Causes of Burn Injuries in Centennial Colorado
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that burn injuries affect over 1.1 million people in the United States per year. While most of these cases are not fatal, burns are still a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Fire, radiation, electricity, defective products, and more can cause burn injuries. If you live in Centennial CO and someone else’s negligence contributed to your burns, the Colorado lawyers at Carabin Shaw could file a claim for you.
Why Burn Injuries HappenWhen you undergo a traumatic experience, it is natural to wonder, “Why me?” Unfortunately, extensive burn injuries tend to magnify this question. However, understanding the causes of burn injuries in Centennial Colorado can prevent these issues in the future. It can also help an attorney develop a case strategy for you.
The American Burn Association (ABA) reports that the most common burn causes include:
- Fire and open flames
- Scalds from hot liquid or steam
- Hot objects, often metal or glass
- Electricity
- Chemicals, such as strong acids, gasoline, lye, or paint thinner
ABA data from 2011 to 2015 indicates that 73% of these accidents occur at home, while 8% happen at work. Furthermore, traffic collisions, restaurant fires, poor school safety, substandard maintenance, defective products, and more can lead to burns.
What Constitutes NegligenceNo matter the context, the majority of burn injury claims involve negligence. In these cases, your burn accident lawyer in Centennial CO is responsible for proving that:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a legal duty of care
- The defendant violated this duty
- This breach caused your injuries and resulted in substantial damages (costs)
For instance, your landlord is responsible for adhering to local building and maintenance codes in rental properties. They have a duty to keep tenants safe. When they hire an untrained worker to install appliances, rewire, or upkeep the property, they put residents’ safety at risk. If these shortcuts cause a fire, scalding, or another hazard, then the landlord violated their duty of care. People burned because of these concerns could have a valid case if there are costs and lifestyle changes associated with their injuries.
No two cases are the same, so it can be challenging to apply concepts like legal precedent to your case alone. However, Centennial burn injury attorneys can help you better understand how this dynamic might relate to your lawsuit.
How Lawyers Determine Compensation and SettlementsThe United States government reports that 96% of personal injury cases are settled pre-trial. This figure reflects, in part, the lengthy back-and-forth negotiating between the plaintiff and the defendant and the eagerness both parties have to resolve a case. Despite this pressure, Carabin Shaw attorneys are dedicated to securing fair compensation for their clients, and they will consider every available avenue on your behalf.
In Colorado, this process can involve economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Past and future medical expenses for your injuries
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses associated with your burns
These damages are usually easy to calculate because medical records, employment information, and other bills already exist and quantify each point.
Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate. They cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and stress
You will likely need the expertise of a burn accident lawyer in Centennial CO to set these values.
Setting Up and Appointment With an AttorneyWhen you are processing a traumatic event, you deserve reliable assistance. Carabin Shaw has over 25 years of experience advocating for clients. Our team has recovered over $1 billion in that time, earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and ranked among the 10 best law firms for client satisfaction.
To schedule a free case review / initial consultation with a legal expert, call 800-862-1260. English and Spanish-speaking staff are available to speak with you 24/7.