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Virginia Burn Injury Lawyer

Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers assists Virginia burn victims in securing damages for injuries caused by the carelessness of others. Our Virginia burn injury lawyers will fight for fair compensation if you are burned by the fault of others. Our law firm is here to help handle your case so you can focus on your recovery. Schedule your free consultation today.

Suffering a severe burn injury can drastically change your life. In addition to intense pain, burn injuries are often accompanied by expensive surgeries, skin grafts, and a long recovery process plagued by complications like infections. The psychological impact of scarring and disfigurement also takes a significant toll. 

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic burn injury due to someone else’s carelessness, you need an experienced Virginia burn injury lawyer to handle your case. The legal team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers has over a hundred years of combined experience helping Virginians maximize their compensation in a wide variety of personal injury scenarios, including those involving serious burn injuries. 

Do not wait to take legal action. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your burn injury case with an experienced attorney today.

Why Hire a Virginia Burn Injury Lawyer from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers?

A skilled lawyer makes all the difference when you are injured in an accident you did not cause. The legal system is complicated, and navigating it can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to move through it efficiently and build a strong case. Our seasoned legal team has the knowledge and resources needed to handle complex burn injury cases, including those involving:

Our personal injury lawyers understand the legal and factual intricacies of burn injury cases, from calculating lifetime medical costs to dealing with insurance companies. Founding partner John M. Cooper has over 30 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Virginia. With him at the helm, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

With nine conveniently located offices in Hampton Roads, Cooper Hurley Injury Attorneys has the skills and resources needed to handle your case from start to finish.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Virginia?

Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, so don’t delay consulting an attorney. Subject to very limited exceptions, you will lose the right to seek compensation in court if you file after the strictly enforced deadline passes.  

Common Causes of Burn Injuries 

It is difficult to generalize about all of the scenarios that could potentially lead to burn injuries. That said, our law firm is equipped to handle your case no matter the circumstances. Common causes of burn injuries we see include:

  • Car accidents involving post-collision fires.
  • Spilling hot liquids while cooking or drinking.
  • Direct contact with open flames from a fire or stove.
  • Touching hot surfaces, such as oven racks, irons, or engine parts.
  • Electrical accidents, including faulty wiring or handling live electrical equipment.
  • Chemical spills involving strong acids or solvents.
  • Sunburns from prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning equipment without protection.
  • Friction burns from accidents where skin rubs against a rough surface.
  • Explosions in industrial settings or due to improper handling of flammable materials.
  • Mishandling fireworks during celebrations.
  • Faulty or misused heating appliances, like space heaters or electric blankets.
  • Smoking in bed or near oxygen tanks.
  • Outdoor grilling or campfires that get out of control.
  • Laboratory accidents with hot equipment or chemicals.
  • Steam exposure from opening hot containers or equipment like pressure cookers or industrial steam valves.

Types of Burn Injuries

Not all burns are the same. The wide range of scenarios that can lead to burn injuries is also reflected in the wide variety of burn types.

Thermal Burns

The most common type of burn, thermal burns, result from direct contact with a heat source like hot liquids, steam, open fires, or heated objects. Thermal burns can damage the outermost layers of skin and underlying tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

Chemical Burns 

Exposure to strong acids, bases, solvents, or other chemicals—whether in liquid, solid, or gaseous form—can result in chemical burns. These substances can eat away at the skin, penetrating deeply and sometimes even reaching bone. Chemical burns often require extensive treatment and skin grafting. They also raise the risk of infection and skin cancer. 

Electrical Burns

Caused by contact with live electrical currents, electrical burns can cause external and internal damage as the currents travel through the body. In addition to entry and exit wounds visible on the skin, electrical burns commonly lead to serious internal damage to muscles and organs. They can also trigger cardiac arrest and other life-threatening conditions. 

Friction Burns

Also known as abrasions, friction burns are caused when skin rubs or scrapes against rough surfaces like asphalt. Friction burns tend to damage outer skin layers through a combination of abrasive and thermal trauma. They are more superficial than other burn types, though still extremely painful and prone to infection if extensive.

Severity of Burn Injuries 

Burns are medically classified into “degrees” based on how deeply they penetrate the skin. Classification helps medical professionals determine the severity of burn injuries and the appropriate treatment plan.

First-degree and minor second-degree burns may often be treated at home or with minimal medical care, while more severe burns require professional medical treatment, possibly including hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.

First Degree Burns (Superficial Burns) Second Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns) Third Degree Burns (Full Thickness Burns) Fourth Degree Burns
Depth of Penetration Affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Extend through the first layer of skin and into the second layer (dermis). Destroy the epidermis and dermis, reaching the fatty layer beneath the skin. Extend beyond the skin into muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
Symptoms Symptoms include redness, minor inflammation or swelling, and pain. Cause redness, swelling, pain, and blistering. The affected area may appear white, brown, or charred. There may be little to no pain initially due to nerve damage. The affected areas may be numb due to nerve destruction, and the burns may result in permanent tissue damage.
Treatment Usually heal within 7-10 days without scarring. Are divided into superficial partial-thickness burns, which can heal in about 2-3 weeks with minimal scarring, and deep partial-thickness burns, which may require up to several months to heal and can result in some scarring. Healing from third-degree burns usually requires medical intervention, such as skin grafting, and can result in significant scarring. Are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Surgery and amputation may be necessary.

Damages Available in Virginia Burn Injury Cases  

Legal compensation for burn injuries can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the circumstances of the injury, and the extent of the damages incurred. Generally, victims of burn injuries may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses – Costs for current and future medical treatment related to the burn injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages – Compensation for income lost due to time taken off work for recovery. This can also include loss of earning capacity if the injury affects the victim’s ability to work in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the burn injuries. This category also often includes compensation for disfigurement and the associated psychological impact.
  • Rehabilitation Costs – Expenses related to rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling to help the victim recover and adapt to life after the injury.
  • Home or Vehicle Modifications – Burn injuries sometimes result in disabilities requiring modifications to the victim’s home or vehicle, compensation may cover these expenses.

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Not all jurisdictions allow for punitive damages in personal injury cases, including burn injuries.

Let Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers Fight For You

Don’t go through the ordeal of a burn injury alone. Personal injury claims are complicated and time-consuming. Let our Virginia burn injury attorneys handle your case while you focus on your recovery.

We will evaluate your case at no upfront cost and advise you on the best path forward. Call (757) 333-3333 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We have conveniently located offices in:

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