Our Firm Handles Serious Burn Injury Claims in Des Moines

Helping clients obtain compensation for their injuries

The Hope Law Firm, PLC handles complex personal injury cases in Des Moines, West Des Moines and other communities of Iowa. Our legal team is motivated to fight for justice and to help our clients through the difficult period following a serious injury. If you were severely burned in an accident, we can help you and your family obtain the compensation you need and deserve.

Degrees of burns

Burns are classified by degrees, depending on the level of damage done to the skin and underlying tissue and organs:

• First-degree burn — First-degree burns are the mildest type, but they can be very painful and uncomfortable. Damage occurs to the outer layer of the skin and may leave blisters and dry patches. Usually, medical intervention is unnecessary.
• Second-degree burn — Second-degree burns can result in partial or total destruction of the entire epidermis and the dermis. The victim may experience pain or loss of sensation in the affected area. Excision and skin grafts may be necessary.
• Third-degree burn — Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and penetrate to the subcutaneous tissues. The wound takes on a leathery appearance but produces no pain. Emergency medical treatment and rehabilitation are necessary, and victims are left with scarring and disabilities.
• Fourth-degree burn — The most severe, this type of burn destroys the entire skin and extends to the underlying muscle and bone. Survivors must undergo extensive medical treatment and may endure lifelong disabilities and deformities.

If you suffered any type of serious burn, our lawyers can help.

Types of burns

Burns originate from various sources, including:

• Thermal burn — Thermal burns arise from extreme heat caused by fire, scalding water, steam or hot objects.
• Chemical burn — Contact with toxic household or industrial chemicals can cause chemical burns.
• Electrical burn — Electrical sources, such as live wires, outlets and arcs, can burn the skin and penetrate to the tissues beneath.
• Radiation burn — Incorrectly calibrated medical equipment or tanning beds can result in excessive radiation and consequent burns.
• Friction burn — Bicyclists and motorcyclists involved in traffic accidents may sustain friction burns that occur when exposed skin slides across the pavement.

A burn destroys the skin and underlying tissues. The amount of destruction to your body depends on the degree of burn you sustained.

Long-term prognosis for burn injury victims

Burn victims face acute, immediate crisis and long-term complications. Our lawyers consult with specialists who deal with burn-related disabilities and treatment to calculate long-term damages for:

Medical treatment for third- and fourth-degree burns is often extensive and painful. Common burn treatments include excision of the burnt flesh, skin grafts to cover the wound with healthy skin, and intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Who is liable for burn injuries?

In a burn injury case, several parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances that led to the injury. Here are some potential liable parties:

• Property Owners — If the burn injury occurred on someone else's property due to hazardous conditions, the property owner could be held liable. This includes situations like fires caused by faulty wiring, lack of proper fire exits, or unsafe equipment.
• Product Manufacturers — If a defective product, such as a malfunctioning appliance or a flammable substance, caused the burn injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the product may be liable under product liability laws.
• Employers — In cases where the burn injury happens at work, the employer might be liable, especially if the injury resulted from unsafe working conditions, lack of proper safety equipment, or inadequate training.
• Landlords — Landlords can be held responsible if a tenant or visitor suffers a burn injury due to unsafe conditions in a rental property, such as faulty wiring, lack of smoke detectors, or failure to maintain heating systems.
• Negligent Individuals — If another person's negligence directly caused the burn injury, such as in a car accident or a deliberate act like arson, that individual could be held liable.
• Contractors or Maintenance Companies — If improper installation or maintenance work leads to a burn injury, the responsible contractor or maintenance company could be held liable.

Liability in burn injury cases can be complex and often requires thorough investigation to determine the responsible parties.

Recover for your burn injuries

Based in Des Moines, The Hope Law Firm, PLC has the experience to assist you through the challenging aftermath of a burn injury. Here's how we can help:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation — We begin by thoroughly assessing the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances surrounding the burn incident, and the long-term effects on your health and livelihood. This evaluation helps us determine the best course of action.
• Gathering Evidence — To build a strong case, we collect all necessary evidence, including medical records, eyewitness testimonies, accident reports, and expert opinions. This evidence is crucial in proving liability and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies — Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when they try to minimize your claim. We handle all communications with insurers, negotiating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related costs.
• Litigation Support — If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our skilled litigators will represent you aggressively, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury to maximize your compensation.
• Ongoing Support and Guidance — Throughout the process, we keep you informed and provide the support you need during this difficult time. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.

To learn how our personal injury attorneys can protect your rights in the civil courts, call us at (515) 298-5056 or contact us online. Your first appointment is free.