Columbia Attorneys for Severe Burns from Fire or Chemicals
Rollover accidents are dangerous for many reasons. These types of accidents can cause the highest degrees of injury and property damage because of their destructive nature.
One of the most serious injuries you might sustain in a rollover accident is a severe burn from fire or chemicals. Severe burns can be difficult injuries to treat and heal from, as they can damage multiple layers of skin, tissue, and even bone, and significantly impair your nerve endings and mobility.
If you received severe burns in a rollover accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Columbia rollover accident attorneys of Goings Law Firm, LLC want to help you.
Give us a call today at (803) 350-9230 to set up an initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
What Are Severe Burns?
Although any burn injury can be severe, burns increase in level of severity from first-degree to third-degree, depending on how deep the burn damage goes.
- First-degree burns only damage the epidermis or outermost layer of the skin. They can appear in red patches, might swell, and may be sensitive to the touch. Examples of first-degree burns include light sunburns.
- Second-degree burns impact both the epidermis and the dermis (middle layer of the skin). Additionally, they may damage sweat glands and hair follicles. Second-degree burns are also called partial-thickness burns and may require medical attention, as they can cause severe swelling, blistering, and peeling skin. Examples of second-degree burns include burns from hot water, open flames, extreme sun exposure, or electrical fires.
- Third-degree burns (also called full-thickness burns) damage the epidermis, dermis, the hypodermis (the innermost layer of the skin), the fat layer beneath the skin, nerve endings, and muscle. Because of the damaged nerve endings, there may be no pain associated with these burns. The skin may be black, brown, or white, and may look leathery. These burns require medical attention, such as medication and surgery. Examples of third-degree burns include exposure to hot objects, hot water, chemicals, or flames.
Which Chemicals Cause Severe Burns in an Automobile Accident?
There are many chemicals you may be exposed to in the event of a rollover accident. While not every chemical can cause burns, there are several chemicals that have corrosive properties which may prove harmful to your skin, nerves, and muscles if you are exposed to them.
A few examples of chemicals with corrosive properties include:
- Alkaline substances (lithium, sodium, potassium, etc.)
- Battery acid
- Hydrocarbons (methane, propane, butane, etc.)
These chemicals can damage your skin in a variety of ways, depending on how concentrated they are, how long you are exposed to them, and what form they are in (liquid, gas, etc.).
Additionally, one of the most common sources of chemical burns in automobile accidents is the airbag. When the airbags are released, they may expose the occupants of the vehicle to a wide variety of caustic chemicals that may burn them.
How Can a Rollover Accident Cause a Fire?
There are several ways a rollover accident can lead to a car fire. A few common examples include:
- Electrical fires: If the dashboard sustains serious damage in a rollover accident, chords and wires may be severed. This can cause sparks to ignite surrounding material, including the highly flammable hydrocarbons and alkaline substances in the car battery.
- Gas-fed fires: Similarly, if the gas tank is damaged in a rollover accident, even a small spark can result in a car fire. These fires can be extremely hot, melting many components of the car and causing occupants to experience severe burns.
Compensation Available for Severe Burn Injuries
If you were involved in a rollover accident because of someone else’s negligence and have been burned by fire or chemicals, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In general, compensation is awarded for one or both of the following types of losses:
- Economic losses are most often those that have specific financial costs. These might be the cost to repair damaged property, lost income/wages because of recovery time, or medical expenses associated with the injuries you received in an accident. The best way to document economic losses is to keep track of all repair costs, timecards, pay stubs, and medical records.
- Noneconomic losses are the intangible costs associated with an accident that are not as easily expressed in monetary terms. Examples of these losses include emotional trauma, loss of mobility, or loss of enjoyment of life. To best document noneconomic losses, take note of any therapy/counseling appointments you attend and keep a journal of how your injuries have affected your day-to-day life and activities.
How Goings Law Firm, LLC Can Help
At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we’ve been representing victims of rollover accidents for many years, working hard to bring excellence and attention to detail to every case we work on. Our firm has been recognized by such prestigious organizations as the International Society of Barristers, Lawyers Weekly, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the National Trial Lawyers for our dedication to each case we take on.
Our attorneys are well prepared to walk alongside you as you deal with burn injuries you suffered in a rollover accident that was someone else’s fault.
Call Goings Law Firm, LLC Today
If you or someone you love has received a burn injury in a rollover accident that was caused by someone else’s actions, you know how challenging it can be to heal from your injuries and sort out the legal implications of the automobile accident. At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we’re here to help.
Our team of personal injury attorneys and support staff are well-acquainted with the local and federal regulations for securing compensation for those who were injured in automobile accidents. We’re ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve today.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your rollover accident case, call Goings Law Firm, LLC at (803) 350-9230 to set up a free initial consultation. We’ll connect you with one of our personal injury attorneys so that you can explain your circumstances, and you can learn more about the next steps on your journey towards justice.
Don’t hesitate and don’t delay. Time is of the essence. The sooner you call, the easier it is to put together a strong case. Contact us today.
