Burn Injuries Caused by Negligence: A Guide to Compensation in Colorado
Learn how to maximize your compensation after a burn injury due to negligence in Denver
Burn injuries can turn your life upside down, leaving you in excruciating pain and unable to work while facing mounting medical bills. Whether it’s a scald, a chemical burn, or a serious burn from a car accident, the impact can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused your burn injury in Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover your medical expenses, lost income, and more.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of burn injuries, how they happen, and what steps you can take to maximize your compensation through a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado.
If you have questions or want personalized help with your claim, reach out to the experienced Denver burn injury attorneys at The Babcock Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
How common are serious burn injuries?
Serious burn injuries are unfortunately all too common. In fact, they’re one of the top causes of preventable deaths in the U.S. each year, with 3,478 deaths reported in 2022 alone.
The American Burn Association estimates that someone in the U.S. suffers a burn that’s serious enough to require medical treatment about once every single minute.
What are the most common burn injuries?
Burn injuries can occur in various situations, and certain types are more common due to everyday activities and accidents. Below are the most frequent types of burn injuries:
- Thermal burns. These result from contact with high heat, such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects like stoves and metal surfaces. Common causes include kitchen accidents, house fires, and workplace incidents involving heat.
- Scald burns. A subset of thermal burns, scald injuries occur when hot liquids or steam come into contact with the skin. They are particularly common in kitchen mishaps, spilled beverages, or accidents involving boiling water.
- Electrical burns. These occur when a person comes into contact with an electrical current. Faulty wiring or accidents involving high-voltage electrical equipment are common causes. These burns can cause both visible skin damage and internal injuries.
- Chemical burns. Exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents can cause chemical burns. Workers like janitors, factory workers, and agricultural workers who frequently handle hazardous materials or toxic cleaning agents are most likely to suffer these types of injuries.
- Friction burns. Caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface at high speed, these burns are common in road rash incidents from motorcycle or bicycle accidents.
- Sunburns. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds can cause first-degree burns or, in severe cases, second-degree burns.
Each type of burn varies in severity and may require different treatments, so it’s crucial to always seek treatment from a medical professional to prevent serious complications.
How do you classify a burn?
Burn injuries are categorized into 4 levels based on their severity and the depth of damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Here’s a breakdown of each level:
- First-degree burns. These are the mildest type of burns, affecting only the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Commonly caused by sunburn or brief contact with something hot, first-degree burns typically result in redness, mild swelling, and discomfort. They rarely require medical attention unless they cover a large area or cause significant pain. With proper care, such as cool compresses and aloe vera, these burns usually heal within a week without scarring.
- Second-degree burns. These burns go deeper than the epidermis and also damage the dermis, the second layer of skin. They often result in blisters, intense redness, splotchy skin, swelling, and significant pain. While smaller second-degree burns (less than 3 inches) can often be treated at home with cool water and sterile dressings, larger or more severe second-degree burns may require professional medical care to prevent infection and promote healing. These burns can leave scars if not treated properly.
- Third-degree burns. The most severe type of skin-only burns, third-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin and result in permanent tissue damage. The affected area may appear white, charred, or leathery, and surprisingly, it may not be painful if nerve endings are destroyed. Immediate medical attention is crucial for third-degree burns, as they can lead to severe complications, including infections, shock, and loss of function in the affected area.
- Fourth-degree burns. The most severe classification, fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin and damage underlying muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones. These burns are life-threatening and can lead to complications such as amputation, infection, or organ failure. They often require emergency medical care, including surgery, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. Survivors of fourth-degree burns may face long-term physical and emotional challenges due to the severity of the damage.
If you or someone you know suffers from a burn, seeking prompt medical attention for anything beyond a minor burn is essential. If you’ve suffered a major burn injury because of someone else’s negligence or a defective product, you may be eligible for compensation. You should contact a Colorado injury lawyer to learn about your rights and legal options.
What are the most common causes of burns due to negligence?
Vehicle accidents are a significant cause of burns due to negligence, especially in cases involving truck collisions or motorcycle accidents. Negligent actions such as reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, or defective auto parts can lead to dangerous outcomes, including fuel tank explosions, engine fires, or electrical malfunctions.
Large trucks carrying flammable or hazardous materials pose an even greater risk, as collisions or rollovers involving these vehicles can result in massive fires or chemical burns that cause severe injuries to everyone nearby.
Motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to “road rash,” a friction burn caused by sliding across the pavement during an accident. This type of injury can range from superficial to deep tissue damage and is often worsened by improper protective gear or poorly maintained road conditions.
Other common causes of burn injuries that lead to personal injury lawsuits include:
- Defective products. Faulty appliances, malfunctioning electrical devices, or poorly designed products can overheat or spark, causing burns. Examples include defective space heaters, kitchen appliances, or batteries.
- Scalding incidents. Scald burns often occur in environments where hot liquids or steam are handled carelessly. Property owners, landlords, or restaurants that fail to regulate water temperatures, maintain safe plumbing systems, or implement proper safety protocols can cause severe scald injuries.
- Chemical exposure. Employers or manufacturers who fail to provide warnings, proper handling instructions, or adequate safety measures can be held liable for chemical burns caused by hazardous substances.
- Building fires. Poor maintenance of smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or fire exits in residential or commercial buildings can exacerbate fire-related injuries. Negligent property management often contributes to these preventable incidents.
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How much compensation can you get for a burn injury?
The amount and types of compensation you can receive through a burn injury lawsuit in Colorado depend on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the degree of fault assigned to each party involved.
In a personal injury lawsuit, burn victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses. Costs for emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost income. Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury. If the burn injury limits your ability to work in the future, you may also recover damages for diminished earning potential.
- Property damage. Costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property, such as a vehicle in a car accident.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a specific dollar value, including:
- Pain and suffering. The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the burn injury.
- Disfigurement. Compensation for scarring, permanent disfigurement, and its impact on your self-esteem or quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Damages for activities or hobbies you can no longer enjoy due to the injury.
It’s important to understand that Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault in the incident. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000.
Please note that if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
Given these rules, it’s critical to work with a skilled burn injury attorney in Denver who can help gather evidence, demonstrate the other party’s negligence, and maximize your recovery.
Where can I find the best burn injury lawyer near me in Denver?
If you’ve suffered a burn injury in Colorado, it’s crucial to find the right attorney to help protect your rights and maximize the value of your claim. At The Babcock Law Firm, our knowledgeable Denver personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of securing compensation for clients facing life-altering injuries.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll burns can take, and we’re dedicated to fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. We’ll take care of every detail of your case, from uncovering the cause of your injury to dealing with insurance companies to preparing your case for court if necessary.
