If you or a loved one has been badly burned, you should know that attorney Richard Webster was badly burned, too, and he is devoting his professional life to helping burn victims.
Rich Webster describes his accident: "Flames exploded through the doorway. I ran toward the small window, slipped and fell face-first into the fire. The skin of my nose and mouth suddenly shrank. The flames burned through the skin of my arms. I was on my feet diving through the window screen, landing in the sunlight. I rolled in the dirt. Adrenaline pumped through my body. I jumped up and ran."
Iowa Burn Accident Attorney
For a burn victim, a lawsuit to compensate for the harm that has been done is not immediately of primary importance. Healing is more important — both outside and inside. At the same time, it is critical that family members act quickly to protect the victim's interests by:
- Contacting a lawyer right away. Ideally, it should be a lawyer experienced in the special aspects of burn injury cases.
- Preserving the evidence. To substantiate your claim, you want to be able to prove what actually happened. A family member should secure the scene of the accident, allowing access to the fire department, but keeping everyone else from tracking through. Take pictures of the scene and make a video. Resist the temptation to clean up the area until this documentation is completed. A lawyer may arrange for a professional cause and origin expert to visit the site as soon as possible.
- Not talking to insurance investigators. Some companies boldly send claims adjusters and investigators into the hospital room, asking questions of patients who may be compromised by pain medication. Family members must keep these people from the patient at least until he or she goes home. Tell them to talk to your lawyer.
- Letting neighbors know. If investigators come poking around, do not suppose they are on the victim's side. Let neighbors know that these investigators and claims adjusters are not your friends. Let them know their discretion is appreciated.
- Documenting the injury. This is the hardest part for most families. Take pictures or make a video of the burns immediately, and do this on a regular basis throughout recovery. This is the most powerful evidence of the injuries. The court and jury will know exactly what you have been through, exactly how badly you have been hurt.
"As far as I know, I am the only lawyer in the U.S. devoting his practice to burn cases," says Rich Webster. "This is because I am the only lawyer who himself was badly burned — in 1992, in a flash fire involving acetone. You can read my story here. The point is, I know what it means to be burned. I know how deep the trauma goes. I became a lawyer after my accident because this is so important to me."
Gas Explosions
We have helped numerous families and burn survivors come back from terrible injuries. We want to help.
Not every fire injury can be litigated, of course. Even so, it is good to meet with a lawyer to assess whether there is a case. You will then have the peace of mind of knowing whether you should pursue legal action.
Fire injury recovery, physically, emotionally and financially, is Illinois burn attorney Rich Webster's No. 1 concern. Let him assist you in your recovery. Call or e-mail him to discuss your injuries.
