Steps to Take After a Serious Burn Injury in Las Cruces NM

If you've suffered a serious burn injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, you may be wondering what you need to do to ensure you are eligible for compensation. Because laws and regulations surrounding personal injury cases can be complex, it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to examine your options. Laws are also specific to each state, meaning that burn injury cases in Las Cruces NM should be handled by Las Cruces burn injury attorneys.

Have you recently been seriously injured by a burn or fire injury in New Mexico? An experienced lawyer, like those that make up the team at Carabin Shaw, can help you navigate the claims process and make sure you receive compensation after your injury. The New Mexico attorneys at Carabin Shaw can also give you advice. We offer free initial case reviews and can be contacted any time, toll-free number at 800-862-1260.

3 Steps to Take After a Serious Burn Injury in Las Cruces NM

If you've been severely injured due to a fire, explosion, or exposure to hazardous chemicals, there are a few steps you should take to protect yourself.

1. Seek Medical Treatment

Make sure you seek appropriate medical treatment immediately after your accident, and follow all of your physician's instructions. Insurance companies often do anything they can to avoid paying out a large settlement. By seeing a doctor immediately, the defendant in your personal injury case cannot claim that your injuries are due to your failure to adhere to medical advice. This will also provide objective proof of your injuries.

2. Contact an Attorney as Soon as Possible

It's important to contact a team of personal injury attorneys in Las Cruces as soon as possible after your accident. In Las Cruces NM, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury cases in most circumstances. Under this law, you only have three years from the date of your accident to seek compensation for your burn injury.

3. Don't Negotiate With the Insurance Company

One of the main reasons you should contact Las Cruces burn injury attorneys as soon as possible after your accident is that you may be approached by insurance adjusters. Often, insurance companies will offer a settlement soon after your accident. You need a lawyer to look over these offers, as they are often not sufficient to cover your damages.

Factors that Affect Burn Injury Settlements

In Las Cruces, many burn injuries occur on the job. Some of the biggest industries in the area include oil and gas, military, and manufacturing. Keep in mind that if you were injured at work, you may not be able to receive compensation from your employer if they have workers' compensation. However, the team of New Mexico lawyers at Carabin Shaw may be able to make a claim against another negligent party, such as another employee or the manufacturer of a faulty device.

The following are some of the other factors that affect how much of a settlement you may receive after your burn injury, regardless of its cause (on the job, at home, or in public).

Extent of the Injury

Generally, the more serious of a burn you receive, the larger the settlement. Third-degree burns can lead to permanent disfigurement and prolonged medical treatment. Second-degree burns that cover a large portion of the body may also significantly affect a person's quality of life.

Burn Location

Depending on the location of your injury, you may be entitled for a larger settlement. For example, a burn on the face can result in permanent disfigurement while a burn on the leg may not affect a person's daily function in any way.

Defendant Intentions

Another factor that can affect a settlement amount is the defendant's intentions. A person or entity who accidentally caused an injury won't be subject to as big of a settlement as someone who intended to harm the victim. Personal injury attorneys in New Mexico have plenty of experience when it comes to establishing intent in the courtroom.

Emotional Pain

A burn victim's emotional pain is also taken into consideration when it comes to settlement amounts. A burn accident is a traumatic event and may lead to years of therapy and other emotional care.

Free Case Review With a Top New Mexico Attorney | Carabin Shaw

The team at Carabin Shaw can help you navigate the legal process while taking care to acknowledge the trauma and hardship you are facing. Contact us today at 800-862-1260.

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