Burns are painful, debilitating, and often permanently scarring injuries. As a burn injury survivor in Denver, Colorado, you may be facing long-term effects, such as disability, disfigurement, lost wages, and ongoing medical costs. If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries through someone else’s careless or reckless actions, contact the Denver burn injury attorneys at Dormer Harpring as soon as possible. We are committed legal advocates for burn victims in Colorado.
Not all burn injuries will make you eligible for financial compensation in Colorado. If you believe that someone else was negligent (careless) and that this caused your burn injury, however, consult with an attorney about a possible personal injury lawsuit. It is especially important to hire a lawyer if you suffered severe burns that will most likely cause scarring, disfigurement, or debilitation. A Denver injury attorney will have the resources and abilities to thoroughly investigate your burn injury, determine fault and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
There are four types of burn injuries based on the cause of the injury, as well as three classifications based on burn severity. Burns can be thermal, chemical, electrical, or from sources of radiation:
The three types of burn severity are first, second, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are the least severe. They typically do not cause permanent scarring or damage. Second-degree burns are more serious and require professional medical care. They cause blistering and may scar. Third-degree burns are the most severe. Third-degree burns can damage the deeper tissues and muscles, causing permanent disfigurement, debilitation or death.
Most serious burn injuries in Denver are preventable. They stem from careless, reckless or malicious acts. If an employer fails to properly train or prepare employees to handle dangerous materials at work, for example, the employer could be responsible for related burn injuries. Some of the most common causes in Denver include:
If one or more parties had the power to prevent your burn injuries, that party may be liable – legally and financially responsible – for your related losses. Liability for a burn injury in Denver could go to a product manufacturer, property owner, employer, driver, the government or a combination of parties, depending on the case. You may need an attorney’s assistance to determine liability for your burn injury.
If you or your attorney succeeds in holding someone responsible for your burn injury in Denver, you could recover financial compensation for many past and future losses. Your attorney can help you create a full list of your compensable losses or damages to submit with your insurance claim. Examples of the damages that may be available in a burn injury claim in Colorado include:
If the defendant is guilty of gross negligence, malicious intent to harm or a wanton disregard for your safety, you may also receive punitive damages from a judge. This is an additional award granted to punish a defendant. Discuss the potential value of your burn injury claim with an attorney before entering into settlement negotiations with an insurance company to better protect yourself financially.
Consulting with an attorney at the beginning of your burn injury claim can make it easier to recover the financial compensation that you deserve. If your injury requires future foreseeable medical costs or has significantly impacted your life, it is even more important to work with an attorney during the legal process. An attorney can prevent an insurance company from taking advantage of you. Your lawyer can use aggressive negotiation tactics to fight for the compensation that you deserve.
In addition to seeking maximum financial compensation on your behalf, your lawyer can connect you to top burn injury doctors and specialists in Denver. Meanwhile, the law firm will work to investigate your accident and collect evidence of negligence to support your injury claim. Your attorney will handle the complicated legal legwork of your case while you focus on recuperating from a serious burn. You will benefit from greater peace of mind during this difficult time with a lawyer in your corner.
It is important to realize that you do not have an unlimited amount of time in which to file a burn injury claim in Denver, Colorado. The state’s statute of limitations gives you a maximum of two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a related claim. If you do not bring your civil lawsuit within two years, you will most likely forfeit the right to seek a financial recovery.
There are some exceptions, however, in special cases, such as a burned minor (two years from the date of his or her 18th birthday) or a case against the government (180 days). Some exceptions extend the deadline while others shorten it. This is why it is wise to contact a personal injury lawyer in Denver as soon as possible about a potential burn injury claim – before it’s too late.
At Dormer Harpring, we approach each case as if it is our only case. Our Denver burn injury lawyers will dedicate their personal attention to your case to achieve the best possible outcome. We understand how much you have on the line as a burn injury survivor. We are passionate about pursuing fair and full financial compensation on behalf of our clients. Find out how we can help you and your family after suffering a burn injury in Denver, Colorado. Call (303) 747-4404 or submit our online contact form for a free case evaluation.