Seattle Burn Injury Attorneys

Types of Compensation Available in Washington Personal Injury Cases Involving Burn Injuries

A personal injury claim provides an avenue to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, with the goal of addressing the full scope of losses caused by burn injuries. Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are calculated by collecting clear documentation, including medical bills, pay stubs, vehicle repair invoices, and any other records that demonstrate the financial impact of your injuries.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating non-economic damages often involves evaluating the severity of your injuries, their long-term effects, and the way it has disrupted your day-to-day life.

Our attorneys at Bishop Legal can fight to get you full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages, including:

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are categorized into three primary degrees based on their severity and depth. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and mild pain. These burns often heal quickly with minimal treatment. Second-degree burns extend deeper into the skin, damaging both the epidermis and part of the dermis. They typically result in blisters, swelling, and significant discomfort. Third-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin, destroying tissue and sometimes affecting muscles or bones. These burns often appear white, charred, or leathery and require immediate medical attention due to the risk of severe complications.

Burn injuries are also categorized by what caused them. Thermal burns represent one of the most common types, occurring when skin comes into direct contact with heat sources like flames, hot liquids, or heated surfaces. Scalding injuries from boiling water or steam fall under this category and often affect children or individuals working in high-risk environments like kitchens. Thermal burns can range in severity from superficial, with only the outer layer of skin affected, to full-thickness burns, which can destroy skin layers and damage underlying structures.

Electrical burns result from direct contact with electrical currents, which generate heat as they pass through the body. These burns often damage tissues deep beneath the skin, making them particularly dangerous. The points of electrical entry and exit frequently suffer visible burns, but significant internal harm can occur even if the external injuries appear mild. Electrical burns pose additional risks, including cardiac complications due to the current's effect on heart rhythms.

Chemical burns refer to when the skin or eyes come into contact with harsh substances like acids, alkalis, or industrial chemicals. These burns can happen in workplaces, particularly in industries where employees handle hazardous materials, or in household environments with cleaning products. The severity depends on the chemical's strength, the duration of exposure, and the affected area's vulnerability. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent the substance from causing further damage.

Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against a coarse surface at high speed, producing heat that can damage tissues. These injuries frequently result from motorcycle or bicycle accidents, as well as sports activities. Friction burns represent a combination of abrasion and thermal burns, making them particularly painful and prone to infection if not treated properly.