Burn injuries are among the most painful and debilitating types of harm a person can experience. Burns often result in excruciating pain. They can also involve lengthy recovery periods and permanent scarring that can affect every aspect of a victim’s life.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a burn injury in Johnson City because of someone else’s careless actions, you need to know your legal options.
At The Terry Law Firm, our Johnson City burn injury attorneys have been helping injured people throughout East Tennessee for generations. With a family tradition of legal services dating back to 1960, our burn injury lawyers understand the immense toll burns can take on you and your family.
Contact us today for a free consultation about how we can help you pursue maximum compensation for all your losses.
Reasons to Choose Our Johnson City Burn Injury Attorneys
When you are considering your options after sustaining a severe burn injury, choosing the right legal representation could make all the difference in your recovery and your future. The Terry Law Firm stands out among Johnson City burn accident attorneys because we are a family-focused law firm that treats every client like a member of our own family.
With over five decades of combined legal experience, our burn injury lawyers have handled countless personal injury cases and recovered millions of dollars for people across East Tennessee, including $4.1 million and $3.6 million in two burn injury cases. We approach even the most complicated cases from creative angles, drawing on our deep knowledge of both Tennessee law and effective advocacy strategies.
We also understand that serious injuries can make travel difficult. That is why we offer free initial consultations at a location that is convenient for you, including your home or hospital room if necessary. We are available to meet in the evenings and on weekends at your request.
Our past clients have left many positive testimonials about the work we have done for them, including, for example:
“Oh My Gosh. Where do I begin. This team is so wonderful. I can not Thank you enough for all the help you have gave me during my time of need. I very highly recommend The Terry Law Firm to any one who needs a lawyer. They are a great bunch of people. I really appreciate everything and will return if I need to. Thank you again.” – K.W.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Johnson City
Some frequent causes of burn injuries that our Johnson City burn injuries lawyers handle include:
- Workplace accidents
- Car crashes
- Building fires
- Defective products
- Electrical accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Scalding accidents
- Explosions
If your serious burn injury happened because someone else failed to take reasonable safety precautions, you may have grounds for a legal claim. If your burn injury resulted from your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whose fault the accident was.
Types and Severity of Burn Injuries
Medical professionals classify burns based on how deeply they damage your skin and other tissues.
- First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, pain, and minor swelling. First-degree burns are uncomfortable, but they usually heal without scarring.
- Second-degree burns are partial-thickness burns. They penetrate deeper into the skin, often creating painful blisters and leaving the affected area looking red and wet. Second-degree burn injuries carry a higher risk of infection and may require medical treatment. They may cause significant scarring.
- Third-degree burns are full-thickness burns that destroy all layers of the skin and can damage the underlying tissue. The burned area may appear white, black, brown, or charred. Because third-degree burns often destroy nerve endings, they may actually cause less immediate pain than second-degree burns, though they are far more serious. Some medical professionals further categorize severe burn injuries to include fourth-degree burns.
Burns can also be categorized by their cause. Thermal burns result from contact with flames, hot surfaces, or scalding liquids. Chemical burns occur when skin comes into contact with corrosive substances. Electrical burns happen when electrical current passes through the body. Radiation burns can result from excessive sun exposure or industrial radiation sources.
Compensation Available for Burn Injury Victims in Johnson City
Tennessee law allows burn injury victims to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
The total value of your claim will depend on factors like the severity of your burns, how long your recovery takes, whether you have permanent scarring or disability, and how the injury has affected your daily life and future opportunities.
The Legal Process for Burn Injury Claims in Johnson City
Understanding how the claims process works can help reduce stress during an already difficult time. While every case is unique, most burn injury claims follow a similar path.
First, our Johnson City burn injury attorneys will investigate what happened and gather evidence to build your case. Evidence might include medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, eyewitness statements, and expert opinions.
Next, we will typically file a claim with the insurance company of the party responsible for your injuries. Insurance companies typically aim to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side during negotiations is crucial.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf. Many burn injury cases settle before going to trial, but our burn injury lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Tennessee law gives you one year from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, so it is important not to delay in seeking legal help.
How The Terry Law Firm Can Help with Your Burn Injury Case
When you hire The Terry Law Firm to handle your Johnson City burn injury case, you can expect vigorous advocacy and personalized attention every step of the way. Our attorneys will handle all communication with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We will work to help you receive proper medical treatment and document all your injuries and losses.
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury claims. You will not owe us any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Contingency fee arrangements enable you to obtain legal representation without incurring upfront costs.
Do not wait to get the legal help you need. Contact The Terry Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Johnson City personal injury lawyer who is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.