What to Know if Involved in a Burn Lawsuit?

 

Unexpectedly involved in a burn lawsuit? Inform yourself before you meet with your Las Vegas personal injury laywer.

If you have suffered a severe burn due to the negligence of someone else, you may be entitled to compensation, according to an injury lawyer Las Vegas residents trust. You could receive lost wages, coverage of your medical bills as well as pain and suffering for your injury. It is important that you file your lawsuit as quickly as possible as the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, other than for medical malpractice, in Nevada is two years.

Elements of a Burn Personal Injury Lawsuit

In order to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit involving a burn, you, as the plaintiff, must provide enough evidence to prove that the person who caused your burn, the defendant, was responsible and that they were negligent or careless. Injury lawyers of Nevada will explain that for your case to be successful, you must prove the following facts:

  • The person who caused your burn had a certain duty to protect you.
  • The person who caused your burn breached that duty.
  • The breach of duty caused you to be burned.

For example, if you were burned at a restaurant, you must show that the restaurant had a duty to keep its premises safe. In addition, you must be able to prove that restaurant failed to identify or correct an unsafe environment that led to your burn and that it was restaurant’s failure that led to the burn.

Severity of the Injury

Many burns heal naturally in about a week while some may require extensive medical attention. Burns are categorized into three degrees, first, second and third. First degree burns rarely require medical attention and often heal on their own. Second degree burns penetrate the first and second layer of skin and require medical attention. Third-degree burns penetrate all three layers of skin and could effect muscles, tendons and bones. This type of injury requires extensive medical attention and can leave you scarred, disabled and even lead to the amputation of limbs. The more severe your burn, the higher your compensation should be in a burn lawsuit, according to injury lawyers of Nevada.

Possible Damages

An injury lawyer Las Vegas will explain that you may be entitled to punitive damages which are a form of punishment lodged against the person who caused your burn. In order to receive punitive damages, the defendant must be grossly negligent. If someone intentionally burned you, it is more than likely you will be eligible for punitive damages. In addition, you may also be eligible for pain and suffering compensation, depending on the severity of your injury. A negligent defendant must compensate you not only for your current pain and suffering but also for any you may incur in the future. This may include compensation for depression, embarrassment due to disfigurement or other mental issues you may face as a result of your injury.

If you have been burned due to the negligence of another person, contact your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at the Schnitzer Law Firm. You can contact them by using the simple form online or give them a call at 702-960-4050.