manufacturers that sell defective appliances, tools, or other products that spark fires or overheat
- Utility companies that neglect to repair faulty gas lines, electrical systems, or other dangerous infrastructure
- Contractors that perform unsafe work, use poor materials, or don’t address job site hazards properly
What Compensation Could You Receive in a Fredericksburg Burn Injury Lawsuit?
Your compensation in a Fredericksburg burn injury lawsuit could include money for your:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages while you heal
- Reduced earning capacity due to a long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Burn Injury Claim in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, the usual deadline to file a burn injury lawsuit is two years from when the injury occurred. However, it’s best to speak with a Fredericksburg burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting to talk to an attorney means vital evidence could deteriorate, making it more challenging to pursue fair compensation.
Contact a Fredericksburg Burn Injury Attorney Today
With our highly skilled legal team of 32 personal injury attorneys and over 130 support personnel, Marks & Harrison has the experience and resources to seek maximum compensation in your burn injury case. Get started today. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Fredericksburg personal injury lawyer committed to seeking maximum compensation for you.