Rapid City Burn Injury Lawyer

Severe Burn Injury Claims in South Dakota

Serious burns have lasting physical, emotional, and financial implications, from permanent scarring and disfigurement to loss of bodily function, mobility, and enjoyment of life. At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we recognize the significant impact these injuries have on victims, as well as their loved ones and family members.

If you suffered severe burn injuries due to the careless, reckless, or negligent conduct of another person or party, we can help. Our Rapid City burn injury lawyers draw on more than 100 years of collective experience to build powerful cases for our clients, always with the goal of maximizing their recoveries. Our goal is to help you through the legal process, handling every detail so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

If you believe your burn injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, contact Beardsley, Jensen & Lee online or by phone at (605) 777-7466 for a free consultation today. 

Types of Burns

Burn injuries are classified according to type and degree.

The different types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal Burns: Those caused by contact with hot items, surfaces, and substances
• Electrical Burns: Those caused by contact with live electrical currents
• Chemical Burns: Those caused by contact with harsh, abrasive solvents, detergents, and chemicals
• Radiation Burns: Those caused by radiation from medical treatments, the sun, and other sources
• Friction Burns: Those caused by abrasive contact with hard surfaces, such as asphalt; also known as “road rash”
• Cold Burns: Those caused by exposure to extreme cold; also known as “frostbite”

Additionally, the severity of a burn injury is classified based on its degree.

The four different degrees of burn injuries include:

• First-Degree Burns: The mildest type of burn injury, first-degree burns often result in localized pain, redness, swelling, and some minor scarring. First-degree burns can typically be treated at home with standard first aid.
• Second-Degree Burns: Second-degree burn injuries are considered to be moderate to severe and may result in significant damage to the upper and lower layers of skin, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are severe injuries and typically require immediate medical attention. Third-degree burns often result in “charring” of the skin, leading to a whitened or blackened appearance, as well as numbness and nerve damage.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe type of burn injury, fourth-degree burns affect both the upper and lower layers of skin, as well as the surrounding tissues and bones. Fourth-degree burn injuries are medical emergencies that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Moderate to severe burn injuries may require extensive medical attention, hospitalization, and ongoing and future care. Such injuries often cause significant and permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can leave victims grappling with serious mental and emotional health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

When we think of burns, we typically think of injuries resulting from fires and explosions. While these are among the leading causes of burn injuries in the U.S., they are far from the only ones.

In fact, some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Car/vehicle fires
• Defective products
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Toxic exposure
• Workplace accidents
• Property/building accidents