Burn injuries are an unfortunate reality for thousands of Americans, particularly those working in dangerous fields like construction or manufacturing. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 486,000 people were admitted to emergency rooms after suffering burn injuries between 2011 and 2015.
If you suffered a burn injury, you are likely looking at a long road to recovery. These wounds can often lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, making it almost impossible for victims to enjoy a normal quality of life. While no amount of money can rewind the clock on the trauma you’ve endured, the financial award resulting from a personal injury claim could at least give you the funds to get your life back on track.
However, before proceeding with your case, you should make sure you know what to expect in the days ahead. In this article, we look at a few important factors to keep in mind as you start laying down the foundations for your claim:
You Will Need to Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
Every burn injury case is unique, so it’s impossible to predict exactly what types of evidence might play a role in your claim. However, one thing is certain: Without access to strong proof, you are likely to face disputes at every stage, so it’s important to collect as much evidence as you can.
Such proof might include:
- Medical records
- Surveillance camera footage of the accident
- Eyewitness statements
- Financial documents such as invoices, estimates, and receipts
- Personal injury journal entries
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
You Will Be Able to Pursue a Wide Range of Damages
A burn injury can lead to sky-high medical bills, but these costs are often just a small portion of the many damages that can result from a serious accident. For instance, your injury may have left you unable to work, depriving you of thousands of dollars in wages. Alternatively, your condition could be so severe that you can no longer take care of your household, prepare meals, or look after your children.
Fortunately, burn injury victims in Texas can seek compensation for such damages and many others. Other losses that might be recoverable include home modifications, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress. An attorney can assess your situation to determine which types of damages might be available to you.
You Can Hire a Lawyer to Assist with Your Claim
While it’s possible to proceed with your case on your own, proceedings can be incredibly difficult to navigate. Additionally, you may face strong resistance from the insurer who—particularly if you’re seeking a large sum—might dig deep to unearth evidence that could be used to dispute your claim.
For instance, they may begin monitoring your social media activity, place you under surveillance, and scour the accident scene to find anything that could be leveraged to challenge your credibility. Hiring an attorney will ensure that you have someone by your side who is armed with the knowledge and resources to help you prevail against any odds. Besides providing representation throughout the claims process, a lawyer can also help investigate the accident, gather the necessary proof to support your claim, and estimate fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Speak to a Texas Burn Injury Attorney Today
Did you suffer a serious burn injury in an accident caused by someone else? Turn to the legal team at Hilliard Law to discuss your options. We can review your case as part of a free consultation, providing you with the answers you need to make informed decisions about the future of your claim. Dial (361) 882-1612 or jump to our contact page HERE to request a free case review with a Texas burn injury attorney.