A severe burn is one of the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can endure. Beyond the excruciating physical pain, a serious burn can leave a victim with permanent scarring, disfigurement, and a lifetime of emotional and psychological trauma. The medical treatment for a severe burn is often a long and arduous process, involving multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. The costs can be astronomical, and the impact on a person’s ability to work and enjoy life can be profound.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. However, getting a fair settlement from an insurance company can be a challenging and adversarial process. The experienced Georgia burn injury lawyers at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King have a deep understanding of the complexities of these cases and a proven track record of success. This blog post will explain the steps you need to take to get a fair settlement for a burn injury in Georgia.
Understanding the Full Extent of Your Damages
To get a fair settlement, you must first understand the full extent of your damages. A burn injury can result in a wide range of economic and non-economic losses, and it is crucial to account for all of them. An experienced attorney will work with a team of experts to build a comprehensive picture of your damages, which may include:
•Medical Expenses: This includes all past, present, and future medical costs associated with the burn injury. This can include emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries (including plastic surgery and skin grafts), physical and occupational therapy, pain management, and psychological counseling.
•Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your burn injury has caused you to miss work or has diminished your ability to earn a living in the future, you are entitled to compensation for your lost income.
•Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have endured as a result of the burn injury.
•Disfigurement and Scarring: A severe burn can leave a person with permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and quality of life. This is a significant component of a burn injury settlement.
•Property Damage: If the accident that caused your burn injury also damaged your property (such as your car or home), you can seek compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
The Importance of Preserving Evidence
To build a strong burn injury case, it is essential to preserve all relevant evidence. This can include:
•Photographs and Videos: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the recovery process.
•Physical Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as a defective product that caused the burn.
•Witness Information: Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
•Medical Records: Keep a complete file of all your medical records, bills, and other documentation related to your treatment.
An experienced attorney can help you identify and preserve all the evidence you need to build a compelling case. They can also work with experts, such as accident reconstructionists and engineers, to investigate the cause of the accident and prove liability.
Navigating the Insurance Claims Process
Dealing with insurance companies after a serious burn injury can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize their company’s payouts, and they may try to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your damages. It is important to remember that you do not have to speak with the insurance company on your own. In fact, it is in your best interest to have an experienced attorney handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
A skilled Georgia personal injury lawyer will know how to value your claim and will not let the insurance company take advantage of you. They will present a strong and well-documented demand package to the insurance company and will be prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. Having a powerful legal advocate on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Settlements
Q: How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Georgia?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Q: What if the burn injury happened at work?
A: If you were burned at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may also be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party other than your employer, such as the manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment. An experienced attorney can help you explore all of your legal options.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer?
A: Most burn injury lawyers, including the team at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to get the high-quality legal representation you need without any financial risk.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
A severe burn injury can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. You should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. The compassionate and experienced burn injury attorneys at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King are here to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to take on the insurance companies and get you the results you need to move forward with your life. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help. Call us at 404-760-7400 or fill out our online contact form to get started.