Santa Barbara Burn Injury Lawyers

Represenation for Victims of Burn Injuries in Santa Barbara

A serious burn injury can produce a lifetime of physical pain, medical needs, and other significant losses — too many to name. When a fire starts because of an individual or business’s negligence, tort law provides victims with the legal right to seek compensation from those responsible. In Santa Barbara County, burn injury victims may call 211 to receive information about support services.

For decades, our Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have been helping people recover compensation for burns and other serious injuries. We are passionate about what we do. We have the resources needed to succeed. And we can aggressively protect your rights and interests throughout.

The independent agency Avvo gives NordstrandBlack PC a perfect 10.0 rating, and they selected our firm for a Clients’ Choice Award. We also received an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

For a free consultation, call (805) 962-2022 today.

Burn Injury Case Results

$3,000,000.00 Settlement - Burn Injury
$60,000.00 Settlement - Burn Injury

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Understanding the Severity of Burns

The treatment for a burn typically depends on the severity of that injury. Burn injuries are categorized into “degrees.” Since medical professionals use these terms when discussing burn severity, it is important to understand what each one means:

First-Degree Burns: These are also referred to as “superficial” burns and only affect the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. The site of the burn is usually red, dry, and painful, but there is typically no blistering. A sunburn is a common first-degree burn most people will experience. Long-term damage from these types of burns is uncommon.
Second-Degree Burns: Also called “partial thickness” burns, these involve the epidermis and the dermis, the lower layer of skin. These burns appear red and blistered and may be swollen. They are painful, and medical treatment may be required if they become serious.
Third-Degree Burns: These are “full thickness” burns that destroy the epidermis and the dermis, reaching the subcutaneous layer. These burns can also damage tissue beneath the skin, such as muscles and tendons. With a third-degree burn, the burn site can appear white or charred (black). Medical treatment is always necessary when someone suffers a third-degree burn.
Fourth-Degree Burns: These burns not only destroy the skin and tissue but also damage underlying bones and nerve endings. Fourth-degree burns may not be as painful as third-degree burns, but they are far more serious and usually have lifelong consequences.

Common Types of Accidents That Cause Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can arise from several types of scenarios, each with unique legal considerations. Car accidents are frequent culprits, where victims may suffer burns from vehicle fires or hot surfaces. Truck accidents also pose high risks due to the flammable cargo trucks might carry, and motorcyclists are vulnerable to burns due to the exposed nature of motorcycles. Burn injuries also result from electrical lines which can fall due to improperly maintained trees or other structures.

In the workplace, burn incidents may involve hazardous materials or malfunctioning machinery, leading to thermal, electrical, or chemical burns. In industrial settings, chemical exposure may result in severe burns.

What Are the Different Types of Burns?

The “type” of burn usually indicates how the burn occurred rather than the severity. In other words, these are the causes of burns, while “degree” indicates how bad a burn is. Different types of burns include:

Thermal Burns: These “traditional” burns come from a source of direct heat. They are among the most common types of burns and include those from touching a hot pan, exposure to the sun, and burns from steam (also called scalds). Thermal burns are particularly dangerous because they are prone to infection.
Chemical Burns: Burns from chemical sources, without a need for heat, are also common, especially in certain workplaces. These types of burns are not always obvious, but immediate medical attention is important to treat the skin and prevent the chemical from spreading.
Electrical Burns: Burns from electricity are dangerous because they often go beyond the surface level and damage internal organs. Anyone suffering from electric shock should immediately be removed from contact with the source of the electricity to prevent further damage.
Friction Burn: Friction burns occur when a person’s skin rubs against another surface. These often occur in vehicle collisions where someone is ejected from a vehicle or when a motorcyclist suffers “road rash.” Friction burns are not usually as serious as thermal or chemical burns but can be prone to infection.

Useful Treatments for Burn Injuries

Minor burns, such as first-degree burns, can usually be treated without a visit to a hospital or doctor’s office. Different creams and ointments can be used to ease pain and reduce damage to the skin - and non-prescription painkillers are usually sufficient for dealing with such burns.

