Newport News Burn Injury Attorneys

Helping Burn Victims in Newport News, VA

When you think of a burn injury, you may think of a minor injury that heals quickly. However, burn injuries can be severe and life-threatening. In fact, burn injuries are one of the leading causes of unintentional death and injury in the United States.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we understand the devastating impact a burn injury can have on your life. Our Newport News burn injury lawyers are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you are owed. We have been serving the injured since 1979 and have a proven track record of success.

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury in Newport News, contact our firm at (855) 880-8163 to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Types of Burn Injuries

There are several different types of burn injuries, each of which can vary in severity. The severity of a burn injury is typically classified into one of three categories: first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree.

Here is an overview of the three degrees of burns:

• First-Degree Burns: This is the least severe type of burn injury. They only affect the outer layer of skin and are often referred to as “sunburns.” First-degree burns are typically red and painful but will heal on their own within a few days.
• Second-Degree Burns: These burns affect both the outer layer of skin and the layer of skin underneath. Second-degree burns are often red, swollen, and painful. They may also develop blisters. Second-degree burns can take several weeks to heal and may leave scars.
• Third-Degree Burns: These are the most severe type of burn injury. They affect all layers of the skin and can even damage the underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. Third-degree burns may appear white or charred and can cause numbness. They require immediate medical attention and may require skin grafting or other treatments.

In addition to these three degrees of burns, other types of burns include:

• Chemical Burns: These burns are caused by exposure to a corrosive substance, such as a strong acid or base. Chemical burns can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues and can be life-threatening.
• Electrical Burns: These burns are caused by exposure to an electrical current. Electrical burns can cause severe damage to the skin and underlying tissues and can be life-threatening. They may also cause internal injuries, such as heart damage or nerve damage.
• Radiation Burns: Result from exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from nuclear accidents, X-rays, or radiation therapy. These burns damage cells and tissues and can have delayed effects.
• Friction Burns: Caused by the rubbing or abrasion of the skin against a rough surface. Common examples include rug burns and road rash from motorcycle accidents.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

There are many different ways in which a person can suffer a burn injury. In some cases, these injuries are the result of an accident. In other cases, they are the result of someone else’s negligence.

Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:

What Are the Symptoms of a Burn Injury?

The symptoms of a burn injury can vary depending on the severity of the burn. In some cases, a burn injury may only cause redness and pain. In other cases, a burn injury may cause the skin to become charred and may cause the person to go into shock.

Some of the most common symptoms of a burn injury include:

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even a minor burn can become infected if not properly treated. Additionally, a burn injury can cause serious internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

How Are Burn Injuries Treated?

The treatment for a burn injury will depend on the severity of the burn. First-degree burns can typically be treated at home with over-the-counter pain medications and by applying a cool compress to the burn. Second-degree burns may require medical attention, especially if they cover a large area of the body. Third-degree burns always require immediate medical attention.

Some of the most common treatments for burn injuries include:

Severe burn injuries can cause permanent disfigurement and disability. As a result, burn injury victims often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. This can be incredibly expensive and can cause a significant financial burden for the victim and their family.

Can I Sue for a Burn Injury?

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Negligence occurs when a person or party fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in injury or harm to another person. In order to have a successful burn injury claim, you will need to prove that the at-fault party was negligent.

Some of the most common parties that may be held liable for a burn injury include:

When you file a burn injury claim, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that are easily quantifiable, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages are those that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

In some cases, you may also be able to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but are instead meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. In order to be awarded punitive damages, you will need to prove that the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or with intentional malice.

Burn Injury Claim FAQs

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury in Newport News?

You should:

• Seek immediate medical treatment.
• Report the injury (e.g., to an employer, property owner, or law enforcement).
• Document the incident with photos and witness statements.
• Contact a personal injury attorney familiar with burn injuries and Virginia law.

Can I file a burn injury claim in Virginia even if I was partially at fault?

Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning you cannot recover any damages if you are found even 1% at fault. It’s essential to have strong legal representation to prove the other party was entirely at fault.

What types of compensation are available in a burn injury claim?

You may be entitled to:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement or permanent scarring
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm)

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Newport News, VA?

Virginia's statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury. Some exceptions exist, but waiting too long may forfeit your right to recover damages.

What if my burn injury happened at work?

Work-related burn injuries are typically handled through Virginia Workers' Compensation, which may cover:

• Medical care
• Temporary or permanent disability payments
• Vocational rehabilitation

However, you usually cannot sue your employer unless gross negligence or third-party liability is involved.

How severe does the burn injury have to be to file a claim?

While third-degree burns and extensive injuries often result in higher compensation, even second-degree burns may justify a claim if they lead to significant pain, scarring, or lost wages.

How much is my burn injury case worth?

The value depends on:

• Severity and degree of the burn
• Long-term effects (e.g., disability, scarring)
• Economic losses (wages, bills)
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)

Our Newport News burn injury attorney can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing your case.

Request a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we are committed to helping burn injury victims fight for the justice and compensation they are owed. We will review the details of your case, help you understand your legal rights and options, and guide you throughout the entire legal process.

Call our Newport News burn injury lawyers at (855) 880-8163 or contact us online to request a free consultation.