If you live in Southern California, you likely know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect yourself from a sunburn. This is probably the most common type of burn, and it is easily preventable and treatable. Unfortunately, there are many other types of burns that are more serious and usually result from accidents and other mishaps.
Burns can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues of the body, and treatment may require extensive surgeries. If you or a loved one has been burned in an accident, speak to a Santa Clarita burn injury lawyer at Swift Justice about your situation. Our dedicated team could help you understand your legal options and how to proceed with a potential claim to recover financial compensation.
The medical definition of a burn is damage to the skin or other tissue from an outside source. These injuries are some of the most complex because there are several different possible sources, and they may affect the skin in varying degrees.
Certainly, the most common source that most people associate with burns is heat from things such as fires, hot liquids, and kitchen appliances. Industrial machinery and construction equipment can also run hot and present a burn risk.
On the opposite side, extremely cold temperatures also cause damage to the skin. Frostbite is a notable example, although the air temperature in Southern California rarely drops below freezing to cause this type of burn. However, there are products such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen that could cause serious damage if they come into contact with unprotected skin.
Chemical burns are not temperature-specific because they are caused by corrosion. Many industrial chemicals are hazardous because they can cause skin irritation if not handled safely. Some household cleaners are similarly hazardous, especially if ingested, which can cause chemical damage to the esophagus and stomach.
Regardless of the source, burn severity is generally classified into three degrees. The skin is composed of three layers of tissue, and the depth of the damage determines the degree of the burn.
A first-degree burn is superficial, as only the top layer of the skin is damaged and can heal with time and proper medical treatment, while second-degree burns penetrate that protective top layer and damage the skin underneath. Third-degree burns are the most serious because the damage has penetrated deep enough to affect the muscle and nerves underneath the skin.
Even with extensive medical treatment, victims could have lasting complications such as permanent scarring or a loss of feeling. That is why it is important to consult with an attorney in Santa Clarita who has experience handling burn damage cases.
Although some burns are self-inflicted, such as forgetting to wear sunscreen or touching a hot stove, many more can be attributed to the negligence of another person. Fires and explosions could be caused by a defective product or someone illegally setting off dangerous fireworks. Handling chemicals in an unsafe manner creates a real risk of spilling onto someone, as does not having proper warnings around storage areas.
Accidents could have multiple contributory causes that all come together at the wrong time, resulting in devastating burns to everyone in the vicinity. Let a knowledgeable Santa Clarita lawyer review the situation and facts to determine who or which party is responsible for the burn wounds. Determining the appropriate party is a crucial step in filing a claim to recover financial compensation.
If you have been burned in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, treatment, and emotional distress. Talk to a Santa Clarita burn injury lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
Our dedicated team will be by your side throughout the entire legal process, from start to finish. Contact Swift Justice today to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys.
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