Burn injuries are some of the most serious and painful injuries a person can sustain. In severe cases, they can cause extensive damage to the skin and tissue, leaving the victim with permanent scars and disfigurement. The cost of treating these injuries, as well as the emotional toll they take on a person, can make them recovery difficult.
If your burn injuries are a result of an accident that was someone else’s fault, the responsible parties can be held accountable for their actions through a burn injury lawsuit. A St. Louis burn injury lawyer with experience in handling burn cases could help guide you through the legal process to get you fairly and reasonable compensation. Specifically, personal injuries lawyers can help you understand what you must prove for your lawsuit to be successful, what documentation will be required in your lawsuit and help you calculate and demand compensation for the suffering you have experienced with your injuries.
Proving a Burn Injury Claim
To file a burn injury lawsuit, the injured individual must be able to prove that the defendant acted negligently and that they were injured as a result of that negligent conduct. This can be difficult to prove in court for various reasons.
In some cases, the injured individual may not know who to hold liable as the negligent party. In others, accident victims may not even realize that someone is responsible for their injuries. If you are unsure of whom to sue, contact a burn injury lawyer in St. Louis after a burn injury occurs so they can advise on whom, if anyone, should be held liable.
For example, if someone has purchased a new oven and it caught fire after they spilled grease inside, that person may not have grounds for a burn injury lawsuit. The instruction manual likely warns about the flammability of hot liquids and fats inside the oven.
But, if that same oven suddenly exploded due to a defective part, the manufacturer may be held liable. If the company was negligent in the process of making the oven or failed to warn of possible hazards from using it, they may be found responsible for any burn injuries caused by an oven accident. In cases such as these, a victim could work with a lawyer to understand the basis of their lawsuit and file a lawsuit against the appropriate party.
Proving Injury
In addition to proving that the defendant was negligent and that negligence caused an accident, the plaintiff must also prove that they sustained a significant injury from the accident. If there is no physical injury or financial loss, an individual may have a difficult time getting help to file a burn injury lawsuit.
Burn injuries cases are easier to prove when the proper evidence has been gathered. A St. Louis burn injury attorney is ready to help burn victims collect photographs, medical records, receipts for treatment, and any other documents related to the burn injury.
Damages Available in Burn Injury Lawsuits
Like any other personal injury, burn injury accident victims can claim many different damages in their lawsuit. Medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering are the most common types of damages included in a lawsuit.
Additional damages in burn injury cases can include payment for emotional distress. To prove emotional distress damages, a plaintiff must prove that the accident has caused them mental anguish and that this will negatively affect them in the long-term.
Other payments for in burn injury cases may be for significant scarring or disfigurement or the costs of rehabilitation.
Let a St. Louis Burn Injury Attorney Help
Burn injury lawsuits can be lengthy and complex, since proving liability requires strong evidence. Gathering evidence can be time-consuming, especially when a large amount is required to prove various types of damages.
This is where an attorney can help. A burn injury lawyer in St. Louis can gather all the necessary documents, determine who is responsible, and help accident victims file their burn injury lawsuit.
If you suffered a burn injury in an accident, speak to a St. Louis burn injury lawyer today. You may be entitled to compensation for your injury, and an attorney can help you pursue it.