Westbury Burn Injury Lawyer

The financial and legal burdens which follow a burn injury can be challenging for anyone to navigate. Negotiating with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, and defending yourself in court can be stressful without a knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney. A Westbury burn injury lawyer could lend you their years of experience by reviewing the facts of your case and helping you weigh your options for recovery moving forward.

Severity Thresholds for Heat-Related Injuries

Depending on the severity of a burn injury, plaintiffs may undergo different treatment options and have varying time-frames for recovery. Those seeking to file a personal injury suit must have monetary losses in excess of $50,000 or damages which meet the serious injury threshold, according to state law. For example, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, permanent disability, loss of a bodily function, and death typically warrant civil litigation.

Types of Burn Injuries

A burn injury involves damaged bodily tissue that results from exposure to heat, electricity, friction, radiation, extreme cold, or certain chemicals. Medical professionals categorize burns into different groups based on their degrees of severity. First-degree burns cause minor damage to the outer layer of the skin and usually create redness and pain.

Second-degree burns cause damage to the outer layer of the skin as well as the second layer underneath. These injuries may cause scars, blisters, redness, or white and splotchy skin. Third-degree burns have the potential to destroy nerves and cause numbness in the affected areas, limiting bodily function.

Those that suffer fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-degree burns are likely to meet the serious injury threshold. Fourth-degree burns go deep into the body’s layer of fat, fifth-degree burns destroy the muscle, and sixth-degree burns can damage bones. A skilled Westbury burn injury attorney could assess a survivor’s losses and determine what kinds of compensation may be available to them.

Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Lawsuits

The state’s statute of limitations imposes a limited amount of time for injured parties to file lawsuits against those responsible for their damages. Failure to file a case within this statutory deadline could result in losing the right to sue. State law establishes a three-year statute of limitations for civil cases. Therefore, burn injury victims should contact a Westbury lawyer for help with filing a claim to ensure that they adhere to the statute of limitations.

Civil Cases Against the Government

The statute of limitations varies for claims against government or municipal entities. Potential plaintiffs have 90 days to file a formal lawsuit with the courts against a city, county, or state entity, according to New York Court of Claims Act §10. Local or state employees such as police officers and firefighters could also be pursued in a civil suit for compensation.

A Westbury Burn Injury Attorney Could Help

Staying on top of filing requirements, meeting deadlines, and fighting for your rights can be overwhelming on your own. A Westbury burn injury lawyer could take some of the legal burdens off of your shoulders. They can offer you advice and legal counsel, keep you informed, and help you develop a legal strategy that meets your goals.

You do not have to be alone in your fight for recovery. Get started on your case by scheduling a consultation today.