Waterbury Burn Injury Lawyer

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Burn Injury Attorney in Waterbury, CT

Burn injuries are some of the most painful wounds a person can experience. In addition to the physical trauma of getting burned, victims often have a long period of medical treatments and overcoming emotional distress. If you have suffered a burn injury due to the negligence of another party, a Waterbury burn injury lawyer can seek compensation for your damages.

Weber & Rubano has been representing clients for over 70 years, pursuing compensation for their injuries. Our Waterbury personal injury attorneys have handled both civil and criminal cases, and they have the experience needed to build a strong case.

Waterbury Burn Injury Lawyer

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

According to the National Library of Medicine, 40,000 burn patients are admitted to the hospital each year. Burns can occur from many types of events. Some of the most common include:

  • Car accidents
  • House fires
  • Explosions from damaged gas lines
  • Battery explosions
  • Chemicals
  • Radiation
  • Boiling water or steam
  • Fireworks
  • Workplace accident

The majority of burns are caused by flame or flashes. According to the American Burn Association, 46% of burns are the result of flames.

Understanding Burn Injuries

A severe burn is a catastrophic injury that can change your life forever. Burns are classified according to severity

  • First-degree burns affect the outer, or top, layer of skin. These can cause pain, and you may see redness.
  • Second-degree burns affect the outer and second layers of skin. The pain is often worse than a first-degree burn, with swelling and blisters being likely.
  • Third-degree burns affect the first two layers of skin and go as deep as the fat beneath the skin. These can turn the area black, white, or brown and affect the nerves.
  • Fourth-degree burns or greater are severe burns that can char the skin, expose bone, and, in some cases, require amputation.

Treatment and recovery for severe burns can last for years. It’s important to understand the causes of burns and how they can have long-lasting impacts on a victim’s life. A Waterbury catastrophic injury attorney can determine if you have a burn injury case and represent you through the legal process.

Possible Damages in a Burn Injury Case

If you have suffered burns in an accident caused by another driver on I-84 in Waterbury, a wreck on another Connecticut highway, or an incident at work, you could seek compensation for your injuries. Some of the damages that may be recoverable include:

  • Medical expenses. You may be eligible to seek compensation to recover medical expenses.
  • Counseling bills. Counseling can help you work through the trauma of experiencing severe burns.
  • Pain and suffering. Burn injuries can bring both physical and emotional pain. You could seek damages for your suffering.
  • Lost wages. Recovering from a burn injury takes time and often takes you away from work.
  • Disfigurement. Severe burns almost always result in scarring, and some require amputation or cause the loss of function of some body parts.
  • Future medical expenses. After a burn, you may need medical care in the future.

Determining Fault in a Burn Injury Case

In Connecticut personal injury cases, including cases involving a burn victim, the injured party must prove the fault of a negligent party. To establish negligence, the victim must show that the defendant:

  • Had a duty of care.
  • Breached that duty.
  • Directly caused your injuries.
  • Inflicted damages on you.

Connecticut also follows a modified comparative negligence system. Therefore, if the victim is found partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, so long as they are 50% or less at fault.

Why Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer?

If you suffered a burn injury and think you have a case against the person or company responsible for your injury, you’ll want to hire a Waterbury burn injury attorney. Burn injury cases are a type of personal injury claim, and they can be complex and challenging. Navigating the legal system requires an experienced attorney who has the skills needed to effectively handle your case.

An attorney can:

  • Gather and preserve evidence.
  • Interview eyewitnesses.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies.
  • Seek expert witnesses to strengthen your claim.
  • Handle the legal aspects of your case.
  • Stay within the state’s time limits for filing the claim.
  • Manage other details as they arise.

That way, you can focus on your recovery.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Burn Injury?

There is no average settlement for a burn injury. The amount of a settlement depends on:

  • The circumstances of the accident
  • The severity of the burn
  • The degree of disfigurement
  • Whether there is clear negligence

An attorney familiar with burn injury laws can determine what to seek for damages and what to accept for a settlement offer.

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. This timeframe is mandated by the statute of limitations, explained in C.G.S. § 52-585. If you don’t file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may miss the opportunity to bring a case against the person responsible for your injury.

Does a Burn Count as an Injury?

A burn counts as an injury for a personal injury claim. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a burn is an injury that damages your body tissue. Burns can occur when something too hot or too cold comes in contact with your skin. The deeper the burn and the more surface area they cover, the more severe the injury is.

What Should I Do After a Burn Accident?

The first thing to do after suffering a burn accident is to seek medical attention. If it’s a severe burn or the result of a car accident, you should call emergency services. If possible, document the scene of the accident and your injury. As soon as possible after the injury, you also want to consult an attorney about filing a burn injury claim.

Contact a Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries can change lives in a matter of seconds. If you suffered a burn and want to seek damages from the person responsible, contact Weber & Rubano for a consultation. Our attorneys have the experience, both in and out of the courtroom, to help you.