A burn is a serious and traumatic injury that can lead to exorbitant medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering. Michael D. Waks is a burn injury lawyer in Long Beach who knows how devastating these injuries can be, especially when they are caused by another party’s negligence. He has the resources and experience to help you fight for fair compensation.
For a free case evaluation, call (888) 394-1174. Michael will review the facts of your injury to determine if you have grounds for a claim and how best to proceed.
Severe Burn Injuries Are Far Too Common
Approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported every year. Medical professionals treat nearly 650,000 of these wounds annually, 75,000 of which require hospitalization. Long Beach burn injury attorney Michael D. Waks knows that these statistics cannot adequately convey the pain and suffering endured by victims and their families.
Burns can range from minor to severe, and no two are exactly alike. Burns are classified to signify the severity:
- First-degree burns are superficial involving only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. The burn is red and painful.
- Second-degree burns go deeper, penetrating the second layer of skin, the dermis. The burn causes blisters and pain, and may result in scarring.
- Third-degree burns go through the skin and into the tissue. The burn causes charring of the skin and possible extensive scarring.
- Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. The burn destroys the skin and damages the muscle, fascia or bone.
Four main types of burn injuries:
- Thermal – caused by contact with flame, heat or scalding liquid
- Chemical – caused by exposure to a chemical or its fumes
- Radiation – caused by exposure to radiant energy from sunlight, X-rays or radiation
- Electrical – caused by contact with electricity or lightening
What to Do If You’ve Suffered a Burn Injury
Your first step after sustaining a burn injury should be to seek medical help. If left untreated, these wounds can lead to serious infection.
You should then contact an attorney as soon as possible. Getting a lawyer involved immediately can help you avoid mistakes, such as providing a harmful statement to the opposing party or their insurer.
You should also disable your social media accounts right away so your online content is less accessible to the opposing party. Try to avoid the temptation to mention your accident or injury online.
Moving forward, let your attorney handle all dialogue with the opposing party. This will ensure you do not say something that hurts your case. Also, follow your doctor’s orders, and take all reasonable steps to mitigate your damages.
Whatever type of burn you have, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced burn injury lawyer. Michael D. Waks in Long Beach can help you through this difficult time by making sure you are properly cared for and supported, and by helping you seek fair compensation. Call (888) 394-1174 to discuss your legal rights in a free case review.
Contact a Burn Injury Attorney in Long Beach, CA for a Free Consultation
Michael D. Waks has more than 38 years of experience advocating for accident victims and their loved ones. Not only does he have an in-depth understanding of the statutes and case law pertaining to burn injury cases, but he’s also built a reputation for providing strong, compassionate representation.
If you are thinking of hiring an attorney to assist with your personal injury claim, reach out to our office. Michael can take over all callogue with the insurer and other opposing parties, help you avoid critical mistakes, and aggressively represent your interests during settlement negotiations or trial.
You won’t have to pay anything upfront to hire Michael D. Waks to handle your claim, and no attorney’s fees will be charged unless your case results in a trial verdict or settlement. Contact us today at (888) 394-1174 for a free consultation with a burn injury attorney in Long Beach.