New Jersey Car Accident Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries from car accidents are one of the most devastating outcomes of a crash. Burns can cause physical, mental, emotional and psychological injuries. Many survivors require long-term hospitalization, undergo multiple skin grafts and surgeries, have trouble with dexterity, deal with severe scarring, and often need long-term therapy and counseling. Often, this means individuals lose months to years of income.

Car accidents involving burn injuries are often complicated and it is best to have a skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney acting on your behalf. The first thing to determine after a car accident is who is responsible. Your attorney can send out an investigator to track down witnesses, they will inspect and take pictures of the scene of the accident, and contact experts who can determine the cause and origin of the fire. When a car accident involves a fire and/or explosion, forensic engineers may be needed to preserve and examine the vehicle for any defect in design or manufacturing.

Dealing with car accidents involving fires or explosions is not just about inspecting the scene and all related documents. It is also about figuring out how the fire got started and whether that was the result of a faulty gas tank or a defective battery. Forensic experts assist an attorney to determine if that gas tank or battery were defective, and if so, the manufacturers may be named as defendants in a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for burn injuries.

Burn Injuries

The most common burn injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Exposure to gas fumes
• Inhalation burns
• Thermal burns
• Scalding – the result of hot liquid contacting the skin
• Electrical burns
• Radiation burns

Burns are classified in three categories. They are as follows:

• First degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin.
• Second degree burns: Typically superficial blistering affecting the top layers of skin, and extending into the deeper layers.
• Third degree burns: The most severe burns that cause charring, swelling, nerve and muscle tissue damage. Skin graft surgery may be required.

Burns can also be categorized by severity and size:

• Minor burns: Include first degree burns and second degree burns that are less than 2 to 3 inches wide.
• Major burns: Include third degree burns and some second degree burns that are more than 2 to 3 inches wide and second-degree burns on the groin, face, buttocks, hands, feet or located over a major joint.

Burn injuries from car accidents can also result in a wrongful death, something the deceased’s family may wish to pursue. There are a number of forms of compensation for the loss of a family member due to burn injuries and they include:

• Economic damages. Refers to income you may lose in the future and income lost since the accident. Damages for the loss of a vehicle and other out-of-pocket expenses as a result of the accident. Also include past medical expenses and payment for treatments expected in the future.

• Non-economic damages. Include damages for pain and suffering as a result of the accident. Also includes coverage for damaged relationships and emotional and mental harm.

In a New Jersey wrongful death claim, family members are allowed to recoup damages for the pain and suffering felt by a deceased between the time of the injury and the time of death. However, family members are not allowed to recover damages for their personal pain and suffering. To learn more about what you may be entitled to after a car accident involving burn injuries, speak with an attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm.

The experienced New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm have extensive experience dealing with burn injuries from car accidents and can help you navigate a complicated and, at times, confusing legal process to seek compensation for your injuries. The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm has represented car accident victims for over three decades, and will help you deal with insurance companies while you take the time to recover. Dealing with a severe burn injury may require numerous medications, surgeries and therapies. These medical expenses may be recovered by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Your lawyer could recover other forms of compensation such as lost wages, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation today at (973) 920-7900. There is no risk in calling, because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have offices conveniently located in Denville and Morristown.