Albuquerque Severe Burn Attorney

Common Causes of Severe Burn Injuries

Vehicular accidents – including those involving cars, buses, motorcycles, trucks, drunk drivers, and rideshares – are a common cause of burn injuries, as they can occur when vehicles catch fire following a collision. The impact of a crash may damage the vehicle's fuel system, leading to leaks that ignite from sparks. Furthermore, the deployment of airbags, while a key safety feature, can also potentially cause burns due to the rapid release of heat and chemicals. Electrical fires within vehicles, such as those involving battery malfunctions in electric or hybrid models, are additional sources of burn risk. Victims of vehicular burns frequently suffer both thermal and chemical burns, requiring complex medical interventions to treat the various layers of tissue damage. These injuries can be particularly severe due to the confined space and intense heat involved.

Burn injuries may additionally result from a property owner’s failure to maintain safe premises. Under the state’s premises liability laws, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment, but negligence can lead to hazardous conditions. Faulty wiring, flammable materials improperly stored, and blocked fire exits on a property are all examples of hazards that can lead to devastating fires and subsequent burn injuries.

Defective products can also cause severe burn injuries, especially those involving household appliances or industrial equipment. Electrical products that overheat, malfunction, or are crafted with substandard materials can pose significant burn injury risks. For example, space heaters with poor thermal regulation might ignite nearby objects, while faulty electric blankets can cause severe burns during usage. Even products like curling irons, blow dryers, or chemical peels can inflict burns due to manufacturing defects or inadequate safety instructions. 

Our Albuquerque severe burn injury attorney is prepared to represent victims in cases involving all of these common causes. We can evaluate the details of how you were burned, ascertain liability, and review your legal options for recovering compensation.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified into three primary types: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns, each varying in severity and impact on the skin. First-degree burns are the mildest form and affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. These burns cause redness and pain but typically heal with minimal medical intervention. Second-degree burns extend deeper, affecting the epidermis and the dermis, the second layer of skin. This type of burn results in blisters, intense pain, and possible scarring but often heal with appropriate medical care if treated promptly.

Severe burn injuries usually refer to second-degree burns covering a larger surface area, and third-degree burns inflict the most significant damage. Third-degree burns penetrate through all layers of the skin, affecting underlying tissues and often leading to nerve damage, resulting in a loss of sensation in the affected area. The impact of third-degree burns frequently extends beyond immediate physical damage, as they often require extensive medical treatments like skin grafting, reconstructive surgeries, and rehabilitation therapy.

Severe burn injuries carry substantial long-term psychological and social repercussions. Victims may experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as they cope with their trauma and altered appearance. These psychological impacts might necessitate professional mental health support to help patients adjust to their new reality. Socially, individuals with severe burns often face stigmatization and challenges reintegrating into daily life, particularly if their injuries are visibly disfiguring. This stigmatization can affect their ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in communal activities, further compounding the emotional burden they bear.

At Law Office of Nathan Cobb, we are generally prepared to represent third-degree burn victims or individuals who have suffered substantial, disfiguring second-degree burns. We recognize the long-term consequences of these injuries and can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Don't wait to get the justice you deserve. Reach out to the Law Office of Nathan Cobb today for a free case evaluation!