Bridgewater Fire and Burn Injury Lawyers
At NOVA Injury Law, we know the devastating effects that fire and burn injuries can have on individuals and their families, and we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Our team stands out as the only law firm in the region with an in-house doctor, so we can provide medical expertise to support your claim. Contact our Bridgewater-area lawyers for a free, no-obligation review of your fire or burn injury case.
Common Causes of Fire and Burn Injuries
Many people suffer minor burn injuries around the house that don’t require medical attention. However, there are some instances where serious burns are a result of someone else’s negligence. Here are a few common causes of such burn injuries:
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Fires in public or commercial properties
- Defective products
- Vehicular accidents
- Exposure to radiation
How Burns Are Categorized
Doctors classify burns based on how deeply they penetrate the skin to indicate how severe they are:
- First-degree burns: These superficial burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness and discomfort. You’ve experienced a first-degree burn if you’ve ever had mild sunburn. Typically, you don’t need any specialized treatment.
- Second-degree burns: These partial-thickness burns reach the second skin layer (dermis), often causing redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. While smaller burns can heal on their own, ones that cover 10% of the body or more will need medical attention.
- Third-degree burns: The most severe type of burn destroys all layers of skin and can damage muscles, tendons, or bones. The affected area may appear charred, white, or leathery, and the resulting nerve damage may result in a loss of sensation. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention.
Potential Complications of Severe Burns
Injuries caused by burns can lead to significant and long-lasting complications. Many people struggle with mobility issues and joint stiffness in the affected limbs—sometimes, amputation is necessary. Burned skin also leaves you more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, the scars that burns leave behind can affect overall confidence and quality of life. A full recovery from burn injuries may require treatments like pain management, physical therapy, skin grafting, and reconstructive surgery.
Beyond these physical effects, burn victims also often experience emotional trauma, which can include anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Healing these psychological effects may take even longer than the physical ones.
Filing a Burn Injury Claim in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim.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. This is why it’s important to contact a PI lawyer. If you act quickly, you can make sure you have the evidence you need and that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
As soon as reasonably possible after the incident, we recommend taking the following steps to help support your case:
- Take photos of your injuries: Make sure your photos are clear and that you document every injury.
- Write down the details: Record what happened while the incident is fresh in your memory so you don’t lose key information.
- Gather witness information: If anyone witnessed the event, get their contact information. They may be able to provide testimony.
- Contact a lawyer: An experienced injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation.
Call Our Fire and Burn Injury Lawyers in Bridgewater Today
At NOVA Injury Law, we provide a unique combination of legal and medical expertise to help burn injury victims. We’re committed to getting you the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Reach out today for a free, confidential review of your case.