Burn injuries can be devastating and lead to extensive scarring. One may require hospitalization and surgery to receive specialized treatment after sustaining severe burn injuries. The disfigurement caused by fires may also cause trauma, forcing victims to seek therapy. A Victorville burn injury lawyer can help you determine if you have a case after a burn injury. If you or someone you care about has sustained severe burn injuries, reach out to Crockett Law Group. Our legal team has helped many residents in California recover damages for their personal injury claims. We are prepared to assist you throughout the claims process in Victorville, California. Call (800) 900-9393 now if you believe your burn injuries were a result of someone else’s negligence. Crockett Law Group will go above and beyond to make sure you get the justice you deserve for your personal injury claim. You can trust that our team will thoroughly look into your case to help you recover damages for your injuries. Schedule your free consultation today to get the legal help you deserve. 
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Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur mostly while at home or in the workplace. They happen when the skin or other organic tissues within the body come into contact with heat, electricity, friction, radiation, or chemicals. It is estimated that nearly half a million Americans require medical attention for accidental burn injuries yearly. Burns may severely scar the skin. Still, they may affect blood vessels, bones, muscles, and nerves. Widespread burns may require immediate medical care and long-term inpatient care. Some of the common causes of burn injuries in California include:- Fire: Thermal burns are the most common type of burns. They occur when one is exposed to extreme heat. Contact burns, scalding, flames, and flashes can cause thermal burns.
- Radiation Burns: Ionizing radiation, microwave energy, UV light, and radiofrequency energy can cause radiation burns.
- Inhalation Burns: Smoke, vapor, and toxic gasses can cause inhalation burns. These types of burn injuries may not be visible on the epidermis. Nonetheless, their effects may still be as dangerous as thermal burns.
- Electrical Burns: These types of burns occur when one is exposed to electric currents. They mainly occur when one touches a live wire causing electrocution. The extent of injuries when one suffers an electrical burn mainly depends on the current, voltage, and resistance.
- Chemical Burns: Corrosive substances such as acids or bases can result in chemical burns. Pain after a burn injury may be immediate or delayed. Acid burns may happen when one comes into contact with nitric, sulfuric, hydrofluoric, or hydrochloric acids.
- Friction Burns: These burns happen when one’s skin rubs against a rough surface. Ropes, carpets, and rugs can cause friction burns. Auto accidents can also result in these types of burns when nerves are exposed, leaving raw skin open to infection. During motorcycle accidents, riders often suffer friction burns.
Categories of Burns
The severity of burn injuries depends on the depth of the victim’s skin damage. Symptoms of burns may appear immediately or after several days. If you sustain a burn injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. According to the American Burn Association, many victims who end up visiting burn centers in the U.S. end up with permanent physical disabilities and severe scarring. They also find it hard to adjust to their day-to-day lives. There are various types of burn degrees, including:1st Degree Burns
These are mild burns that occur on the skin’s outer layer — the epidermis. These burns may cause pain, swelling and result in redness. They typically don’t cause blisters. Sunburn is considered a first-degree burn.2nd Degree Burns
These burns involve the first two skin layers — the epidermis and dermis. Once you suffer second-degree burns, you may experience blistering, redness, pain, and swelling.3rd Degree Burns
Third-degree burns affect all skin layers — epidermis, dermis, and fat. The burned region may appear brown, white, or black. These burns may cause numbness once they destroy nerves.4th Degree Burns
These burns burn through all skin layers as well as deeper tissues. They are the most severe types of burns that can completely damage nerves and tendons. Fourth-degree burns may be life-threatening, possibly involving bones and muscles. Regardless of the category of burns you suffer, an experienced burn injury lawyer in Victorville, CA, can help you get the justice you deserve. If you don’t reach out to a lawyer after your injury, you may risk losing your compensation benefits.
Damages You Can Recover Through a Burn Injury Claim
The amount of compensation you receive in a California burn injury claim is referred to as damages. After a successful claim, you may receive compensatory and punitive damages. Here are some of the damages a skilled Victorville burn injury attorney can help you recover:Economic Damages
These damages have actual financial costs attached to them. They include:- Medical expenses such as hospital visits, medications, and surgery bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Skin grafting procedures.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages don’t have any specific monetary value. They are highly subjective since no receipts or bills can prove their extent. Non-economic damages include:- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
These damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages to punish the defendant for their malicious or intentional wrongful actions or inactions.How Long Do You Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in California?
Personal injury cases in California have statutes of limitations. If you suffer a burn injury in Victorville, CA, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a burn injury claim. For property damage claims, you have three years from the date of damage to file your claim. If you don’t file your claim within this period, you will forfeit your right to recover any compensation.
