Burn injuries are some of the most painful, debilitating and psychologically damaging injuries imaginable. If you or someone you love suffered a burn injury that was caused by someone else's carelessness or wrongdoing, seeking justice through a personal injury claim can help you move forward.
If you have been burned in an accident at work, on someone else’s property or right at home, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation about your legal rights. If we believe you have a viable claim, we will do our best to secure the financial compensation that you deserve. Call us at (702) 240-0000 to begin your case with a free consultation.
Why Choose Edward Bernstein & Associates as Your Las Vegas Burn Injury Lawyers?
- With nearly 50 years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases in Las Vegas, we have what it takes to handle any burn injury claim – big or small.
- Our attorneys always put their clients first. Our commitment to the success of our clients is clear through our positive testimonials and law firm reviews.
- You won't be charged a dime in attorney’s fees unless we win your burn injury case. We never charge our clients upfront for the work that we do.
How Can a Burn Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas Help You?
Many different areas of the law may apply to a burn injury case in Las Vegas. You may have a product liability claim if your burns were caused by a defective product, for example, or a premises liability case if dangerous conditions on someone else's property caused your burns. Hiring an attorney from the very beginning of your case can ensure that you take the correct route when filing a claim.
An attorney will start by thoroughly investigating the cause of your burn injuries to determine who is liable, or legally responsible. A law firm will gather evidence to support your case and go up against an insurance provider or another adversary on your behalf. Your lawyer can fight for a fair financial settlement or bring your case to trial while you spend your energy recuperating, both physically and emotionally.
What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Las Vegas?
A thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation burn can occur in a variety of circumstances in Las Vegas, Nevada. You could get burned by scalding water while staying at a resort, for example, or suffer severe third-degree burns in a fire at work.
Situations that can result in serious burn injuries include:
- Automobile accidents
- Large truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents (friction burns or road rash)
- Dangerous premises
- Fire and electrical hazards
- Workplace accidents
- Construction or industrial accidents
- Dangerous chemicals
- Faulty or defective products
- Hotel or casino accidents
- Gas explosions
- Scalding water or steam
The type of burn injury suffered will determine what treatment is needed. Thermal burns from contact with a source of heat are treated differently than electrical burns, for example, which can cause damage internally as well as externally. It is critical to seek immediate medical care if you get burned under any circumstances in Las Vegas.
Classifying Burn Injuries
When burn injuries are treated by medical professionals, they get classified based on severity into one of three main degrees. This classification is a key step in properly treating burn injuries, as it will inform a doctor of how deep the damage extends below the surface of the victim’s skin.
The three degrees of burn injuries are:
- First degree: a mild burn injury that may result in redness of the skin and light to moderate pain. First-degree burn injuries only affect the epidermis, or the outermost layer of skin.
- Second degree: a moderate burn injury that can cause pain, swelling and blistering, as well as an open wound that comes with a risk of infection. Second-degree burns extend into the second layer of skin (the dermis).
- Third degree: a severe burn injury that can damage or destroy the nerves in the affected area, possibly numbing sensations of pain. Third-degree burns damage the epidermis, the dermis and underlying tissues, sometimes down to the muscles and bones.
Third-degree burn injuries are considered catastrophic, as they can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, disability or death. Survivors may experience lasting health complications from severe burns, including chronic pain, nerve damage and a limited range of motion.
How to Seek Compensation for a Burn Injury in Las Vegas
While not all burn injuries will give rise to personal injury claims in Nevada, those that are caused by negligence – the failure to exercise reasonable care – can make an injured victim eligible for financial compensation from the at-fault party.
Negligence consists of four main elements:
- Duty of care: a legal obligation or responsibility to act in a manner that a reasonable and prudent person would in the same circumstances.
- Breach of the duty of care: an act or omission that does not adhere to the defendant’s duty of care.
- Causation: proof that the breach of the duty of care caused the victim’s burn injuries.
- Damages: evidence of real harm or losses suffered by the victim in the event.
The person or party that may be liable depends on the situation. For example, if burn injuries were suffered in a motor vehicle accident, the defendant could be another driver for negligently causing the crash or the automaker for a defective vehicle part that caused the burns.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Las Vegas Burn Injury Claim?
According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4), burn injury victims generally have two years from the date that the injury occurs to file related personal injury claims. This law states, with some exceptions, that an “action to recover damages for injuries to a person or for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another” may only be commenced within two years. If you wait too long and miss your deadline, you will generally forfeit the right to hold someone liable for your burn injuries in Las Vegas.
Contact Our Las Vegas Burn Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
Edward Bernstein & Associates is a respected and reputable source of legal representation for burn injury victims and their families in Las Vegas and across Nevada. We truly care about our clients and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure they have what they need to recover from serious injuries such as burns.
To find out how we can help you with a burn injury claim, contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We are here to guide you through this difficult time. Call (702) 240-0000 to talk to a lawyer today.