Burn injuries can be excruciating and may permanently inhibit your day-to-day life. If you have suffered a burn injury in Nevada and are considering taking legal action, our team can help. We highly recommend seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney for customized legal guidance at every stage of your case. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about burn injuries in Nevada and what you can expect from a personal injury lawsuit.

Do You Have Burn Injury Questions? Our Las Vegas Injury Law Firm Can Help!

Burn injuries can be traumatic and may take months or even years to fully recover from. If you’ve been injured in Nevada, you can trust the experienced personal injury attorneys at Moss Berg Injury Law to provide you with the assistance you need. They are well-equipped to guide you through the claims process, address any legal concerns you may have, and represent you in court if necessary. Give Moss Berg a call now at 702-803-3227 to have your questions answered and determine the validity of your personal injury claims with confidence.

What are the most common types of burn injuries?

There are many different types of burn injuries. The most common types of burns are thermal, chemical, scalds, electrical, inhalation, and radiation.

Thermal burns usually come from direct contact with an open flame or other high-output heat sources. Chemical burns, otherwise known as caustic burns, usually come from corrosive chemicals like chlorine, battery acid, etc. Scalds occur when the skin is exposed to steam or hot liquid.

Electrical burns can come from wiring, high voltage shocks, or other types of electrically charged metal exposure. Inhalation burns are usually caused by breathing in smoke or chemicals; inhalation burns can cause severe injuries to respiratory organs and eyes. Finally, radiation burns usually come from radiation sources like lasers, nuclear plants, or tanning beds.

What different degrees of burns are there?

Burns are typically classified into four categories: first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree.

First-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of skin and typically heal swiftly, but can still be distressing. While some over-the-counter treatments may help ease the discomfort, these burns typically cause pain, inflammation, redness, and swelling. Second-degree burns reach under the epidermis and injure the next layer of skin, the dermis. Second-degree burns tend to blister and usually scar. While second-degree burns are rarely deadly, they often require medical care.

Third and fourth-degree burns harm tissues located beneath the dermis and epidermis layers. These burns are severe and may require skin grafts. In some cases, they can even be fatal. Often, they leave open wounds that can easily get infected. Treatment for third and fourth-degree burns typically involves tetanus shots, antibiotics, and hospital care.

Severe burns, particularly those classified as third or fourth-degree, may require an extended stay in the hospital. Additionally, any more severe burn than a second-degree burn could lead to permanent nerve damage and disfigurement. Daily wound care will likely be necessary, depending on the severity and extent of burns.

A Few Things to Know About Burn Injuries in Nevada

Now, let’s go over a few key points regarding burn injuries in the state of Nevada. Here are some things to know if you are considering filing a burn injury lawsuit.

The Personal Injury Statute of Limitations is Generally Two Years

Personal injury statutes of limitations determine how long you have to start a lawsuit from the day you were hurt. If you wish to file a burn injury lawsuit, you typically have two years from the date the incident occurred.

There are Strict Liability Laws in Nevada that Address Defective Products

As a consumer in Nevada, you can expect manufacturers, retailers, distribution companies, and vendors to prioritize the safety of their products. However, if you are injured due to a defective or unsafe product, you have the right to file a product liability lawsuit for compensation. This means that if a faulty product caused you harm, you may be able to seek compensation from the maker or seller on a legal basis of strict liability.

Where Your Injury Took Place Matters

When filing a burn injury lawsuit, the location of the injury is an essential factor to consider. For instance, if you sustained burns on someone else’s property, the owner or manager could be liable for negligence under premises liability laws.

There are Many Types of Compensation That You May Be Eligible For
Even if you were partially at fault for your injury in Nevada, you could still receive compensation under the comparative negligence rule. In general, as long as you are less than 50% responsible, you can file a lawsuit. In a burn injury lawsuit, victims can seek payment for things like medical costs, lost income, loss of future earnings, past and present pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and other types of long-term impairment.

In cases where the defendant acted extremely recklessly, you may also be eligible for certain punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Remember that if you suffered a burn injury at work, you may only be eligible for compensation through workers’ compensation.

Who is liable for a burn injury, and how is liability proven?

If you suffered a burn injury, your attorney will need to take legal action against the responsible or at-fault party. This refers to the individual, company, organization, or manufacturer whose careless, reckless, unethical, or negligent actions resulted in your burn injuries. For example, if a person was burned at a concert due to faulty special effects because the pyrotechnic company did not follow proper safety procedures, the pyrotechnic crew and their company would be held accountable for any resulting burn injuries.

If you were staying in a hotel that caught fire due to poor electrical work, several parties would be responsible for the incident. This includes the hotel and the electric company that did the substandard work. Your attorney can assist you in identifying the parties responsible for your injuries, regardless of your situation. To support your claims and establish liability, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, surveillance footage, and other evidence can be utilized.

Are punitive damages included in burn injury cases?

Can burn injury cases involve punitive damages? It depends. While most burn injury cases are settled outside of court, if your case does go to trial, you may be able to request punitive damages. Punitive damages are usually only awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly malicious, reckless, or more than merely negligent. Typically, punitive damages are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $300,000 if the compensatory damages are less than $100,000.

Moss Berg Burn Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas are Ready to Help You Now

Do you have burn injuries that were obtained because of a defective product, the negligence of another individual, or a similar situation? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. Victims in Las Vegas and the nearby areas are encouraged to contact a personal injury lawyer in Nevada right away! At Moss Berg, we can assist you with your personal injury case at every stage. Moss Berg’s accomplished attorneys can guide you through the claims process and will work to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

At Moss Berg Injury Law, we offer a client Fee Guarantee to ensure that your legal fees will not surpass the net recovery amount you receive after covering expenses and medical bills. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to assist you with a variety of cases, including burn injuries, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, grocery store accidents, defective product incidents, dog bites, car crashes, boating accidents, brain injuries, slip and fall accidents, and wrongful death cases. Our caring and reliable attorneys have a proven track record of success and many satisfied clients.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, Moss Berg Injury Law is a reputable option. Attorneys at this Las Vegas injury law firm have been recognized in the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers. We have received multiple legal honors and can help you speak with a Las Vegas injury lawyer right away. Regardless of where you are in your case, a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas is available to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out by clicking here!