After Suffering a Catastrophic Burn in Westminster Colorado

In 2020, national news reported 22 civilian deaths in residential fires in Colorado. Much higher in number are those who survived their accident but suffered severe burns as a result. In addition to their painful injuries, victims may feel the aftershocks of their traumatic burn in other areas of life; these victims deserve justice for the full extent of their losses.

The state of Colorado allows burn victims to seek compensation for their injuries through a burn injury lawsuit. If you or a loved one have suffered a catastrophic burn in Westminster CO, the burn injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help you explore your options.

What constitutes a “catastrophic burn”? In most cases, burns would be considered severe if they could not be treated at home. To be more specific, medical professionals grade burns based on degrees of severity. For example, a first-degree burn:

• Affects only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis)
• Skin may be red or painful but does not blister
• Feels/looks like a mild sunburn

First-degree burns, since they often require no medical attention, would not be classified as “catastrophic.” However, once burns reach the “second-degree” stage, the injury has become severe. Second-degree burns:

• Damage both layers of skin (the dermis and epidermis)
• May cause blisters
• May become swollen
• Require medical treatment

Third-degree burns are the most severe category of burn injuries. These burn injuries will always require extensive medical treatment or long-term stays in a specialized burn unit. Additional characteristics include:

• Damage to the dermis and epidermis as well as muscle/bone
• Skin may look white or charred
• Lack of feeling due to nerve damage

The most important thing to do after suffering a catastrophic burn in Westminster Colorado is to receive immediate medical attention to treat your injuries. Providers may administer fluids, oxygen, or medications to prevent further damage from second or third-degree burns. Additionally, it will become important during the course of your lawsuit to provide evidence of the immediate extent of your burn injury.

In addition to immense pain, severe burn injuries may cause long-term suffering or disability. After receiving initial treatments, severe burn victims may require physical/occupational therapy or further surgeries. Examples include:

• Plastic surgery
• Skin grafts
• Oxygen treatment
• Feeding tube
• Joint reconstruction
• Amputation

Every Westminster CO burn injury is unique and will require an individualized treatment plan. It is important to work with your doctor to alleviate pain and prevent serious complications (such as deadly infection or further internal damage).

After you have received emergency medical treatment, it is time to start planning ahead for a potential burn injury lawsuit. One of the most important things you can do before contacting a burn injury lawyer is keep careful documentation of all the losses you have suffered as a result of your burn injury (such as financial debt or intangible costs such as pain and suffering).

As discussed above, you will likely have undergone extensive medical treatments; these treatments can cost victims and their families hundreds of thousands of dollars. Record any and all costs related to your burn injury so you can recover them in a burn injury lawsuit. Your injuries may also preclude you from working temporarily or permanently, so you could be eligible to reclaim lost wages. Provide clear documentation to your attorney during your initial consultation so they can build an accurate estimate of the full extent of your losses.

To learn more about the rights of burn victims in Westminster Colorado, contact the team of experienced burn injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw. Call our office toll-free today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation.