Types of Fire & Burn Injuries

Fire injuries fall into 2 categories:

• Flash injuries: These injuries occur suddenly, and victims may be treated through outpatient procedures.
• Flame injuries: These injuries often result in more serious injuries that require hospitalization and intensive treatments.

Burn injuries are often severe. They can result in permanent physical and emotional trauma to the victim. While exposure to heat in general can cause burns, electrocution, radiation, steam, chemicals, and scalding liquids can also cause burns and scarring. Depending on the severity of the burn, treatment may be relatively simple, or long-term and intensive.

There are 4 classifications of burn injuries:

1. First-degree burns
2. Second-degree burns
3. Third-degree burns
4. Fourth-degree burns

First-degree burns are minor and only affect the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. The skin is often red, slightly swollen, and painful. Cool water on the affected area, Aloe Vera ointment, and over-the-counter pain medication can help treat a first-degree burn. On the other hand, second-degree burns are also known as partial thickness burns. They affect the second layer of skin, called the dermis. While they are red and painful like a first-degree burn, they also include blisters on the skin.

Third-degree burns are known as full thickness burns, and penetrate deeper than first or second-degree burns. They affect the adipose tissue (the layer of fat underneath the dermis). Nerve endings can be damaged, causing numbness, and the appearance of the skin may be white and leathery. These burns require more serious treatment methods, and patients require immediate medical attention.

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe of all classifications. They penetrate through both layers of skin and the adipose tissue, and reach the bones and muscles. Because of nerve damage, the patient may feel no pain. However, the skin may be black or burned completely off, requiring emergency medical treatment.

Liability for Burn Injuries

Because burn injuries are often severe, the medical bills for long-term treatment and therapy can be overwhelming. That is why it is important to seek legal assistance from knowledgeable lawyers. Our dedicated Los Angeles personal injury attorney can analyze your situation, conduct a thorough investigation, and fight to seek justice from those responsible.

Fire and burn injuries may occur on personal property or at work. Depending on the situation, a variety of people may be held liable in court. If the person negligently started the fire, or acted recklessly to cause it to go out of control, he or she may be held personally responsible.

Who may be liable for your fire or burn injuries?

• Landlords or property owners
• Employers
• Product manufacturers
• Others whose negligence contributed to the incident

Landlords may be held responsible for fires that occurred on their property. Furthermore, employers and corporations may be liable for burn injuries that resulted from unsafe workplace conditions. If the fire started because of a defective product, such as a space heater or other properly-used item, you may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturing company. It is important to investigate the incident by talking to witnesses, requesting police reports, and looking at photos and documentation of the scene to determine who is responsible.

Experienced Representation for Burn Injury Victims

The Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C. provides diligent legal services to injured clients. We know you are going through an extremely stressful time. That is why we work hard to handle the legal issues so you can focus on healing. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer has a thorough knowledge of California laws regarding liability for burn injuries. We can investigate the situation, gather evidence, and aggressively fight on your behalf as you pursue a financial settlement from those responsible.