Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Have You Suffered a Burn Injury? You May Have Legal Rights

Each year in the United States, about 7,000 people are killed and one million are injured by burns caused by fires, chemicals, hot liquids, electrical wires, and other sources. Fires alone kill more Americans each year --- about 4,000 -- than all natural disasters combined, according to the United States Fire Administration.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury at work, in a car accident, or at home, you may have rights. Employees who are burned on the job may be eligible to receive compensation from their employer and others if the employer was negligent, or careless, in allowing the burn to occur. If you were burned in an automobile accident caused by the negligence of another party, you may be able to collect financial damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a defective product caused you to be burned at home, you may have a right to compensation.

At Mark & Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to helping all victims of burn injuries achieve the financial compensation to which they are entitled. If you have suffered a burn injury at work, we can help. Contact Mark & Associates, P.C. today at 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448) to schedule a free, no-obligation, and confidential legal consultation.

Have You Been Burned on the Job?

Many burns occur while victims are at work, making workplace accidents a leading cause of burn injuries in the United States. Employees in the industrial and construction fields may be exposed to fires, acids and other caustic chemicals, and electricity in exposed wires. When the workplace injury is the result of an employer's negligence, the employer is responsible for the worker's injury.

Employers are required to provide a reasonably safe work environment for their employees. Employers who fail to provide employees with adequate safety training or safety equipment may be held responsible for injuries to the workers.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burns are commonly broken down into three categories -- first-, second-, and third-degree -- depending on their severity.

• First-degree burns affect the top, outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. These burns can cause pain, redness, and swelling, but generally no lasting damage to the skin. Sunburn is a type of first-degree burn.
• Second-degree burns affect both the top and the underlying layer of skin, called the dermis. They typically cause redness, pain, swelling, and blisters. Second-degree burns can affect sweat glands and hair follicles and cause swelling and decreased blood flow in the burned area.
• Third-degree burns are among the most severe burn injuries and affect the epidermis, dermis, and the deep hypodermis, often causing charring or blackening of the skin. These painful burns often result in significant, permanent scarring of the skin.