The impact that burn wounds can have on your life varies widely, from minor inconvenience to serious injury. Severe burns can lead to chronic pain, scarring, and an increased risk of infection that could impact your long-term health. If you have suffered serious burns through no fault of your own, a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney may be able to help. Instead of attempting to seek justice on your own, reach out to a Northglenn burn injury lawyer about pursuing a claim for compensation and justice.
Degrees of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified into degrees based on the severity of tissue damage. Understanding these degrees is important because the extent of your injury impacts your potential injury claim. A Northglenn injury attorney can advise you on how the severity of your burn may affect your case.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe wounds and affect only the outer layer of skin. They typically cause redness, mild swelling, and discomfort, similar to a sunburn. Although these burns can be painful, they typically heal on their own in a matter of days.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and the layer beneath it. They often cause blistering, intense pain, and swelling. Because the damage penetrates deeper into the skin, second-degree burns take longer to heal, carry a higher risk of infection, and may result in permanent scarring or discoloration.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are severe injuries that destroy multiple layers of skin. The burned area may appear charred or white, depending on the circumstances. Because of nerve damage, these burns are not always immediately painful, but almost always require surgical treatment, including skin grafts, and lead to lasting scarring or disability.
Fourth-Degree Burns
The most serious of the four categories, fourth-degree burns damage not only the skin but also the tissue and bone underneath. In many cases, these wounds are fatal to the victim.
What Is the Deadline to File a Personal Injury Suit?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a burn accident. These time limits are crucial, as failing to file within the allotted timeline can result in the court dismissing your case, regardless of the strength of the evidence. For most personal injury claims, including burn injuries caused by negligence, victims generally have two years from the date of the injury to file suit. However, if the injury arose from a motor vehicle accident, the deadline extends to three years.
Some exceptions can delay the deadline. For example, if the injured person was a minor at the time of the accident, the clock may not start running until they reach legal adulthood. Additionally, in cases where the responsible party concealed their role in the injury or where the harm was not immediately discoverable, the deadline may be extended.
Because these rules can be complex and exceptions are limited, burn victims need to act quickly. Consulting a Northglenn lawyer soon after a burn accident helps ensure your claim is filed on time and preserves your right to pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Call an Attorney in Northglenn About Your Burn Injury Today
If you were injured by another person’s negligence, you are entitled to seek justice through the legal system. The support of a skilled attorney can give you the best chance of maximizing your compensation while you recover from a severe burn. Let us help you get the outcome you deserve. Call a Northglenn burn injury lawyer as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.
