New Mexico Burn Injury Attorneys

Understanding who is liable for your Albuquerque, NM, burn accident is the first step toward securing damages to pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering. The following are some common causes of burn accidents.

Car Accidents

Any time you collide with another vehicle, there's a chance a fire will start, especially if the gas tank was hit. Burns from a car fire can occur after a wreck with a reckless driver. 

Sometimes the problem is the car itself. You may have a damaged or malfunctioning vehicle, in which case the manufacturer would be to blame for allowing a defective consumer product onto the market.

Commercial Truck Accidents

A collision between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck is more catastrophic than one between two regular vehicles. If the truck had flammable cargo, you and your passengers could have been badly burned. Establishing liability in a truck accident is more complex, but a savvy burn injury lawyer can help build your case.

Defective Consumer Products

Malfunctioning products — anything from a cell phone that spontaneously combusts to a clothes dryer that catches fire — can cause house fires or other severe burns. In this case, your attorney will hold the manufacturer accountable, and you may participate in a class-action suit with other injured victims.

Workplace Injuries

Some industries are naturally more hazardous than others, such as oil and gas or construction. Malfunctioning equipment, an unsafe job site, or one that doesn't follow OSHA safety regulations can lead to a devastating burn injury. 

You may be eligible for worker’s compensation, but if there was gross negligence or you’re having trouble obtaining your benefits, a burn injury law firm can help pursue your case.

Most burn injuries from accidents are classified into three categories. Oftentimes, your damages will be awarded depending on how severe your burns are and what portion of your body is affected.

First Degree (Superficial Thickness)

First-degree burns are similar to a sunburn and affect only the uppermost layer of skin, called the epidermis. Your skin will look red at first, then turn white when pressure is applied. These burns are painful but rarely require significant medical care.

Second Degree (Partial Thickness — Superficial)

The epidermis and the second layer of skin, the dermis, are both affected by second-degree burns. You’ll see blisters, and your skin will be dry with a white-ish color. Depending on how deep the burn goes, you may need skin grafts, and there may be some slight scarring.

Third Degree (Partial Thickness — Deep)

Third-degree burns can cause extensive damage and are subject to infection, which can be dangerous. The burns affect both layers of skin and may penetrate the muscle tissue below. You’ll need skin grafts and may have permanent scarring or difficulty moving the damaged muscle after you heal.