Burns don’t just heal and disappear – they often leave permanent scars that can change a person’s life dramatically. They might need extensive medical care, face multiple surgeries and grapple with the emotional toll of visible scars. California law recognizes the lasting impact of burn injuries and offers a path to compensation.
Who may be liable?
The party responsible for your burn injury depends on how the accident happened. It could be anyone whose carelessness or deliberate actions caused your injury. This may include:
- Property owners or landlords who didn’t keep their premises safe
- Companies that made faulty products causing burns
- Employers in work-related burn accidents
- Careless drivers in car crashes leading to burns
- Doctors or nurses in cases of surgical burns or poor treatment
- Chemical companies that didn’t warn about dangerous substances
- Contractors who created unsafe work conditions
Sometimes, more than one party might be responsible. For example, a landlord and a product manufacturer could be liable if a defective appliance causes a fire in a rental home. Finding out who is responsible often needs careful investigation and professional legal knowledge.
Damages you may claim in your case
California law allows for two main types of damages. Economic damages cover costs you can easily count, like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages address less tangible effects, such as pain, emotional distress and changes to your daily life.
Courts typically consider any lasting change to how you look because of an injury as potentially deserving compensation. They might look at:
- Where the scars are and how visible they are
- Whether the changes to your appearance are permanent
- Your age and the type of work you do
- How the injury affects your daily life and activities
- Any ongoing physical limitations or pain
- Emotional effects, like feeling sad or anxious
- Any future medical care you might need
It’s important to note that in California, you usually have two years from the date of injury to file a claim.
Explore your legal options
Permanent scarring from burns can impact your life in many ways. Know that legal professionals are ready to guide you through the complex legal process and help you fight for fair compensation.