Burns are one of the most common types of injuries experienced by Americans. In fact, an estimated 1 million burns happen every year, and roughly half of those are significant enough to require medical attention. Burns can be caused by fire, friction, hot liquid, hot steam, or other means and can happen in a home or work setting. With so many possibilities, it may not be surprising that most people encounter a situation that can cause a burn at some point during their day.
When it comes to burn accidents, it is important to understand the circumstances in which the burn happened. Having that knowledge can assist a victim in realizing whether she has a valid claim for her injuries and whether she is entitled to financial compensation for her damages.
If a burn occurs while you are at work or on-the-clock, the laws related to workers’ compensation in Illinois will cover you and will provide you with certain protections and certain rights. These include the right to get the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries, the right to receive payment for time you miss from work while you recover, and the right to return to your job once you are healthy again. Often, employees with workers’ compensation claims are entitled to a lump sum payment for the pain and suffering they endured due to an injury at work.
If a burn happens as the result of an automobile accident or the negligence of someone else, you may have the right to pursue a claim for your civil damages in a court of law. These claims can be brought against an at-fault individual, that individual’s insurance policy, a guilty corporation or company, or even a city or municipality. The facts of any possible third-party action will determine whether you have a valid claim and whether you can move forward to get the relief you deserve.
Regardless of who bears the legal blame for a burn you suffered, though, you will be required to act within a time period specified by law or your right to get relief will be barred. Therefore, if you were hurt in an accident that resulted in one or more burns of if someone you love was affected in a burning incident, make sure you act as soon as possible to get the help you need.
The legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. has helped many people who have been burned over the years and if you were injured, we want to help you as well. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation to victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have a licensed lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with you. Everything discussed during the consultation will be kept confidential and if we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we only represent injury victims and never insurance companies because we believe in fighting for those who need our help – not corporations. If we can assist you, call us now and take advantage of our free case consultation.
Prior Blog Entry:
Snow and Ice Expected for Evening Commute in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 11, 2016.