Call Us 919-240-4054As burn injury lawyers, we’ve represented people who were burned in fires, and in gas and chemical dust explosions. We’ve helped burn victims who were injured by molten glass, boiling liquids, and caustic materials that burst out of containers and pipes.
We’ve represented victims in some of the worst industrial explosion incidents in North Carolina history, including the West Pharmaceuticals explosion in Kinston and the ConAgra explosion and ammonia release in Garner. Whether you were injured alone or with others, we will handle your case with expertise and work toward an outcome that will help you and your family move forward.
Steps to take after being burned
If you keep the following in mind, you can help minimize the lasting effects of your burn injury.
1. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room
The first thing you should do is call for emergency medical help. If there’s someone nearby who can take you to the hospital, get a ride from them. Your chances of achieving a full recovery will largely depend on how quickly you receive medical help.
2. Treat the burn as you wait for paramedics to arrive
If possible, try to run lukewarm tap water over the wound for about 20 minutes. Make sure you don’t use ice because that could potentially cause hypothermia. If you have access to a clean, sterile bandage, use it. Otherwise, use a clean towel to cover the wound.
3. Write down the names of all caregivers during your hospitalization who can testify on your behalf
If you have a severe burn that needs extensive treatment, you’re going to encounter a lot of nurses and doctors. Get as many names as possible because some of them may be able to testify to the seriousness of your injury.
4. Keep a detailed record as your burns heal
You will likely be eligible for non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. Keeping a record of everything you’re experiencing could increase your chances of receiving full compensation for your suffering.
5. Speak with an attorney
You’ll want to speak with a Durham personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They’ll need to investigate the incident while the evidence is still fresh so you have the best opportunity to win your case.
Types of burns
Medical experts classify burns into three categories: first-, second-, and third-degree. The higher the degree, the more severe the burn. Third-degree burns often require extensive, painful medical procedures, such as skin grafts.
The following is a quick look at some of the most common reasons burn injuries occur.
Thermal burns
Thermal burns occur when the skin comes into contact with flames, hot liquids and metals, and steam.
Radiation burns
Radiation therapy, X-rays, and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can all be sources of radiation burns.
Chemical burns
These include solvents, acids, detergents, and more. Chemical burns typically affect the eyes and skin.
Electrical burns
Coming into contact with electricity can result in an electrical burn, a critical injury that can cause severe internal organ damage.
Don’t miss the deadline to file your claim
While there are some rare exceptions, North Carolina’s statute of limitations is three years in personal injury cases. This means you have three years to take action against those who caused your injury. You should act immediately so you can have the best opportunity of obtaining maximum compensation.
Possible damages you can claim
When someone suffers an injury in an incident caused by another’s negligence, their financial losses are known as damages. When you hire a Durham burns and explosions lawyer, they’ll work to help you recover those damages. Here are some examples of the damages you might be able to recover.
Economic damages
Your medical expenses and lost wages are examples of economic damages. These are losses that are easy to prove using medical and prescription bills and pay stubs.
Non-economic damages
On the other hand, you’ll need a skilled Durham burns and explosions lawyer to prove your non-economic damages. As stated earlier, these include things such as emotional trauma and pain and suffering and don’t necessarily come with a tangible bill or receipt.
How to find the right lawyer for your needs
You’ll want to hire an attorney as soon as you can, but you shouldn’t rush your decision. Look online to see what former clients have to say about the lawyers you’re considering. Schedule two or three consultations if possible to see if the attorney is someone who makes you feel comfortable and gives you confidence that they will advocate for you.
We’ll fight the insurance company to get you maximum compensation
Our skilled burn and explosion attorneys in Durham have extensive experience defeating huge insurance companies. Those companies may have expansive resources, but they’re not above the law. We’ve proven time and again that knowledge and experience can defeat even the biggest, richest insurance companies.
Parties who may be liable for your burn injury
More than one person or entity may be liable for the incident, which is why a timely investigation is so critical. Your Durham burns and explosions lawyer will determine how the accident took place and will identify all of the parties that played a role in causing your injury.
How our burn injury attorneys prove liability
The attorneys with Johnson & Groninger PLLC have years of experience investigating incidents including burns and explosions. If you have a viable case, we’ll look for every shred of evidence we can find to prove you weren’t to blame for your injuries, and that you deserve every penny in compensation you have coming.
Burn injury lawsuit process
If you pursue legal action against those who caused the incident that led to your injury, the following are some of the steps that will be involved in your case.
1. Legal consultation
This is where you’ll decide on your legal representative. You’ll tell the attorney the details of the incident, the damages you’ve incurred, and the extent of your injury. The lawyer will then spell out the strengths and weaknesses of your case and will give you the information you need to decide if you want to move forward with filing a lawsuit.
2. Incident investigation
Once you hire your Durham burns and explosions lawyer, they’ll immediately begin the accident investigation. The earlier the investigation starts, the better the chances your attorney will uncover the evidence needed to make your case its strongest.
3. File demand for compensation
After your attorney determines all of the liable parties, they’ll send demand letters to all of them. These letters will provide a detailed outline of your injuries and how much money each party owes you.
4. Negotiation
The letters will serve as the basis for negotiations. Your legal representative will work to obtain fair settlement offers from the insurance companies involved in the case. About 95% of personal injury cases end in a settlement.
5. Take the case to trial
If yours is one of those cases that doesn’t settle, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court and argue on your behalf in front of a jury.
Why it’s important to visit the doctor
You’ll need treatment for your burn injury as fast as possible to avoid the possibility of a possibly deadly infection. Getting medical help will also prove the extent of your injury.
Cost of hiring a burn injury lawyer in Durham
Since the law firm of Johnson & Groninger PLLC works on a contingency fee basis, you’ll have nothing to lose by hiring us. You won’t pay a dime unless we’re able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Why hire Johnson & Groninger PLLC?
Burn victims often need very specialized care and treatment so there are many resources available to help guide them. With a quick call or online contact, our burn injury lawyers can help point you in the right direction.
Our Durham burns and explosions lawyers are ready to help
Contact a Durham burns and explosions lawyer with Johnson & Groninger PLLC online or call (919) 240-4054 today for a free consultation.
