Roswell Burn Injury Attorney
Comprehensive Burn Injury Legal Support
At Crow Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact burn injuries can have on victims and their families. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support tailored to the specific needs of each client. From initial consultation to resolution, we ensure you receive personalized attention and strategic advocacy. Leveraging our extensive experience in Roswell, we navigate the complexities of personal injury law to help you achieve fair compensation.
Get Fair Financial Recovery for Severe Burn Victims
Were you badly burned in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Did your loved one die after suffering severe burn injuries? You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, distress, and other damages. While no amount of compensation can negate what you are currently experiencing, a fair recovery can allow you the ability to move forward in the healing process.
Contact Crow Law Firm at (575) 222-2702 for a free consultation with our dedicated Roswell burn injury attorney.
Understanding Different Types of Burn Injuries
Burns range in severity and are categorized accordingly. While minor burns can often be treated with simple at-home care and an over-the-counter antiseptic, major burns will typically require prompt medical attention.
The three types of burn injuries include:
- First-Degree Burns: Only the outer layer of skin is affected; can result in redness, pain at the burn site, and light scarring
- Second-Degree Burns: Both the outer and lower layer of skin can be affected; marked by redness, swelling, blistering, and pain
- Third-Degree Burns: Both layers of skin and underlying tissue and bone can be affected; marked by severe pain, numbness, "charring" of the skin, and blackened/white skin
Additionally, burn injuries are categorized by type. Examples include:
- Thermal Burns: Such as those caused by fire or contact with hot items
- Electrical Burns: Resulting from contact between electricity and the body
- Chemical Burns: Such as those caused by coming into contact with strong solvents
- Radiation Burns: Often resulting from medical treatments, like x-rays or chemotherapy
- Cold Burns: Also known as "frostbite" and resulting from extremely cold temperatures
- Friction Burns: Such as "road rash," which is a combination of heat and scraping/abrasions
Effective Treatment Options for Burn Injuries
As we mentioned in the previous section, minor burns can be treated at home – usually by running the affected area under cool water, applying either aloe vera gel or antibiotic cream, and covering the wound lightly with gauze. Even first-degree burns that cover more than 10% of the body’s surface area, however, can be more serious and require more intense treatment.
Second-degree burns covering 9% or more of the body and all third-degree burns should be handled by a medical professional, as should second- or third-degree burns on the face and genitals. You can use the rule of nines to determine how much of your body the wound covers.
When you seek treatment, your provider will generally clean your wound and prescribe prescription antibiotic cream and painkillers for second-degree burns. Third-degree burns may require a skin graft. Additionally, ongoing rehabilitation with physical therapy may be necessary to help improve mobility and reduce scar tissue build-up. This intensive care ensures that victims can regain as much function and comfort as possible following such severe injuries.
Understanding Skin Grafts for Burn Recovery
A skin graft is a medical procedure in which your provider takes skin from somewhere else and surgically places it over the burned area to help it heal. Most often, the surgeon will take the skin from an unburned part of your own body. This is called an autograft.
Autograft and other skin grafts are types of burn surgery procedures used to treat serious burns. Recovering from burn surgery procedures takes time, and serious complications can emerge. It's crucial to adhere to your medical provider's advice regarding healing and post-operative care, such as keeping the graft area clean and avoiding certain physical activities until cleared by your healthcare provider.
In Roswell, subdermal skin grafts are often used for significant burn recovery, ensuring local medical standards are met. Understanding that the road to recovery may involve various stages, from initial emergency treatment to rehabilitation, is essential. For more severe cases, advanced treatments available in New Mexico cater to the unique circumstances each victim may face.
Recognizing Life-Changing Complications from Burn Injuries
One of the reasons burn injuries are so serious is the potential for complications. Burns can easily get infected, and in serious cases, the infection can get into other parts of the body, including the bloodstream (sepsis).
People who suffer serious burn injuries can also go into shock and suffer heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia. Smoke inhalation can burn the lungs and cause difficulty breathing, as well.
Overall, some of the most common complications of burn injuries include:
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Lung failure
- Infection of the wound
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
When it comes to burn injuries, many people die of complications. It is crucial to monitor burn injuries meticulously to minimize these risks.
Even for survivors, burn injuries often result in serious scarring. Scars can be thick, rigid, itchy, and painful for the rest of a burn victim’s life, and even cause disfigurement in the face or genitals.
Burn injuries are extremely difficult to recover from and can require lifelong treatment. This is why burn injuries are considered catastrophic injuries – and why burn injury cases typically result in more compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Compensation Can I Expect for Burn Injuries in Roswell?
In Roswell, compensation for burn injuries can vary based on the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Victims may be entitled to damages covering medical expenses, which often include ongoing treatments and surgeries.
Additionally, compensation may address lost wages if the injury impacts the victim's ability to work, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. New Mexico's legal system also allows for punitive damages in cases where gross negligence or malicious intent can be proven. It's essential to work with a seasoned attorney familiar with Roswell's regulatory environment to maximize potential compensation.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Burn Injury Claim?
Proving negligence in a burn injury claim involves several steps. Firstly, demonstrating that a duty of care existed is crucial—meaning the defendant was responsible for ensuring the victim's safety. Next, it must be shown that this duty was breached, either through action or a failure to act.
Finally, the breach directly caused the injury, resulting in specific damages. In Roswell, this may involve particular state and local statutes, so partnering with an attorney well-versed in New Mexico law is beneficial in compiling evidence and timely together supporting documentation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Burn Injury Claim in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including burn injuries, is generally three years from the date of the incident. This time frame emphasizes the importance of swift legal action to ensure claims are valid and comprehensive. Certain exceptions can apply, such as cases involving minors or incidents where the injury was not immediately apparent.
To navigate these nuances effectively, consulting with Crow Law Firm at the earliest opportunity is recommended. Our experienced team will ensure all documentation and filings align with the legal requirements specific to Roswell and New Mexico.
