Burn Injury Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri

Suffering a burn injury can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. Whether it is a mild, moderate, or severe burn, such an unfortunate incident can leave you with expensive medical bills, serious pain, missed time at work, and other health complications. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to pursue fair compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. 

At Burgess Law Firm PC, we have the diligence and experience to support and represent clients with their burn injury claims. Our highly-skilled Missouri personal injury attorneys can evaluate every detail of your unique situation and enlighten you about your possible options to seek damage. Also, we will fight vigorously for your best interests and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other possible damages. 

Burgess Law Firm PC proudly serves clients across Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the Kansas City Metro area. 

Understanding Burns  

A burn or burn injury can be described as an injury to the skin or other body tissues as a result of exposure to heat, fire, radiation, electricity, radioactivity, or chemical. Unfortunately, a burn injury destroys the skin cells as well as other tissues, depending on its severity. 

Types of Burns  

Furthermore, burns can be categorized into the following: 

• Thermal Burns. Thermal burns occur when the skin and tissues are exposed to external heat or increased temperature. Thus, causing the skin cells and tissues to char, burn, or die. Thermal burns may be caused by contact with steam, hot metals, scalding liquids, and flames. 

• Chemical Burns. Chemical burns occur when strong chemicals—such as detergents, acids, bleach, solvents, or alkalis—come in contact with a person's skin, face, hands, or eyes. 

• Radiation Burns. A person may suffer radiation burns due to prolonged or excessive exposure to different sources of radiation, such as ultraviolet sun rays and X-rays. 

• Electrical Burns. Electrical burns occur when the skin or tissues come into contact with electrical current, either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). 

• Friction Burns. In addition, friction burns may be caused by rubbing the skin repeatedly against a hard surface. 

Degree of Burns 

However, depending on the severity or seriousness of the burns, burn injuries may be categorized into first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree burns. 

First-Degree Burns 

First-degree burns are mild burns or damages to the skin's outer layer (epidermis). Such burns are accompanied by mild discomfort or redness of the skin. 

Second-Degree Burns 

Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer of the skin and the layer underneath it (dermis). Victims may experience blistering, skin redness, and pain. In some cases, a skin graft may be required. 

Third-Degree Burns 

Third-degree burns are more severe burns that may destroy both the epidermis and dermis. Also, third-degree burns can damage the sweat glands, hair follicles, and other tissues. Individuals who suffer third-degree burns may need emergency medical treatment or a skin graft. 

Whether you have suffered a mild, moderate, or severe burn injury, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention for your health and safety, and for proper documentation of your injuries. 

Common Causes of Burn Injuries  

Here are some common causes of burn injuries: 

• Workplace injury 

• Auto accidents 

• Defective product 

• Poor wiring 

• Electrical accidents 

• Fire at a site with faulty or inadequate fire alarms 

• Scalding water or pipes 

• Fire at a public place such as a restaurant or hotel 

• Gas explosions and other flammable liquid explosions 

• Fires at an apartment or residential building

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you need to reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney right away. Your lawyer can evaluate every detail of your personal situation and determine how to proceed with your claims. 

Recovery From a Burn  

The majority of mild burn injuries often heal within a few weeks. However, severe burns may require extensive treatments, wound dressings, medications, surgery, and therapy. The recovery process after a severe burn is usually long, and victims may have to deal with lasting scarring and treatment. Regardless, filing an injury claim may help you hold the at-fault party liable and pursue the financial justice you deserve. 

Personal Injury Claims in Missouri  

Furthermore, Missouri is an at-fault state. This means that the person responsible for your burn injuries (the at-fault party) will be held liable for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered. To pursue damages, you can proceed by: 

• Filing a claim with your own insurance provider

• Filing a third-party claim against the at-fault party's insurer

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court

An experienced Missouri burns injury attorney can help file your claims, seek to prove negligence, and help you recover your rightful financial compensation. 

Comparative Fault in Missouri 

Additionally, Missouri follows the "pure comparative fault" principle. According to the rule, your involvement in an accident doesn't bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries. However, the amount of damage you may recover will be reduced by your fault percentage. Under Missouri's pure comparative fault system, the burn injury victim (claimant) may still pursue damages even if they were up to 99% at fault for their burns. 

Statute of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Missouri, including burn injuries, is five years from the date of the accident or injury. Thus, any legal action seeking remedy for your burn injury must be commenced within five years of the injury. 

Possible Damages 

The following damages may be recovered by filing a burn injury claim in Missouri: 

• Medical bills, and future medical treatments

• Lost wages and benefits 

• Loss of future earnings 

• Property damages 

• Diminished quality of life 

• Reduced earning capacity 

• Compensation for permanent injuries or disfigurement 

• Cost of in-home or residential care

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional distress 

• Mental anguish 

• Loss of consortium 

• Wrongful death damages, where applicable 

• Punitive damages if the at-fault party intentionally harmed the claimant

A highly-skilled lawyer can fight compassionately for your legal rights and help you recover the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney 

Burn injuries are often devastating and can affect you financially, physically, and mentally. Regardless, you don't have to suffer the pain and financial liability alone. At Burgess Law Firm PC, we're dedicated to protecting the best interests of burn injury victims and their families. Our determined personal injury attorneys are prepared to guide you through the claims process, help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable, and recover your deserved financial compensation.