Las Cruces Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn Injury Attorney in Las Cruces, NM

Burn injuries can result from a variety of accidents, such as workplace accidents, vehicle collisions, defective products, fires, or chemical exposure. Burn injuries produce intense pain along with permanent scarring and require extended rehabilitation while causing psychological distress. A knowledgeable Las Cruces burn injury lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

About Berenson & Associates, PC

Our Las Cruces personal injury attorney represents burn injury victims and personal injury clients in Las Cruces and across New Mexico. Berenson & Associates, PC, is a small firm where founder Rachel Berenson, an AV-rated lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, provides her clients with individualized attention and legal advocacy.

Your case may be litigated in court in Doña Ana County. If so, it may be before the judges at the Doña Ana County Courthouse in Las Cruces. Our attorneys are familiar with those local burn injury laws, rules, and procedures. We can walk you through every step of the legal process, fighting for the recovery you need to put the pieces back together.

Understanding Burn Injury Laws in New Mexico

In New Mexico, burn injury victims can seek compensation through personal injury laws. These laws allow individuals to pursue damages resulting from another party’s negligence or intentional conduct. Damages in a burn injury case may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical care costs.

The complexity of burn injury claims stems from multiple factors, including liability determination, evidence collection, and medical documentation requirements. It is important for victims to understand their rights and the legal process in order to effectively pursue a claim.

New Mexico law provides a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Most personal injury claims, including burn injuries, must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. However, in cases where the injury was not immediately discovered or the responsible party left the state, the statute of limitations may vary.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

According to the CDC’s WISQARS database, there were 287,926 non-fatal and 3,529 fatal burn injuries in 2020. While the 2020 NIS estimated 103,235 inpatients, the 2020 NEDS reported 438,185 ED visits. Burn injuries can happen for a number of reasons, including workplace accidents, road accidents, and defective products. These can result in the following types of burns:

• Chemical burns: Serious chemical burns can occur from exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or corrosive substances, which are frequently found in factories, laboratories, or cleaning settings. The risk is increased by improper handling or a lack of protective gear.
• Scalding injuries: Serious burns can result from hot liquids such as steam, grease, or boiling water. These injuries frequently happen in kitchens, restaurants, or daycare centers, and children and the elderly are especially at risk.
• Arson: Criminal activity or assaults can occasionally result in burn injuries. In addition to criminal proceedings, victims may pursue civil claims.
• Electrical burns:     Lightning strikes, defective equipment, and contact with live wires can result in internal and external injuries that often require qualified medical attention.

Determining how a burn occurred is critical to proving fault and moving forward with a burn injury claim. A knowledgeable Las Cruces burn injury attorney can help you determine how the accident happened, identify the liable parties, and gather the evidence necessary to strengthen your case.

Why Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer?

When you hire a burn injury lawyer, you have a legal professional who understands how to handle these types of claims. An attorney familiar with burn injury cases knows what evidence to look for and how to explain medical issues and costs, as well as long-term rehabilitation expenses and emotional trauma.

Your attorney can arrange for professional witnesses to testify on your behalf, review your losses and damages, and negotiate tenaciously with the insurance companies. Should a fair settlement not be possible, your attorney can take your case to trial. With a skilled Las Cruces personal injury attorney fighting for you, you can be sure you have an advocate who is looking out for your rights and doing everything possible to help you get what you deserve.

FAQs

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Burn?

A burn injury settlement can differ from case to case based on the extent of the burn and required medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and projected needs such as long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Physical and emotional damages are factored into compensation for pain and suffering, and for permanent scarring. Since no two burns or victims are exactly alike, having a knowledgeable burn injury lawyer can make a difference in the final settlement or award.

What Is the Rule of 9 in Burn Injuries?

The Rule of 9 is a system that health professionals employ to quickly estimate the total body surface area affected by burns. The body is divided into sections, each corresponding to approximately 9% of the body surface area. This is used to assess the degree of burn injury, to plan treatment, and to calculate the necessary fluid replacement in the early critical care of a burn patient.

Can I Get Compensation for a Burn?

Yes, if your burn was caused by another party’s negligence, intentional wrongdoing, or a defective product, you may be able to file a claim for damages. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. A skilled burn injury attorney can assess your case, gather evidence, and fight to recover full and fair compensation for you.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?

Internal, invisible, or progressive injuries are the most difficult to prove, including traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, or psychological injuries. These types of injuries may not be visible or detectable on standard tests, so they require extensive medical documentation, professional testimony, and persuasive legal argument to show their severity and impact on the victim’s life.

Contact Berenson & Associates, PC Today

If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries, Berenson & Associates, PC can help you file a claim for compensation. Contact us today for more information.