California Burn Injury Lawyer

Did you recently suffer a burn injury in California? You could recover monetary compensation for the harm you suffered, and a knowledgeable California Burn Injury Lawyer at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos can help you get it.

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Why Choose Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos for Your Burn Injury Claim?

Choosing the right legal representation is essential when you know or suspect you have a burn injury claim. At Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, we offer effective and compassionate representation in the Bay Area and throughout California.

Our California personal injury attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience and provide skilled and knowledgeable support at every step.

We focus primarily on handling complex cases, particularly those involving significant and life-altering injuries. Our firm boasts a proven track record, having recovered millions of dollars for local victims and their families. This success reflects our commitment to fighting tirelessly for our clients’ rights and securing the compensation they deserve.

Our firm combines aggressive representation with a family-like approach to our client relationships. We guide you through the litigation process with dedication and understanding, ensuring you always have the support and information you need. Whether it’s through settlement, arbitration, or a trial verdict, we have the resources, skills, and legal acumen necessary for a prompt and effective resolution of your case.

Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos stands out for our strong advocacy and commitment to our clients. Our reputation in the Bay Area, honed over 30 years of exceptional service, speaks volumes about our ability to effectively handle your burn injury claim.

Choose us to stand by your side, and we will work hard to achieve the outcome you deserve.

How Much Is My Burn Injury Claim Worth?

The money you can recover for a burn injury claim varies based on the situation, but you can often claim compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses resulting from the burn injury
• Out-of-pocket costs you incur due to your injury, such as travel expenses for attending medical appointments
• Income losses if you miss any hours or days of work due to the injury
• Projected losses in your lifetime earning capacity if your burn injuries leave you with long-term or permanent impairments
• Subjective harm, such as pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life

The compensation you receive for each of these categories will depend on a range of factors unique to your situation.

Here are some factors that could influence the value of your burn injury claim:

• Severity of the Burn Injury: The extent of the burn injury is a key factor. Severe burns that result in significant scarring, disfigurement, or disability often lead to higher compensation. This is because they require more extensive medical treatment, involve long-term care, and can significantly reduce your quality of life.
• Medical Expenses: The cost of any medical treatment you need now and will need in the future is another major component of your claim’s value. This includes hospital bills and the costs of medications, physical therapies, and specialized care like skin grafts or cosmetic surgeries. 
• Loss of Income and Earning Capacity: If your injury forced you to take time off work or reduced your ability to work at full capacity, you could include this lost income in your claim. You can also seek compensation for lost earning capacity if you develop long-term or permanent disabilities due to the burn injury.
• Pain and Suffering: This factor addresses the intangible harm you suffer due to the injury. It includes physical pain, emotional distress, and decreases in overall enjoyment or quality of life. Calculating pain and suffering is complex, as it involves subjective evaluation of how the injury has affected your daily life, mental health, and overall well-being.
• Liability: The circumstances of how the burn injury occurred play a significant role in the value of your claim. If another party is clearly responsible for your injury, your claim’s value may increase. However, if the evidence is inconclusive or the other party claims you are at fault, it could reduce your compensation amount.
• Insurance Policy Limits: The defendant’s insurance policy limits could also affect your claim’s value. If your losses exceed the other party’s policy limits, the insurance company will still only pay up to those limits. In such cases, our California burn injury lawyers can consider other possible sources of compensation.

Burn Injuries in California

Burn injuries are particularly common in California for several reasons.

First, California’s climate plays a significant role. The state experiences long, dry summers and frequently faces drought conditions. This dry weather makes it easier for fires to start and spread, increasing the risk of burn injuries.

Wildfires, a common occurrence in California, often lead to severe burn injuries among residents and firefighters.

California’s large population and industrial sector also contribute to the risk. In densely populated cities, home or workplace accidents involving electrical equipment, gas leaks, or flammable materials can lead to fires that spread quickly.

Industries like manufacturing and construction, which are prominent in California, also pose burn risks due to the use of heavy machinery and hazardous materials.

Additionally, California’s extensive road networks and high traffic volume result in more vehicle accidents than average. Car crashes can lead to fires or explosions, posing a significant risk of burn injuries to drivers and passengers.

Finally, the state’s active outdoor culture means more individuals engage in activities like camping and grilling year-round. Many of these activities involve fire and can lead to accidental burn injuries if people ignore safety precautions.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can happen in various ways and are more common than many people realize. Understanding the common causes of burn injuries is important when it comes to recognizing when you might have an injury claim.

