Roanoke Burn Injury Lawyer

Advocating for Burn Victims in Roanoke, VA

When you think of burn injuries, you probably think of the most obvious cause: fire. But did you know that fire is only one of many potential causes of burn injuries? In addition to thermal burns caused by fire, burns can be caused by electricity, radiation, chemicals, and even the sun. In fact, most burns are not caused by fire at all.

If you or someone you love suffered a burn injury as a result of another person or party’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we have been serving clients in Roanoke and the surrounding areas for over three decades. Our experienced burn injury lawyers are prepared to help you maximize your entitled compensation.

To learn more about how our burn injury attorneys in Roanoke can assist you with your case, call our office at (855) 880-8163 or contact us online today. We offer free initial consultations.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

There are four main types of burn injuries, including:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns are the most common type of burn. They are caused by exposure to a heat source, such as a fire, hot liquid, or steam. Sunburns are also a type of thermal burn.
• Radiation Burns: Radiation burns are caused by exposure to radiation, such as the type of radiation used in cancer treatments.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns are caused by exposure to an electrical current. These burns can be external or internal.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns are caused by exposure to either an acidic or alkaline substance. These burns can occur on the skin, in the eyes, or on the lungs if the chemical is inhaled.

How Are Burn Injuries Classified?

Burn injuries are also classified by degree, which indicates the severity of the burn. There are three main degrees of burn injuries, as well as some other classifications.

• First-Degree Burns: Also known as “superficial burns,” first-degree burns are the least severe. They only affect the outer layer of the skin and typically heal within about a week. Sunburns are an example of a first-degree burn.
• Second-Degree Burns: Second-degree burns are more severe and affect both the outer layer of skin and the layer underneath. They cause redness, swelling, and blistering. Second-degree burns typically heal within two to three weeks, but they can cause scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn. They affect all layers of the skin and can even damage the underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. Third-degree burns cause the skin to appear white, black, or charred and can cause numbness. These burns require immediate medical attention and typically necessitate skin grafting and other treatments.

In addition to these three main classifications, there are also fourth-degree burns, which are the most severe and can be fatal. Fourth-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and even the bones.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries?

The long-term effects of burn injuries vary depending on the degree of the burn and the location of the burn. For example, a first-degree burn on the arm will likely heal within a week and may not cause any long-term effects. However, a third-degree burn on the face will likely require extensive medical treatment and will likely cause some level of permanent disfigurement.

Some of the most common long-term effects of burn injuries include:

• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of mobility
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Infections
• Respiratory problems (if the burn is located on the face or neck)
• Organ damage (if the burn is severe)

What Are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of situations and as a result of many different causes. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:

• House fires
• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Construction accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Defective products
• Electrical accidents
• Chemical exposure
• Explosions

Burn Injury FAQs

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury?

If you suffer a burn injury in Roanoke, your first priority should be seeking medical attention—regardless of how minor the injury may seem. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also establishes a crucial record for your claim. After treatment, it’s important to document everything—take photographs of the injury, keep all medical records and receipts, and gather any witness contact information. If the injury occurred due to someone else’s negligence, such as in a workplace accident, car crash, or faulty product situation, you should also consult a local personal injury attorney experienced with burn injury cases in Virginia to help you understand your legal options.

Can I file a burn injury claim if the injury happened at work?

Yes, if you were injured at work in Roanoke, you may be entitled to benefits through Virginia’s workers’ compensation system. This generally covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of fault. However, in some cases, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against a third party (such as a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer) if their negligence contributed to the injury.

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file a lawsuit within that period, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation. However, if the injury involves a minor or a government entity, special rules may apply that alter this deadline.

What kinds of compensation can I recover in a burn injury claim?

In a Roanoke burn injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any future medical care. Non-economic damages cover things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In severe cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded.

What if my burn injury was caused by a defective product?

If your burn injury in Roanoke was caused by a defective product—like a faulty appliance, flammable clothing, or an unsafe chemical—you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. Virginia product liability law holds these parties responsible if their product design, manufacturing process, or failure to warn consumers causes harm.

Do I need a lawyer for a burn injury claim?

While it’s technically possible to file a claim without a lawyer, having an experienced burn injury attorney in Roanoke can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Burn injury claims can be complex, especially when dealing with severe injuries, insurance companies, or disputes over liability. Our team understands the specific laws and court procedures in Virginia and handles everything from collecting evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers or presenting your case in court if needed.

How Can a Burn Injury Attorney in Roanoke Help Me?

After a burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, the insurance company may try to offer you a lowball settlement that does not even come close to covering your losses. In some cases, the insurance company may even deny your claim altogether.

When you work with a burn injury attorney in Roanoke, you have someone on your side who is prepared to fight for you. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we are not afraid to take on large insurance companies and corporations. We have a proven track record of success and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

When you choose Kalfus & Nachman PC, you can expect:

• Free initial consultations
• Personal attention from your attorney
• A team of experienced legal professionals
• Compassionate, client-focused counsel
• Aggressive representation from start to finish
• No fees unless/until we recover compensation for you

Call our office at (855) 880-8163 or online to schedule a free initial consultation with our Roanoke burn injury lawyers.