Severe burn injuries often cause excruciating pain, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and psychological trauma. These are some of the most painful injuries an individual can sustain. They often necessitate long-term medical care, missed time from work, and significant medical bills.
When another person’s careless actions cause an accident that leads to severe burn injuries, the court could hold them financially accountable. If you or a loved one suffered this type of injury, reach out to a seasoned attorney at the Gunn Law Group. Our Macon burn injury lawyers could help you recover the damages you need to move forward with your life.
Accidents that Commonly Cause Burn Injuries
Many serious accidents could cause an individual to suffer severe burn injuries. Some of the most common incidents that our experienced burn attorneys see in Macon include:
- Car crashes
- Truck collisions
- Motorcycle crashes causing road burn
- Construction accidents
- Faulty wiring incidents and explosions
- Scalding injuries from boiling water or other hot liquids
Burn injuries vary in severity depending on the depth of damage done to the skin. Most first-degree and second-degree burns can be treated at home. However, third-degree burns can cause permanent damage, necessitating immediate medical care.
Damages in Burn Injury Claims
Severe burn injuries often require long-term medical treatment and follow-up care. Victims often need treatment for infections, skin grafts, and various surgical interventions. Damages in a settlement could cover:
- Current and future medical treatment and follow-up care
- Missed time from work
- Lost future earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
A skilled burn injury attorney in Macon could help secure a fair settlement or damages award on behalf of an injured victim, allowing them to focus on healing.
Bringing a Claim for Severe Burns
In many burn injury cases, the defendant may argue that the plaintiff shares liability for the accident. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-11-7, if the plaintiff shares 50 percent or more liability for their injuries, the court will bar them from recovering damages. However, if the claimant is less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, the court will reduce their total award accordingly.
Contributory negligence means the plaintiff can still recover compensation if the court finds they are partly at fault for the damages. A knowledgeable burn injury lawyer in Macon could further explain this legal concept.
Time Frame for Filing a Burn Claim
It is important to note that the civil court statute of limitations sets a time limit for personal injury claims. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, a claimant must file a lawsuit within two years, in most cases, to recover compensation. Failing to file the claim before the statute expires could mean losing eligibility to pursue damages.
Schedule a Consultation with a Macon Burn Injury Attorney
If another person’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer severe burn injuries, you should not have to face the costs of medical care and rehabilitative treatment. A civil claim for damages could ensure you receive the resources you need for recovery and help you get back on your feet.
At the Gunn Law Group, a hardworking attorney could help you hold the negligent party accountable and recover the compensation you need. Call a Macon burn injury lawyer today to begin discussing your claim.