In just a few seconds, a burn can cause devastating and permanent damage. You might face a seemingly never-ending uphill battle involving excruciating pain, medical procedures, and countless doctors’ appointments. Months and even years later, you might have disfiguring scars and other physical and emotional limitations. If your injury keeps you away from your job, you might not be able to pay your medical bills or even support your family.
Fortunately, you are not without options after a burn injury caused by someone else. A seasoned Bethlehem burn injury lawyer can help you pursue the fair and prompt compensation you deserve. Our injury attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers have successfully fought for burn victims like you, obtaining millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. In one recent case, we were able to obtain $1.2 million for a client who suffered severe burn injuries from an electrical shock on the job. Let us put our experience to work for you– call today to set up your free initial consultation.
Different Degrees of Burns
Most doctors classify burns by their degree of severity. Each category of burn has different characteristics and will require different levels of treatment.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least serious. These injuries only affect the top layer of the skin. With a first-degree burn, affected skin might feel hot to the touch and appear red. First-degree burns usually heal relatively quickly on their own without medical care.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect both the top layer of the skin and some of the lower layer. They can cause swelling, blisters, and some thickening of the skin. Second-degree burns sometimes leave behind pigment changes or discolored skin.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns damage and destroy the top and lower skin layers. They can cause a white, leathery appearance and thickening of the skin. The area surrounding the burn can be black. These burns can also damage underlying tissues and nerves. Third-degree burns are extremely painful and require immediate medical care.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns cause all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn, but also extend into the tissues, muscles, organs, tendons, and bones. These burns require emergency medical assistance and are often life-threatening.
Our Bethlehem attorneys understand how devastating burn injuries can be. We can work with medical experts to help anticipate what you might need during your recovery to ensure that you get a compensation amount or settlement that covers the full extent of your losses.
Causes of Burns in Bethlehem
Although many people think that flames from a fire are the only sources of burns, burns actually can happen from many sources. Chemical spills, explosions, electricity, and hot liquids can all be causes of serious burns. The severity of a burn often depends on how much contact a burn source has with your body. Some burns, such as electrical and chemical burns, can cause extensive internal damage inside your body, even if there is not much outward damage on your skin.
Because every burn case is different, it is crucial that you work with a skilled local lawyer who has handled cases like these before. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, our attorneys have helped burn victims get the payments they are entitled to for many different types of burn injuries.
Talk Things Over with a Bethlehem Burn Injury Attorney
Burn victims often face a challenging future. You might need surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Learning to cope with your scars and other limitations can also be emotionally taxing. If someone else’s actions led to your injury, you deserve justice. Let our legal team fight for you.
To speak with a well-known Bethlehem burn injury lawyer about your case, give us a call at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. We put our clients first– we can meet you at your home or in the hospital if need be. Reach out today to get started.
