Hilo Burn Injury Attorney

Suffered a Burn Injury Due to Negligence in Hilo, HI?

Burn injuries can cause severe physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Davis Levin Livingston, our experienced team is dedicated to helping burn injury victims in Hilo, HI, pursue justice and recover the compensation they deserve.

Contact our Hilo burn injury lawyer today at (808) 740-0633 to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Burn Injury?

A burn injury occurs when tissue damage is caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity and depth of the damage. While some minor burns may heal quickly, more severe burns often require extensive medical treatment, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. In many cases, burn injury victims experience ongoing pain, scarring, and emotional distress that affects their quality of life.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified based on their severity and the type of source that caused the injury. Below are the most common types of burns:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns occur when the skin comes into contact with hot objects, liquids, steam, or flames. Common sources include fire, boiling liquids, hot metal, or scalding steam. Thermal burns can penetrate deep layers of the skin, leading to extensive tissue damage.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns occur when harsh chemicals, such as acids or alkalis, come into contact with the skin or eyes. Household cleaning products, industrial chemicals, and battery acid are frequent causes. These burns can cause deep tissue damage and require immediate medical attention.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns happen when an electric current passes through the body, damaging tissues and internal organs. These burns often affect deep tissue layers and can result in nerve damage, cardiac arrest, or death. Electrical burns frequently occur in construction or industrial settings.
• Radiation Burns: Radiation burns result from prolonged exposure to radiation, such as from the sun (sunburn), cancer treatments, or industrial radiation sources. These burns can damage the skin’s deeper layers and lead to long-term tissue damage.
• Friction Burns: Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, causing heat and abrasion that damages the skin. Motorcycle accidents, road rash, and treadmill injuries are common causes of friction burns.

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Severe burn injuries can have devastating and long-lasting effects on a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Some of the most common long-term effects include:

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Burn injuries often leave permanent scars and disfigurement, which can affect a victim’s appearance and self-confidence. Extensive skin grafts and cosmetic procedures may be required to improve the affected areas.
• Chronic Pain and Nerve Damage: Severe burns can lead to nerve damage, causing chronic pain, numbness, and reduced mobility. Victims may experience hypersensitivity in the affected areas, making daily activities painful and difficult.
• Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Burn victims often experience emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the trauma of the injury and the physical changes they endure. Psychological counseling and support are often necessary to aid recovery.
• Reduced Mobility and Functionality: Burns affecting joints, tendons, and muscles can lead to reduced mobility, stiffness, and loss of function. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often required to restore movement and strength.
• Increased Risk of Infection: Severe burns compromise the skin’s natural barrier, making victims more susceptible to infections. Proper wound care and antibiotics are essential to prevent life-threatening complications.

Pursuing Compensation for Burn Injuries in Hilo, HI

If you have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. Burn injury claims can include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
• Disfigurement and Permanent Disability: Compensation for permanent scars, disfigurement, and loss of mobility.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

FAQs About Burn Injury Claims in Hawaii

What Should I Do After a Burn Injury in Hilo, HI?

Seek immediate medical attention for your burns, even if they seem minor. Document the circumstances of your injury, take photographs of the scene and your injuries, and collect witness statements if possible. Contact a Hilo burn injury attorney at Davis Levin Livingston to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

How Do I Prove Liability in a Burn Injury Case?

To establish liability, you must prove that another party’s negligence or misconduct caused your injury. This may include showing that a property owner failed to maintain safe premises, an employer ignored safety regulations, or a product manufacturer produced a defective item that led to the burn.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including burn injuries, is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may apply in certain cases, so it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Can I File a Claim for a Workplace Burn Injury?

If your burn injury occurred at work, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if a third party—such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer—contributed to your injury, you may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

How Can a Hilo Burn Injury Lawyer Help My Case?

A Hilo burn injury attorney can help by investigating the cause of your injury, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for maximum compensation on your behalf. At Davis Levin Livingston, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Call (808) 740-0633 or contact us online today to let us get started on your case.