Lee's Summit burn injury lawyers

Burn Injury Attorneys in Lee’s Summit, MO

Skilled Lee's Summit burn injury lawyers for victims in Missouri

Burn injuries are among the most painful and debilitating there are. They occur for a variety of reasons and can incredibly painful – and expensive – to treat. When your burn injury is the result of another person’s negligence, you can make a claim for damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit.

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our skilled Lee’s Summit burn injury lawyers work with fire inspectors, building professionals, and product engineers to determine who is responsible for your injuries. We work with your medical team and our doctors to show the severity of your burns, any permanent disfigurement and scarring, your daily level of pain, and other complications from your injury. We have a strong track record of settling cases with insurance companies as well as trying cases before a jury. Contact us today to get started.

What are the different types of burns?

There are several types of burns, and each one can have its own complications. Our Lee's Summit burn injury lawyers represent clients who suffered:

  • Friction burns. This type of burn happens when a person rubs some of his or her skin against a hard surface. Some examples of a friction burn would be when motorcyclists scrape their skin against the road in a motorcycle accident, resulting in “road rash.”
  • Thermal burns. This type of burn happens when a person touches an extremely hot object, causing the skin cells to die off. These types of burns can happen in an atmosphere like a restaurant when someone touches a hot liquid or comes into contact with steam.
  • Radiation burns. This type of burn is a side effect after a person comes into contact with either the sun or other sources of radiation. Some examples of radiation burns would be sunburn or side effects from radiation therapy after being treated for cancer. In some cases, radiation burns may be the result of medical errors made during cancer treatments.
  • Chemical burns. This type of burn occurs after a person touches a strong chemical that can cause the skin to burn. These types of burns can happen at home, school, or work. They can occur by accident or through assault where a chemical was thrown at the victim.
  • Electrical burns. This type of burn happens when a person comes into contact with an electrical current. These types of burns can be caused by a stun gun, lightning, and contact with other sources of electricity.
  • Cold burns. This type of burn is caused when a person is outside in freezing temperatures and experiences damage to the skin. An example of a cold burn would be frostbite. Victims can also suffer cold burns if they have been exposed to something very cold for a long time, like an ice pack.
  • Scalds. Scalds are caused by hot water or steam. Boiling water or cooking oil are common causes, though anyone who works around hot liquids or steam may be at risk.

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How are burns classified?

Medical professionals will classify burns based on how severely damaged the skin has become. These injuries are measured in “degrees.” Generally speaking, the higher the degree is, the more severe the victim’s burn injuries are. There are four degrees of burns:

  • First-degree. This is the mildest form of a burn injury. This type of burn only causes injury to the outer layer of skin. Although the damaged skin can appear red and irritated, there will not be any signs of significant injury, like blisters. Long-term damage is rare with a first-degree burn.
  • Second-degree. This type of burn contains additional injury to the outer layer and layer underneath the skin. With this type of burn, a person’s skin can appear red, swollen, and even contain a shiny and wet appearance. Blisters can form around the injured area, and the burn may hurt if anyone touches it. Depending on the amount of damage that the layer underneath experiences, a scar or a permanent change in the color of the skin can be left behind.
  • Third-degree. This type of burn happens when two layers of skin are damaged. Instead of red, the injured area will appear yellow, brown, white, or black. Because the nerve endings are severely damaged, the victim will feel a numb feeling around the injured area. These injuries almost always require skin grafts to treat.
  • Fourth-degree. This type of burn is the most intense burn a victim can experience. With this type of burn, all the skin layers are severely damaged, as well as muscles, tendons, and bones. Most fourth-degree burns are fatal.

Who is most at risk of burn injuries in Lee’s Summit?

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 16,600 people suffered burn injuries from fires alone in 2019. Most thermal burns and scalds are the result of residential fires, especially kitchen fires, and as such, women and children are more likely to suffer these injuries. However, people of all ages and sexes can sustain burns associated with electrical shocks, chemicals, and more.

The negligent actions of others on a worksite can also contribute to a victim’s burn injury. Some employees who are especially at risk of suffering from burn injuries include:

  • Restaurant employees. Employees in the restaurant industry come in contact with flames and hot liquids daily. Employees can easily become burned by the hot liquids like coffee, taking dishes out of the dishwasher too quickly, suffering first or second-degree burns due to a kitchen fire, or picking up a hot plate.
  • Construction workers. Construction workers often operate in unsafe working environments while making repairs in buildings. These employees are often exposed to chemicals, faulty wiring, power tools that are connected to electricity, and electrical currents.
  • Electricians. Like construction workers, electricians are exposed to faulty wiring and use power tools that can give them an electrical shock.
  • Mechanics. Because mechanics are exposed to flames and several liquids, these employees can suffer from thermal burns.
  • Firefighters. Firefighters can attempt to save victims from household or building fires and end up severely burned in the process as well.

Related: 5 Ways Janitorial Workers Are Injured in the Workplace

Who is liable for my burn injuries?

Depending on the exact nature and circumstances of your injury, there could be multiple liable parties. Kansas City Accident injury Attorneys reviews and analyzes the details of every case we take, to see who caused the accident, and who is responsible for the injury. Liable parties may include:

  • Employers, if a worksite is unsafe, or if they failed to provide you with proper safety equipment.
  • Contractors, if they were completing work on your home or property and you sustained a burn because of their negligence.
  • Manufacturers, if your burn injuries are the result of a defective auto, truck, or motorcycle part, or result from a defective battery.
  • Healthcare providers, if your injuries were caused by an act of medical negligence.
  • Nursing home staff, if your loved one suffers burn injuries while under their care and supervision.
  • Property owners, if you or your child sustain burn injuries while visiting a neighbor, local business, or other property.

If you were injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If your injuries were the result to negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit or medical malpractice lawsuit to recover compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If your loved one’s burn injuries prove fatal, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the negligent party liable. While no amount of money will every bring your loved one back, these lawsuits can ensure that the person who caused your loss is held accountable – and may be able to prevent such a tragic loss for another family.

Do you have a Lee's Summit burn injury lawyer near me?

Our Lee’s Summit burn injury law office is located at 200 NE Missouri Rd Suite 200. Please call for an appointment. Our law firm also has offices throughout Missouri and Kansas.

Following a burn injury, your life may be turned upside down. Burns and scars can be unsightly, causing a survivor to lose confidence and self-esteem. The physical and psychological trauma for both a burn victim and the victim’s family can be enormous. On top of that, you may have many questions that need immediate answers. At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Lee’s Summit burn injury lawyers are experienced at handling complex injury cases. We excel at answering your questions, providing you with guidance, and helping your family recover the compensation that you need to cover medical expenses and other costs.

Speak with a skilled Lee’s Summit burn injury lawyer today

At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our Lee’s Summit burn injury attorneys want you to focus on your health and get the medical attention you need and deserve after a serious burn injury, while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve. We fight to hold the responsible parties liable for the medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering they have caused you and your family. To discuss your burn injury claim, call us at 816-471-5111 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.

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burn injury lawyer Lee's Summit, MO