Serious burns typically require immediate medical treatment, not only to reduce damage and pain but also to avoid infections. Prescription drugs may be necessary to manage pain from second- and third-degree burns. Surgical procedures, such as skin grafts, are often required to repair severe damage to a burn site. Catastrophic burns can result in traumatic amputation of a limb, and serious burns often leave lifelong scars, both physical and emotional.

Understanding Long-Term Rehabilitation

Recovery from burn injuries typically involves a comprehensive rehabilitation process designed to address both the physical and emotional challenges that follow such trauma. Initially, victims may undergo various surgical interventions to repair damaged tissue and minimize scarring.

The goal of rehabilitation is to help burn victims achieve the best possible quality of life post-injury, encompassing both physical recovery and emotional resilience. Following surgery, physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping victims regain mobility and functionality in affected areas. This therapy can be extensive and may require a long-term commitment.

The importance of emotional and psychological support cannot be overstated, as burn injuries can have profound effects on mental health. Victims might experience trauma, depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident. Access to professional mental health services is crucial in helping them deal with these challenges.

Emotional and psychological support is a significant aspect of the rehabilitation process, as dealing with disfigurement or chronic pain can be mentally taxing. Counseling and therapy provide safe environments where victims can express their feelings, confront their trauma, and build resilience. Support groups offer the chance to connect with others who have endured similar experiences, fostering a community of empathy and understanding.

What Compensation Is Available for Santa Barbara Burn Injuries?

Your burn injury attorney can investigate the accident and file a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company, seeking damages for expenses caused by the accident. This may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs.

When calculating damages for burn injury cases, the assessment extends beyond the immediate medical expenses. Victims are also entitled to compensation for ongoing care, such as future surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation costs. Lost wages are another critical component, compensating victims for the income lost during recovery and any diminished earning capacity resulting from their injuries.

Pain and suffering, though less tangible, are equally important in quantifying the emotional and physical distress experienced. In cases of severe disfigurement or permanent disability, damages may also address the loss of enjoyment in life and the psychological impact of adapting to these changes.

Your Lawyer Can Guide You Through the Legal Process

Negotiating with the insurance company is critical in building a burn injury case. Insurance adjusters work to minimize the company’s payout, and they often begin by making an initial settlement offer that doesn’t cover the true cost of your expenses. You are not obligated to accept this initial offer, and your burn injury lawyer can be instrumental in negotiating a fair settlement.

If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, NordstrandBlack PC is always prepared to take your case to court. Your burn injury attorney plays a key role during every stage of the trial process. Before a burn injury case goes to trial, several pre-trial procedures take place.

The discovery phase is where both parties exchange information relevant to the case. This includes gathering medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence supporting the claim. Depositions follow, where witnesses and the injured parties give sworn testimony under oath. These testimonies can be pivotal as they provide a preview of what will happen during the trial.

The trial begins with opening statements from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys, outlining their respective cases. Witnesses are then called to the stand, and evidence is presented. You may be required to testify about your injuries and their impact on your life.

During the trial, NordstrandBlack PC can advocate on your behalf, objecting to improper evidence and questioning and highlighting the strength of your case. Closing arguments will give each side the opportunity to summarize their positions before the jury deliberates and reaches a verdict.

How Our Firm Helps Santa Barbara Burn Injury Victims

We know from experience that serious injury affects each individual and their family in unique ways. With that in mind, our Santa Barbara burn injury lawyers spend a great deal of time with clients and in consultation with medical specialists, so when the time comes, we can accurately convey to the opposing counsel, a judge, and a jury the true and complete picture of how your life has changed due to the injury.

This same statement holds true for wrongful death lawsuits we pursue on behalf of families.

From start to finish, our trial attorneys and support staff will be available to answer your questions and address any concerns as they develop. You can be as involved in the day-to-day aspects of the case as you would like to be. We will always keep you fully informed.

Call Our Burn Injury Attorneys in Santa Barbara to Protect Your Rights

If you or a member of your family has suffered a serious burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to have an experienced Santa Barbara injury lawyer representing you at all times. Here, you will.

For a free consultation, call NordstrandBlack PC directly or contact us online. There are no legal fees to pay unless we win — call today (805) 962-2022.

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