Gas Drilling & Burn Injuries

Burn injuries sustained during a gas drilling accident can be devastating. The victim is subjected to excruciating pain during the accident, but the suffering doesn't end when the fire stops. Recovery from second degree burns can take several weeks, and third degree burns may take significantly longer, sometimes causing permanent scarring and disfigurement. A first degree burn will only influence the outer layer of skin but the more serious a burn is the further in it can begin to damage the body.

Some burns go all the way down to the bone and can make the functioning of that area of the body useless. A victim may require the amputation of the limb so that infection doesn't occur and if the tissue is damaged beyond repair. In some instances a skin graft can be used to start repairing the damage that took place but it can require multiple surgeries to try to get the area to look natural. Even still, some victims never fully recover and can be left with scarring and physical limitations. The extent of the burns is also a large factor, depending on whether it is localized or widespread over the body. Since the cause of a burn can move quickly, some people may have a significant portion of their body burned. Treatment for burn injuries can be highly expensive, from emergency medical care to surgery to perform skin grafts, amputation and cosmetic surgery.

In many situations the cost of treatment is not just the initial expense but treatment may be ongoing. Furthering the level of harm from the accident is when the victim is no longer able to work. They may be out of the job temporary or can even be unable to return to work at all in the future. This leaves them with lost wages and without the means to cover their medical costs. Victims can also deal with the emotional trauma of remembering the event and also dealing with the psychological factors of realizing their limitations. They may be left with serious scarring that makes them feel uncomfortable in a social setting. Burn victims can deal with all types of hardships that need to be considered when seeking compensation.

Recovering Compensation for Burn Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury of any type in a West Virginia gas drilling accident such as a drill site fire or an explosion, you should not delay in taking legal action. The sooner you get started on your case, the better your chances of a settlement will be. Recovering damages in this type of case depends on effective preparation, including full documentation of the injury with photographs and medical testimony. Don't accept a settlement or sign any type of waiver until you have received a consultation from a West Virginia gas drilling attorney.

Hartley Law Group is an AV^® Rated law firm, and we have spent over 30 years representing people who had suffered injuries similar to yours. We know what an impact this accident may have had on your family. In addition to the pain and suffering of the injury, you are also forced to face enormous medical bills at a time when you have been deprived of your income. We want to make sure that you are not given less than you should be and that the full impact that the accident has had on your life is understood. We don't want you to have to confront this situation alone. Contact our team to discuss your case and to find out more about how we can help.