Experienced Salem Burn Injury Attorneys
Salem Oregon Burn Injury Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best personal injury law firms in Salem, Oregon
Burn injuries can be caused by a variety of sources, including heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. These injuries can range in severity from minor burns that only affect the top layer of skin to more severe injuries that penetrate deeper tissue layers.
These injuries can be devastating and often result in the need for legal options to seek fair settlements for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. Goldberg & Loren attorneys in Salem, Oregon, have expertise and experience in providing legal services to injured parties navigating their insurance claims. Call today for a free consultation. Pay nothing unless we win.
What Are the Different Sources of Burn Injuries?
Understanding the different types of burn injuries is important in determining the proper treatment and care for those affected.
- Chemical Burns: Chemical burns occur when the skin and underlying tissues come into contact with a corrosive substance such as acids, alkalis, solvents, or other hazardous chemicals. These burns can cause tissue damage, pain, and irritation and may require immediate medical attention.
- Electrical Burns: Electrical burns are injuries caused by contact with an electrical current. These burns may not appear severe on the skin’s surface but can cause significant damage to tissues underneath. Electrical burns can also lead to complications such as cardiac arrest or internal organ damage.
- Radiation Burns: Radiation burns, also known as radiation dermatitis, can occur as a result of exposure to radiation therapy used to treat cancer, X-rays, and sunburns. The skin may become red, irritated, and sensitive in the area that has been treated. In more severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin may occur. Managing radiation burns often involves specialized medical care to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
- Thermal Burns: Thermal burns are a type of burn injury that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a heat source, such as fire, hot surfaces, steam, or hot liquids. It can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in pain, blistering, and potentially more severe medical issues.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from a variety of causes, each presenting its own unique set of risks and challenges. Understanding the common factors that can lead to burn injuries is important for preventing these painful and potentially life-threatening incidents.
- Home fires and accidents in residential settings
- Workplace accidents involving exposure to heat, chemicals, or electrical sources
- Motor vehicle accidents leading to thermal burns from fires or contact with hot surfaces
- Scalding injuries from hot liquids or steam in kitchen and cooking incidents
- Contact with hot objects or surfaces in industrial or construction settings
- Negligent handling of flammable materials or substances
- Unsafe use of household appliances or heating equipment
- Use of defective products and consumer goods
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What Are the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are grouped into four degrees based on the severity of damage to the skin’s layers and underlying tissue.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the mildest form of burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). They typically cause redness, minor swelling, and pain. First-degree burns usually heal within a few days without scarring. An example of a first-degree burn is a mild sunburn.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the layer beneath (dermis) and cause redness, blistering, severe pain, and swelling. Second-degree burns might require medical attention, especially if they cover a large area or are located on sensitive areas like the hands, feet, face, or groin. Proper medical care is significant to prevent infection and promote healing.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns penetrate through the entire skin thickness, reaching the deeper tissues. They often result in a leathery or white appearance and can cause numbness due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention and often necessitate specialized treatment, such as skin grafting, to promote healing. They can be life-threatening, especially if they cover a large body area.
Fourth-Degree Burns
In some classifications, a fourth-degree burn extends beyond the skin to affect muscles, tendons, and bones. These catastrophic injuries often result in extensive damage, requiring immediate emergency care and long-term medical treatment. Fourth-degree burns are very serious and can result in death. If that death is due to negligence or arson, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed.
It’s essential to seek medical assistance for any degree of burn injury, as even first-degree burns can lead to infection or other complications if not properly treated.
Legal Aspects of Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Salem, Oregon
If one has suffered a burn injury in Salem, Oregon, there may be a consideration to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages. Before moving forward with legal action, it is important to understand the legal aspects of filing a burn injury lawsuit in Salem.
From the Statute of Limitations to the concept of negligence, knowing the legal framework can help navigate the legal process effectively and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Burn Injury Claim
In Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the injury. It means you have two years to file a lawsuit in court after being injured.
There are exceptions to this rule; for minors, the Statute of Limitations is tolled until they turn 18. In this, the two-year deadline does not start until the minor reaches adulthood. The Statute of Limitations may be extended in cases of late-discovered injuries or medical malpractice.
Determining Fault and Liability in a Case Involving Severe Burns
In severe burns, determining fault parties can be complex and may involve various factors such as negligence, product liability, and third-party culpability.
- Negligence may arise if careless or reckless actions cause a burn injury.
- Product liability may come into play if the burn resulted from a defective product.
- Third-party culpability could be considered if the burn occurred in a workplace setting or due to the actions of a third party.
Investigating the circumstances leading to the burns is necessary to identify responsible parties and gather evidence to support the compensation claim. It may involve conducting interviews, obtaining medical records depicting the extent of injuries, and examining the incident scene.
Why Choose Goldberg & Loren's Burn Injury Attorney?
Goldberg & Loren is a team of highly experienced and dedicated legal professionals with a proven track record of success in representing burn injury victims. Our expertise in handling legal issues involved in burn injury cases is unparalleled, as we have successfully secured favorable outcomes for numerous clients.
Our attorneys understand the devastating impact that burn injuries can have on you and your families, and we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal representation to each personal injury client.
You can trust our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Salem to provide the expert legal guidance and support you need. With Goldberg & Loren, you can be assured that you have a team of highly skilled and compassionate attorneys fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Call today for a free consultation with our team.
Sources:
[1] Burns in Children. (2021, March 23). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/burns/burns-in-children
[2] Fire and Burn Prevention: 2021 Resource Guide | Children’s Safety Network. (n.d.). https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/resources/fire-burn-2021-resource-guide
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered burn injuries in Salem, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Burn Injury Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
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