Understanding San Jose Burn Injuries
Hundreds of thousands of burn injuries occur in the United States every year, and more than 60 percent of those burns result from contact with hot objects or substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 400,000 burn injuries reported each year, and about 30,000 people on average have burn injuries that are so severe they must be admitted to specialized burn centers. The most common causes of severe burns include fire burns (including from vehicle fires as a result of auto accidents), scald burns, and contact burns.
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that burn injuries are classified in terms of their severity: as first-degree burns (the least serious and most superficial of the burns), second-degree burns (also known as partial-thickness burns), and third-degree burns (the most serious burns that destroy multiple layers of skin and often bones, muscles, and tendons). Burns that destroy a person’s bones or muscles or tendons are sometimes described as fourth-degree burns, suggesting injuries more devastating than the worst classification.
Types of San Jose Burn Injuries
There are different types of burn injuries that a person can suffer. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the following are the primary types of burn injuries that are used for classification:
- Thermal burns (caused by heat sources);
- Radiation burns (caused by exposure to sources of radiation or ultraviolet rays);
- Chemical burns (caused by exposure to certain acids, solvents, or other chemicals); and
- Electrical burns (caused by exposure to AC or DC current).
Under California law, most kinds of burn injury lawsuits will need to be filed within two years from the date the burn injury initially occurred. For wrongful death lawsuits arising out of birth injuries, plaintiffs will need to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of death. Some burn injury cases arise out of a person’s work, in which case the best option for compensation is typically a workers’ compensation claim. Regardless of the type of burn injury and where it occurred, our firm can help you to seek compensation.
Contact Our San Jose Burn Injury Lawyers Today
Nobody should have to experience the physical and psychological pain associated with a burn injury. When these types of injuries do occur, it is critical to begin seeking compensation for your own losses and to take steps to hold the party responsible for your injuries accountable. Whether you need help with your own burn injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit involving a spouse or parent, the firm of Venardi Zurada LLP is here to assist you. Call 833-893-6763 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
