When Are Burns Caused by Negligence? Norman Burn Injury Attorney

Serious burn injuries in Norman OK can be caused by electricity, chemicals, steam, fire, hot objects, and more. When these injuries are the result of a person’s own misjudgment or actions, personal insurance may be able to cover the expenses. If another person or organization is at fault, however, the victim may be able to hold the negligent party accountable and claim compensation.

Have you recently been impacted by a severe burn injury that you believe was caused by the negligence of another? The Oklahoma injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help.

Our experts have compiled some basic information below to address the question “when are burns caused by negligence.” Our attorneys also offer a free case review to answer any lingering questions you may have. Read on to learn more and call our offices toll-free at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free initial consultation and discuss your potential case.

Defining Negligence in a Burn Injury Claim

After a catastrophic injury, it can be difficult to make sense of the injuries themselves, their impact, and their cause. If you believe the negligent actions of another may have played a part in your injuries, it is vital to enlist the help of a Norman burn injury attorney as soon as possible. A talented lawyer will be able to look into the cause of your injuries while you prioritize healing.

A resident of Oklahoma is considered negligent when he or she illustrates a lack of care toward another person, which caused their injuries. To prove negligence in a burn injury case, the victim must prove that the defendant (negligent party) owed them a duty of care.

Proving Negligence

1. The defendant owed the victim a “duty of care,” which is a requirement to act and behave reasonably with caution and attention.
2. The defendant breached this duty of care, either by action or inaction.
3. The victims’ injuries were a direct result of this negligence.

Potential Examples of Negligence

• Car accidents
• Defective products
• Unsafe premises (this includes a public or private space)
• Landlords who have neglected rental upkeep
• Hazardous work environments (restaurants, hospitals, cleaning services, construction, oil and gas, and more)
• An individual who intended to harm a victim

If you recognize any of these scenarios as a victim of severe burn injuries in Norman OK, contact a lawyer to evaluate your legal options.

What Is a “Severe” or “Catastrophic” Burn?

The severity of your burns will dictate the compensation you are entitled to in a potential personal injury case. While first-degree burns are relatively mild and are usually treated at home, second- and third-degree burns can warrant substantial claims.

Serious Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are marked by blisters, pain, dark redness, and a shiny appearance. These burns can be considered severe if they cover more than 10% of the body or occur around the victims’ face, hands, joints, or genitals.

Third-Degree Burns

The most serious category of burns, these burns are identified by their leathery appearance. Third-degree burns will not cause much pain (as the nerve endings have been destroyed) and appear black, brown, or white. All third-degree burns need to be treated by a medical professional immediately.

Norman burn injury attorneys will be able to guide you through the process of evaluating the cost of your injuries and maximizing the compensation you are able to claim as a result.

Damages Available to Severe Burn Injury Victims

Victims may be able to sue for physical, financial, and emotional harm. Compensation awarded will depend on these factors as well as the level of negligence that led to your injuries. An experienced attorney will be able to prove your case and argue for the maximum compensation possible.

Norman OK personal injury lawyers will argue for the following:

Economic Damages

Economic damages include monetary losses like medical expenses (including travel expenses), future medical expenses, lost income from missing work, expected lost income, and damages to property like a vehicle or a home.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are less quantifiable and include factors such as pain and suffering, emotional harm, mental harm, impact on your relationships, etc.

Punitive Damages

These damages are used to essentially punish parties who have demonstrated “gross negligence.” These actions are defined as recklessness or unreasonable misconduct. This amount is hard to predict and will vary from case to case.

The Trusted Norman OK Personal Injury Lawyers at Carabin Shaw

The Oklahoma injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw have over three decades of combined experience representing catastrophic injury victims across the U.S.

If you have been injured, call us at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case review.

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