Burn injuries are some of the most painful and life-changing injuries a person can endure. They often require extensive medical treatment, long-term recovery, and can leave lasting scars or disabilities. At Hillstone Law, our Riverside burn injury lawyers are committed to helping burn victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
What Causes Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries can happen in many different ways, including:
- Open Flames: Candles, fireplaces, stoves, fire pits, and other heat sources.
- Thermal Burns: Hot water, steam, appliances, or overheated machinery.
- Chemical Burns: Household products like drain cleaners, gasoline, and paint thinners.
- Electrical Burns: Faulty wiring, downed power lines, or defective electrical equipment.
- Car Accidents: Explosions, leaking fuel, or chemical burns from airbags.
In serious accidents, victims may suffer multiple types of burns at once, complicating treatment and recovery.
How Are Burn Injuries Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the burn:
- First-Degree Burns: Often treated at home with cool water, aloe vera, and over-the-counter ointments.
- Second-Degree Burns: Usually require medical care, including dressings, prescription ointments, and close monitoring.
- Third-Degree Burns: The most severe, often requiring skin grafts, IV fluids, antibiotics, and long-term hospitalization.
Complications from burns may include:
- Bacterial infections
- Severe dehydration or low blood volume
- Hypothermia
- Breathing problems from smoke inhalation
- Painful scarring or keloids
- Bone and joint problems due to damaged tissue
These complications can lead to lifelong challenges and costly medical care.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Burn Injuries?
Yes if your burn was caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
Common Situations Leading to Burn Injury Claims:
- Car Accidents: Negligent drivers responsible for crashes that cause burns.
- Premises Liability: Landlords or property owners failing to maintain safe conditions, such as a defective water heater.
- Defective Products: Manufacturers can be held strictly liable if a defective product causes burns, such as a faulty curling iron, radiator, or kitchen appliance.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for My Burn Injury Claim?
While you have the right to file a claim on your own, doing so puts you at a disadvantage. Insurance companies and large corporations have teams of attorneys working to minimize payouts.
With Hillstone Law on your side, you’ll have experienced burn injury attorneys who:
- Investigate the cause of your injury
- Gather medical records and expert testimony
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if necessary
Studies consistently show that victims with legal representation recover more compensation than those who go it alone.
Speak With a Riverside Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Riverside or anywhere in California, don’t wait. Burn injuries often require extensive treatment and long-term care, and you deserve to be fully compensated.