Steps to Follow After a Burn Injury in Missouri
A burn injury is a type of injury that happens when the skin is exposed to extreme heat and flames. When skin is burned, it loses its ability to protect the body against infection. The burned area becomes red and may itch. If you have recently sustained burns and are looking for someone to help you, it’s essential to know the legal steps to help you recover from this injury as quickly as possible.
When someone gets hurt in a fire that another person has started, they have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other person involved in the fire. The lawsuit is called an “indemnity” claim. The legal process is as follows:
Step 1: Report the Incident
At the scene, you must calmly tell emergency personnel and witnesses that you have been injured. Take care to provide the exact information about what happened, and remember as many details as possible. Burning incidents are treated as crimes by police authorities of Missouri; therefore, you need to expect that they will conduct a thorough investigation. Get your medical needs taken care of, and get the contact information for any witnesses who can provide more information.
Step 2: Comply with Instructions From the Emergency Personnel
A few hours later, it would be best if you went to the hospital. The hospital will give instructions on what is happening at the time of your injury. You must apply a cold pack or ice cream cone-like item over the burned area for 20 minutes every hour. It would be best if you also took painkillers prescribed by a doctor.
Step 3: Attend to Medical/Taxation Requirements
You must also comply with all medical/taxation requirements, such as filing for workers’ compensation, applying for Medicaid if needed, and more. You will receive more information, including the necessary forms, from experts at the hospital.
Step 4: Seek a Personal Injury Attorney
It would be best if you quickly found a personal injury lawyer in Missouri. Personal injury lawyers will help you file an affidavit, your official report of all details about what happened. You will also learn about the available options to recover compensation for your burns and other injuries. Burn injury lawyers at Dixon Injury Firm in Missouri can help you file a report or complaint with the police.
Step 5: File the Lawsuit
To get compensation for your injuries, you must file a claim against the party that caused your skin to be burned. The law firm you find should be able to help with the investigation. You and your lawyer need to explore all possible reasons that could have led to the cause of your burn injury. Depending on the results of this investigation, it may be possible to get compensation for medical treatment and other expenses related to this accident.
Step 6: Collect Covers for Injury Costs
If you successfully prove liability on the part of the party that caused your injuries, you may get compensation for all the expenses related to your burn injuries. These costs may include medical treatment, pain, mental suffering, disability due to injuries, lost wages, or any other kind of loss. The court will also decide whether you will get punitive damages if proven that the person who caused your burns intended to harm you.
