PEI Fire & Burn Injury Lawyers
At NOVA Injury Law, we recognize the life-altering effects fire and burn injuries can have. These injuries often leave victims dealing with long-term physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Our lawyers give personalized attention to every case to help you get the compensation you deserve—and we leverage the help of our in-house medical doctor to do so. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, contact our lawyers in Charlottetown for a free consultation, discuss your claim, and answer any questions you may have.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from various situations—not all burns are caused by fire. Here are a few examples of incidents that can cause burn injuries in which another party may be at fault:
- Chemical exposure
- Contact with electrical currents
- Commercial property fires
- Defective or malfunctioning products
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Radiation exposure
Understanding Burn Types
To understand if you should seek medical attention for your wound, burns are categorized based on the depth and severity of the damage:
- First-degree burns: These superficial burns affect only the epidermis (outer skin layer) and cause redness and discomfort. Examples include a mild sunburn or accidentally touching a hot pan very briefly.
- Second-degree burns: These penetrate deeper into the dermis (middle skin layer), causing blisters, redness, and swelling. Smaller burns may heal naturally, but larger ones require medical intervention.
- Third-degree burns: The most severe burns destroy all layers of the skin and may affect muscles, bones, or nerves. The skin may appear charred, blackened, or white. These burns also cause nerve damage and can result in numbness.
Complications From Severe Burns
Serious burns can lead to long-term complications, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Many people lose mobility in affected limbs; in the worst cases, amputation is required. Having a burn injury also puts you at greater risk for infections. Some burns can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, changing your appearance.
Burns can take three weeks or more to heal, and victims often require ongoing care, including pain management, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgeries to aid their recovery. Additionally, the trauma of the event can cause emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Steps To File a Burn Injury Claim
On Prince Edward Island, the standard limitation period for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions to this general limitation period and the timeline to file a claim may be shorter or longer depending on your circumstances. Acting quickly will help you to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
If you’ve been injured, consider taking the following steps as shortly after the incident as possible:
- Document your injuries: Take photographs of everywhere you were hurt and keep records of your medical treatments.
- Write down what happened: Create a detailed account of the incident so you don’t have to struggle to recall details later.
- Collect witness information: Obtain contact details for anyone who witnessed the event.
- Consult a lawyer: A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure your claim is filed on time.
We Represent Fire and Burn Injury Victims in Charlottetown and Across Prince Edward Island
At NOVA Injury Law, we combine legal and medical expertise to advocate for fire and burn injury victims. Our team is dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation review of your case.