Rhode Island Burn Injury Lawyer
Burns are classified as traumatic injuries because they’re often sudden, severe, and require immediate professional medical attention. Between skin grafts and debridement, burns often leave considerable scarring that can impact mobility and self-esteem. Severe injuries may even affect your ability to work, causing financial stress if your medical bills pile up.
- Updated date:
- September 1, 2023
Rhode Island is no stranger to fires. 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the Station nightclub fire, which occurred during a Great White concert when a pyrotechnic display set acoustic foam in the walls and ceiling on fire. One hundred people died due to this accident, and more than 200 sustained burn injuries. Many Rhode Islanders lost friends, neighbors, and family that night. Calling this event devastating is an understatement, and many still feel the losses resulting from this tragedy.
Marasco & Nesselbush Can Help You Recover Compensation For Burn Injuries​
We have spent more than two decades representing clients who have suffered burn injuries. Our case results speak for themselves, and we have recovered more than $100,000,000 on behalf of our clients. In addition, the reviews from satisfied clients demonstrate the effectiveness of our work.
Our team of injury lawyers are unwaveringly committed to high-quality legal support. You can expect a personalized approach to your case and be treated with dignity and respect as we pursue the compensation you deserve. We also represent the families of wrongful death victims who seek compensation for their loved one’s loss.
Our thorough understanding of Rhode Island personal injury law and our experience handling a wide spectrum of cases give you the best possible chance of maximizing the results of your claim. We pledge to represent you with passion, intelligence, honesty, and integrity.
With offices in Providence, Warwick, Wakefield, and Woonsocket, we can serve burn victims across Rhode Island. Schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney today.
Types Of Compensation For Burn Injury Victims​
Most burn injury claims include different elements of compensation. Depending on your circumstances, you can be awarded for any of the following types of damages, among others:
- Medical costs: Treatment for burns can cost thousands of dollars. You can include the cost of emergency medical care, debridement, surgical treatment for burns, plastic surgery, co-pays and deductibles, and any other medical needs as part of your claim.
- Lost income:Â Depending on the severity of your burn injury, you might be unable to continue working. You can pursue future loss of income in your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering don’t have a direct monetary amount like a medical bill. But, there is a financial component to consider for the emotional distress brought on by your burn injury, and we can help you be awarded this compensation.
The personal injury statute of limitations in Rhode Island is three years from the date of injury. That means you must file suit by that deadline, or you may lose your right to recover compensation. Our team will help you file your claim correctly and promptly.
DO I HAVE A CASE?
If you think you may have a case, contact us now for a FREE consultation
Common Causes Of Burn Injuries​
Thermal sources, including fire, steam, and contact with hot surfaces, are the most common cause of burn injuries. Other causes include chemicals, radiation, and UV light. Some of the most common sources of burn injuries are the following:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Fires and explosions
- Defective electronics or other products
- Chemical exposure
- Construction site accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace and industrial accidents
Liability for Burn Injuries
Our team can evaluate your case to determine who the negligent parties are and work to hold them accountable for your injuries. Our investigation into your case will provide our skilled attorneys with the answers to the following questions to establish the elements of your case.
Who Owed a Duty of Care at the Time of the Accident?
A duty of care includes any obligation to help another party avoid injury. For example, landlords are responsible for a certain level of care to their tenants, including installing smoke alarms, safe hot water heaters, and appropriate fire exits.
How Was the Duty of Care Breached?
Your attorney will investigate the details of how the breach of duty occurred. For example, a property owner might have failed to provide adequate fire exits or a safe cooking space.
How Did the Breach Lead to Your Burns?
Liability for burn injuries can be complex when multiple factors contribute to the accident. A knowledgeable attorney experienced with burn injury claims will work to prove that your injuries are a direct result of the negligent party’s failure to meet their duty of care. For instance, guests may be prevented from leaving a building during a fire when a property owner doesn’t provide adequate fire exits.Â
Types Of Burn Injuries
Medical care providers grade the severity of burn injuries according to the following criteria:
- First-degree burns: The first layer of skin, the epidermis, is compromised, and it usually doesn’t lead to significant scarring. Most sunburns are first-degree burns.
- Second-degree burns: Both the first and second layers, epidermis and dermis, are affected. With this degree of burn, you may experience pain, blistering, and scarring. Sometimes skin grafting is necessary as part of healing.
- Third-degree burns: The injury destroys the two first layers, hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings. Skin grafts are almost always required for healing.
- Fourth-degree burns: These are marked by damage to muscles, tendons, and bones. They may leave the skin blackened or charred.
- Fifth-degree burns: Everything up to the bone is burnt. The layers of skin, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are completely burnt, and there is some damage to the bone.
- Sixth-degree burns: The bone is greatly damaged and may be charred. Humans can’t survive such severe burns.
While the top three degrees of burns are often survivable, survival of the three higher degrees of burns is nearly impossible.
The Mental And Physical Effects Of Burn Injuries
The type of burn degree you have experienced will come with physical effects. Third-degree and severe second-degree burns may cause you to lose limbs, possibly leading to decreased mobility. The amount of scaring may leave you disfigured. Burned skin also affects your body’s ability to fight infections.
Burn injury effects are not limited to physical ones, as victims also deal with some mental impacts. It’s difficult to accept the changes in your body, which may be permanent. It’s not uncommon to experience depression and flashbacks of the accident. The psychological toll on some burn injury victims sometimes leads to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, such as problems with sleep and loss of interest in social activities.
If you have sustained injuries from a burn due to another’s negligence, you can pursue compensation to help during your healing. The monetary value of your burn injury claim depends on the details of your accident, such as your burn’s cause, severity, and size. For instance, third-degree burns likely see higher settlement values.
Contact Marasco & Nesselbush For A Free Consultation
Our Rhode Island burn injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to ensure you see justice and are awarded the financial compensation you deserve. We know you have been through a traumatic event, and we’ll exhaust all avenues to protect your rights and bring your case to a favorable outcome.
We focus on the entire picture, educating, guiding, and steering each client as we work for the best possible case outcome. We firmly believe that justice can be served for you and your family by getting the compensation you deserve for your burn injury.
To learn more about how we can help you file a burn injury claim, contact us for a free consultation today.
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