Sacramento Burn Injury Attorney

Advocating For Those Who Have Suffered From Burns, Scars & Disfigurement in California

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, defines a burn as tissue damage caused by agents such as heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or nuclear radiation. Burns most commonly result from scalds due to flammable liquids and gases, as well as incidents in motor vehicle accidents, building fires, and explosions.

According to the American Burn Association, each year in the United States, 1.1 million burn injuries require medical attention. Approximately 45,000 of these require hospitalization, and about half of those patients need care in specialized burn units. The Sacramento burn injury lawyers at Piering Law Firm handle cases involving burn accidents and other catastrophic and serious injuries.

To schedule a free consultation, call (916) 476-2399 or send us an email to get started with our burn injury attorney in Sacramento, CA.

Statistics of Burn Injuries Resulting in Scars or Disfigurement

About 4,500 people die from burns each year in the United States. This number has declined from the 9,000 annual fatalities reported 30 years ago, reflecting advances in burn care and medical understanding. Burn survivors now experience better health outcomes and improved quality of life. However, burns compromise the skin’s protective barrier and often lead to serious infections.

Burn injuries can result in significant medical expenses, and the financial impact extends beyond initial care. Long-term treatment, including rehabilitation and reconstructive surgery, is often necessary. Evaluating these cases requires a thorough understanding of both the physical consequences and the right to pursue proper compensation. Comprehensive case evaluation is essential for addressing these wide-ranging impacts.

Each year, another 10,000 people in the United States die from burn-related infections. Among hospitalized burn patients, pneumonia is the most common infectious complication. Severe burns are among the most devastating injuries a person can experience. If you or a loved one has survived a burn, understanding your legal rights, when guided by a skilled attorney, can help ease the burden.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can result from several causes, and a detailed understanding of each situation is vital to building a strong case. 

Common causes of burn injuries include:

• Workplace Accidents: Employees in industrial settings or on construction sites may suffer burns from chemical exposures, explosions, or faulty equipment.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, truck accidents, or motorcycle collisions can spark fires, resulting in severe burn injuries.
• Defective Products: Malfunctioning electronics, appliances, or other consumer products can cause fires or explosions, leading to injuries.
• Premises Liability: Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. Negligence like lacking proper safety features, inadequate fire exits, or faulty wiring can result in burn injuries.
• Chemical Exposure: Some jobs involve working with hazardous chemicals. When employers fail to enforce safety measures, employees can suffer chemical burns.

Types of Compensation for Burn Injury Claims in California

Potential damages that could be recovered in a burn injury claim include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If the injury prevents the victim from working, they may recover compensation for lost wages and loss of future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured because of the burn injury.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Many burn injuries cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Victims may recover damages for the effects on their appearance and self-esteem.
• Property Damage: If property-related incidents, such as a fire in a rental property, caused the burn, claims may include property damage.
• Wrongful Death: If a burn injury results in death, surviving family members may seek wrongful death damages for funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Pursuing comprehensive compensation requires navigating complex legal and insurance processes. Many victims of burn injuries face barriers to accessing necessary care unless they have strong legal representation. It is vital to consider the long-term effects as well as immediate medical needs. Telling the complete story of suffering, recovery, and financial need helps demonstrate the compensation deserved.

Steps to Take After a Burn Injury in Sacramento

A burn injury can leave lasting physical and emotional effects, making it important to take the right actions immediately after the incident. Acting quickly helps protect your health, strengthens your legal position, and ensures you receive the care and compensation you deserve.

Steps to take after a burn injury include:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Your health is the top priority. Visit a nearby hospital or specialized facility, such as UC Davis Health’s Burn Center in Sacramento, to receive expert care for your injuries.
• Document all treatment and progress: Keep copies of every medical record, treatment plan, and prescription. Record your daily pain levels, emotional state, and recovery progress in a journal.
• Preserve evidence: Photograph your injuries and any conditions that caused the burn, such as faulty equipment, hazardous chemicals, or unsafe property conditions.
• Notify your employer (if work-related): Report the injury promptly to ensure eligibility for workers’ compensation or other benefits.
• Consult a burn injury attorney: Reach out to an experienced Sacramento burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. Legal deadlines can be strict, and early guidance can help you understand your rights and options for compensation.

Taking these steps not only safeguards your health but also strengthens your position if you decide to pursue legal action. The team at Piering Law Firm offers personalized support and local insight to help Sacramento burn injury victims navigate the path to recovery and justice.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Recovering from a burn injury often extends far beyond the initial hospital stay. Even after receiving treatment at top Sacramento facilities like UC Davis Health or Sutter Medical Center, many survivors continue to face lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The impact can touch nearly every aspect of daily life, from mobility and independence to self-esteem and relationships.

Common long-term effects of burn injuries include:

• Nerve damage: Burns can permanently affect nerve function, leading to numbness or altered sensations.
• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort is common, even after visible healing has occurred.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Victims relive the traumatic event or struggle with anxiety in everyday situations.
• Depression: The emotional toll of disfigurement and recovery can deeply affect mental health.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Visible scars can require multiple reconstructive surgeries and can alter one’s appearance permanently.
• Permanent disabilities: Severe burns may result in loss of mobility or function in affected limbs.
• Functional limitations: Tasks such as dressing or working may become difficult and require long-term therapy or adaptive tools.

If you or a loved one is coping with the aftermath of burn injuries, know that you don’t have to face recovery alone. Our compassionate burn injury lawyer in Sacramento can fight for you and pursue the compensation you deserve, helping you move forward.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Burn Injury Claim in California?

You must act within specific time limits to file a burn injury claim in California. The statute of limitations sets the deadline for beginning legal action. In California, most burn injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury date. 

While the typical period is two years, factors like when the injury was discovered or the victim’s age at the time of injury can change the deadline. If a public entity is involved, claims may require action within six months. The complexity of these rules underscores the need to contact a qualified attorney early to protect your rights.

Delaying legal action can lead to losing the right to claim compensation. For the strongest possible outcome for your burn injury case, consult with our Sacramento burn injury lawyers at Piering Law Firm as soon as you can.

Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyers in Sacramento

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis, so you pay us only after we have achieved a successful result in your case. Our Sacramento burn injury attorneys can meet with you at times that suit your schedule, including after regular business hours or on weekends.

Get started with a free consultation by calling (916) 476-2399 today. Our Sacramento burn injury lawyers can also meet you at your home or another convenient location if you cannot come to our office in Sacramento. Se habla español.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Legalities in Sacramento

Can I Pursue Compensation for Emotional Distress After a Burn Injury?

Yes, you may pursue compensation for emotional distress in burn injury cases. The psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD, can be as damaging as physical injuries. To recover damages for emotional distress, you must present evidence showing how it affects your life, often through expert testimony or psychological evaluation. 

Who Is Responsible for a Burn Injury at Work in Sacramento?

Employers are often responsible for workplace burn injuries, especially if they failed to provide proper safety gear or training. Under California’s workers’ compensation law, most employees cannot sue their employer directly but can receive compensation through insurance. However, if another party contributed to the injury, you may have an additional legal claim.