Burn injuries are one of the most painful and debilitating types of injuries that a person can suffer from. These injuries can range in severity, but even minor burns can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life.
In addition to physical pain, burn victims may also experience emotional trauma, scarring, and decreased mobility.
The financial burden associated with medical treatment for burn injuries is significant. Burn victims often require extensive hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation, which can be extremely costly.
Lost wages due to time off work or reduced productivity can also add up quickly, making it difficult for burn victims to support themselves financially.
If a person’s burn injury was caused by the negligence of another party, they may have grounds for seeking compensation. This could include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Seeking legal representation from an experienced New Mexico burn injury lawyer can help burn victims navigate the complex legal process and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve. And when you need the best, you can find them at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers.
When to Consider a New Mexico Burn Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a fire or explosion, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A New Mexico personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and guide you through the process of filing a claim for compensation.
These are several situations where it may be particularly beneficial to consider hiring an attorney from Olson Personal Injury Lawyers:
- If you were injured in a fire that was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, such as a faulty electrical wire or improperly stored flammable materials. In these cases, the other party may be liable for your injuries and damages. An attorney can assist you in submitting a legal claim against the responsible party and work with them to reach a favorable settlement agreement for your injuries and damages.
- If you were injured in a fire that was caused by a product defect, such as a faulty space heater or oven. In these cases, the manufacturer of the product may be liable for your injuries and damages. An attorney can help you file a claim against them and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
- If you were injured in a fire that was caused by an accident at work, such as a chemical spill or explosion. In these cases, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may cover some of your medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney can help you understand the details of your policy and ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
- If you were injured in a fire that was caused by someone else’s intentional act, such as arson or negligence. In these cases, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim against the person responsible for the fire. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
- If you were injured in a fire that was caused by a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or lightning strike. In these cases, it may be possible to file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy for damages to your property and personal belongings. An attorney can help you understand the details of your policy and ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
In general, if you have been injured in a fire or explosion, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A burn injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and guide you through the process of filing a claim for compensation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are a common occurrence worldwide, and they can be caused by various factors. Here are some of the most common causes of burn injuries:
- Fire and Flames: This is the leading cause of burn injuries. Fires can be started intentionally or unintentionally, and they can quickly spread out of control. People can also get burned while trying to put out a fire.
- Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals can cause severe burns. These chemicals can be found in household cleaners, pesticides, and other industrial products.
- Electrical Shocks: Electricity can cause severe burns when it comes into contact with the skin. This can happen when people touch live wires or electrical appliances that are not properly grounded.
- Radiation: Exposure to radiation from the sun, X-rays, and other sources can cause burn injuries. People who work in industries where they are exposed to radiation on a regular basis are at risk of developing burns.
- Friction and Heat: Burns can also be caused by friction and heat. This can happen when people slide or fall onto hot surfaces, such as stovetops or grills.
- Cold Temperatures: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause frostbite, which is a type of burn injury. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, leading to tissue damage and potentially amputation
It’s important to be aware of these common causes of burn injuries so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting burned. If injury is unavoidable, determining the cause of a burn injury is crucial when making a claim for compensation.
Knowing the cause can help medical professionals provide appropriate treatment, establish liability in cases where someone else is responsible for causing the injury, and prevent similar injuries from happening in the future. Additionally, the compensation amount for a burn injury claim depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the cause of the injury, and the victim’s age and occupation.
All this in mind makes it essential to determine the cause of a burn injury to ensure that you receive the right amount of compensation and take appropriate precautions to prevent future injuries.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
Sustaining a burn injury can be a traumatic experience, but it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that you receive appropriate treatment. Here are some steps to take after sustaining a burn injury:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you have sustained a burn injury, seek immediate medical attention. Burn injuries can be severe and require prompt treatment to prevent further damage or infection. Do not wait until the pain subsides or the wound has healed before seeking medical attention. Later on, be sure to follow all medical instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure that your burn injury heals properly. This may include wearing protective clothing or bandages, avoiding certain activities, or taking prescribed medications.
- Document Your Injury: Take photographs of your burn injury as soon as possible. This will help document the extent of your injuries for insurance purposes and may be helpful in determining compensation if you decide to file a claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to your burn injury. These records can be used to support your claim for compensation if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: If you have health insurance or auto insurance that covers burn injuries, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They will provide guidance on how to proceed with filing a claim and may refer you to a specialist who can treat your burn injury. DO NOT, however, proceed with the process until the next step.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you believe that someone else is responsible for causing your burn injury, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you determine the cause of your injuries, establish liability, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Burn Injury Claim in New Mexico?
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit for personal injury, including burn injuries. In New Mexico, the statutes of limitations for bodily injury and property damage related to a burn injury are three years and four years respectively.
The reason behind this statute of limitations is to ensure that individuals do not wait too long to seek compensation for their injuries. It serves several important purposes:
- Fairness: By setting a time limit on when someone can file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to receive compensation for their injuries or damages. This is fair because it prevents people from waiting too long to seek compensation and taking advantage of others through fraudulent claims or lawsuits.
- Efficiency: The statute of limitations helps to ensure that legal cases are resolved in a timely manner, which can be beneficial for both parties involved. By setting a time limit on when someone can file a lawsuit, the statute of limitations encourages people to seek compensation as soon as possible and avoids lengthy court battles that could take years to resolve.
- Finality: The statute of limitations provides finality to legal proceedings by ensuring that cases are resolved within a certain timeframe. This helps to prevent ongoing litigation and ensures that both parties can move on with their lives without the burden of an unresolved legal matter hanging over them.
For all the advantages, however, the unfortunate side effect is that if someone fails to file a lawsuit within the specified timeframe, they may lose their right to receive any form of compensation.
It is important to note that three or four years can go by quickly, especially in cases where someone is dealing with a burn injury. Burn injuries can be painful and require extensive medical treatment, which can take up a significant amount of time.
Additionally, people may not always realize the extent of their injuries until much later, making it difficult to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.
Therefore, if you have been injured in a burn accident, it is important to act quickly and seek legal representation as soon as possible. This will ensure that you do not miss your chance to receive compensation for your injuries and protect yourself from any potential liability issues down the line.
When in Doubt, Choose Olson Personal Injury Lawyers for Your New Mexico Burn Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured in a burn accident in New Mexico, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced burn injury law firm. Your best choice: Olsone Personal Injury Lawyers.
In 2012, Attorney Sean Olson founded Olson Personal Injury Lawyers with the mission of providing personalized attention and support to accident victims. His focus has been on creating a law firm that prioritizes service, compassion, and legal expertise in order to help clients heal from their injuries.
Sean takes pride in getting to know each client’s story and name, and he is committed to making a positive impact on their lives. He believes that every case deserves individualized attention and care, which is why he works closely with his team of experienced attorneys to ensure that every client receives the best possible representation.
Burn injuries can be severe and require extensive medical treatment, which can be costly and time-consuming. A burn injury law firm can help you navigate the complex legal system and pursue compensation for your damages.
At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges that come with burn injuries and are committed to helping our clients receive the justice they deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling burn injury cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Don’t wait any longer to seek legal representation for your burn injury case. Contact us today at (505) 391-4149 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
We are here to help you every step of the way, from filing your claim to negotiating settlements or going to trial if necessary. Let us take care of the legal details so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.