Here’s a list of some of the typical causes of burn injuries:

• Thermal Burns: These burns result from direct contact with heat sources like fire, scalding liquids, steam, or hot objects. In the home, scalds from contact with boiling water or burns from touching hot stoves frequently happen in the kitchen. In industrial settings, accidents involving hot machinery are common sources of thermal burns.
• Chemical Burns: These occur when the skin or the eyes come into contact with irritants, such as an acid or a base substance. Common household products like bleach, pool cleaners, and even some beauty products can cause chemical burns when improperly handled. In many workplaces, especially in laboratories and manufacturing plants, the risk of chemical burns is often higher due to frequent exposure to industrial chemicals.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns happen when an electric current passes through the body. This can occur in homes when residents encounter faulty wiring or use damaged electrical appliances. The risk of electrical burns is also significant on construction sites and in industries where high-voltage systems are common.
• Radiation Burns: These burns come from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning beds, or certain types of medical radiation treatments. While sunburns are the most common form of radiation burns, more severe cases can occur in industrial, medical, or other settings.
• Friction Burns: Friction burns result from the skin rubbing against hard surfaces, often at high speed. These are common in road accidents, where the skin scrapes against the road or other rough surfaces, resulting in “road rash.” Sports-related accidents, such as falls from bikes or skateboards, can also cause friction burns.

Degrees of Burn Injuries

Doctors classify burn injuries into three degrees, reflecting their severity and effect on the body. Each degree of burn injury exhibits specific symptoms and requires a different level of medical care.

First-Degree Burns

This is the mildest category of burn injuries. They affect only the outer layer of the skin, which physicians call the epidermis. Signs of a first-degree burn include redness, minor inflammation or swelling, and pain.

Second-Degree Burns

These burns are more serious because they cause damage beyond the top layer of the skin. Second-degree burns affect the dermis – the second layer of skin. Signs of a second-degree burn include blistering, severe redness, and intense pain.

These burns often look wet or shiny and result in more pronounced swelling. Medical attention is often necessary, which could include special bandages, prescription pain medication, and, in some cases, skin grafts.

Third-Degree Burns

These are the most severe burns. They destroy the entire thickness of the skin, causing damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and underlying tissue. These burns can leave the skin looking white, charred, or leathery.

Surprisingly, these burns may not hurt initially because they damage the nerves and cut off the pain response. However, they are severe and potentially life-threatening.

Immediate medical attention is critical for third-degree burns. Treatment often involves lengthy hospital stays, specialized burn care, and possibly multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.

Long-Term Consequences of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries often have long-term consequences that are expensive to manage and can affect a person for the rest of their life. One of the most common long-term effects is scarring.

Burns, especially severe ones, often leave scars that cause disfigurement and loss of mobility or flexibility, particularly if they are over joints. This can limit a person’s ability to move normally and carry out daily activities.

Psychological effects are also a major long-term consequence of burn injuries. The trauma of experiencing a severe burn and changes in one’s appearance can lead to emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many burn victims require counseling or therapy to cope with these emotional challenges.

Severe burns can lead to long-term medical complications, such as increased susceptibility to infections, problems with heat regulation, and complications from scar tissue. Continuous medical care might be necessary for years after the injury, adding to the overall cost and effect on the individual’s life.

Demanding Compensation From the Insurance Companies

Demanding compensation from the insurance companies is incredibly challenging, especially when you’re still dealing with the consequences of a burn injury. Insurance companies always aim to minimize their payouts.

They might question your injury’s severity or insist it was partly your fault. And even if you have a relatively straightforward case, the paperwork and negotiations require a lot of time and dedication.

This is where a California burn injury lawyer can make a considerable difference. A lawyer who handles burn injury claims understands the tactics insurance companies use. They can build a strong case on your behalf by gathering necessary medical records, expert testimony, and evidence of your injury and its effects on your life.

Our California burn injury lawyers are also skilled negotiators who can communicate effectively with other parties and their insurance companies. And if the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, a lawyer can take the case to court. Hiring a lawyer shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting fair treatment.

What to Do if You or Someone You Love Suffers a Burn Injury

If you believe you have a burn injury claim, to protect your rights and build a strong foundation for your case:

• Follow all medical advice and treatment plans from your doctor.
• Attend all follow-up medical appointments.
• Take photos of your burn injuries over time to document your recovery.
• Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms and pain levels.
• Request copies of all your medical records and reports.
• Save all medical bills and receipts related to your injury.
• Contact a California burn injury attorney as soon as possible.
• Inform your attorney about any previous injuries or pre-existing conditions.
• Do not provide recorded statements to insurers without legal advice.
• Gather contact information from any witnesses to the incident.
• Preserve any physical evidence related to the injury (e.g., damaged clothes).
• Obtain a copy of the accident or incident report, if applicable.
• Avoid discussing your case on social media platforms.
• Keep a record of missed work days and lost income.
• Do not accept any initial settlement offers without consulting our California burn injury attorneys.

Get in Touch With Our California Burn Injury Attorneys Now

If you suffered a preventable burn injury, the California personal injury lawyers at Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos can help you. Contact us now at (650) 345-8484 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation session.