Why Choose Reiner & Frankel, LLP for Your Burn Injury Case?
When selecting a legal team to handle a catastrophic injury claim, experience, resources, and a deep understanding of the local community are paramount. At Reiner & Frankel, LLP, we combine the capabilities of a nationally recognized firm with the dedicated, personal attention of a practice that has called Northern California home for four decades.
We are not a high-volume settlement mill; we are trial lawyers who meticulously prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury. This resolve often encourages insurance companies to offer fair settlements, as they know we are ready and able to go to court.
Our connection to the Redding community is at the core of who we are. We have established relationships with local courts, law enforcement agencies, and medical professionals at facilities like Mercy Medical Center. We also know which local expert witnesses are most trusted by Shasta County juries. This local insight is something that large, out-of-town firms simply cannot offer.
- A 40-Year Track Record of Success: We have successfully represented thousands of clients, recovering more than $600 million on their behalf.
- Proven Trial Experience: We secured the largest single-plaintiff jury verdict in the history of Shasta County, a testament to our skill in the courtroom.
- National Resources, Local Knowledge: We possess the financial strength and legal talent to take on the largest insurance companies and corporations while providing the personalized service of a local firm.
- Commitment to Our Community: We are deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our neighbors, having supported initiatives like providing free child safety seats, bicycle helmets, and life vests to local families.
Our promise to you is simple: we will be honest and candid about the strength of your case from the very first conversation. We are here to provide clear guidance and powerful advocacy.
Understanding the Devastating Impact of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified by their severity, which determines the extent of damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Understanding this classification helps illustrate the significant medical challenges survivors face.
- First-Degree Burns: These are the least severe, affecting only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). They typically cause redness, minor pain, and swelling, like a mild sunburn.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns damage the epidermis and the second layer of skin (the dermis). They result in blisters, severe pain, and significant redness.
- Third-Degree Burns: Also known as full-thickness burns, these destroy the epidermis and dermis and may damage the innermost layer of skin (the subcutaneous tissue). The skin may appear white, leathery, or charred, and there may be little pain due to nerve damage.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe category, these burns extend through all layers of skin and into deeper tissues like muscle, tendons, and bone. These injuries are catastrophic and often result in permanent disability or death.
The physical recovery from serious second, third, and fourth-degree burns is an arduous process. According to the American Burn Association, survivors often require skin grafts, extensive surgeries to release scar tissue, and long-term physical and occupational therapy.
The risk of infection is a constant concern, and the resulting disfigurement can cause profound emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The financial toll is equally significant, encompassing mounting medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and the potential need for lifelong care and home modifications.
Establishing Liability for a Burn Injury in Redding
To secure compensation in a personal injury case, three elements must be clearly established: another party was at fault (negligent), that negligence directly caused your injury, and there is a source of recovery, typically an insurance policy. A skilled Redding burn injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and build a powerful case demonstrating their liability.
Common Burn Injury Cases Our Lawyers Handle
Burn injuries can occur in a wide variety of settings. Our firm has the experience to handle claims arising from numerous situations, including:
- Vehicle Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Defective Products
- Elder Abuse in Care Facilities
Identifying the cause is the first step in holding the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have inflicted.
Your Path to Recovery: How We Approach Your Case
We believe in a clear and transparent process. When you entrust your case to us, we guide you through each stage with steady communication and unwavering support. Our structured approach ensures that every detail is managed effectively while you focus on your physical and emotional healing.
Step 1: Your First Conversation with Our Firm
Your initial contact with Reiner & Frankel, LLP is a confidential conversation with our compassionate intake team. We understand you are going through a difficult time, and our goal is to listen. We will gather basic information about what happened and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney who can provide an initial assessment of your situation.
Step 2: A Consultation with a Redding Burn Injury Attorney
During your consultation, you will speak directly with an experienced lawyer. This is your opportunity to share your story in detail. We will ask questions to understand the full impact the injury has had on your life, from your medical treatment to your ability to work and enjoy activities like walking the trails around the Sacramento River. We will then provide you with a candid evaluation of your case and explain your legal options in plain English.
Step 3: Our Comprehensive Investigation and Case Building
If you decide to move forward with our firm, we will immediately begin an exhaustive investigation. This is a critical phase where a Redding burn injury attorney from our team gathers all the evidence needed to build a compelling claim. This process may include:
- Obtaining official reports from the Redding Police Department, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, or California Highway Patrol.
- Collecting and analyzing all medical records, from initial treatment at a local hospital to long-term care plans from burn specialists.
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the incident occur.
- Hiring highly respected local and national experts—such as fire cause-and-origin investigators, engineers, or medical specialists—whose testimony will resonate with a Shasta County jury.
We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the facts needed to prove liability and document the full extent of your damages.
Step 4: Pursuing Fair Compensation Through a Demand or Trial
Once our investigation is complete, we compile a comprehensive “demand package.” This legal document outlines the facts of your case, establishes the other party’s liability, and details the full scope of your damages. We send this package to the at-fault party’s insurance company to begin settlement negotiations.
Because of our reputation as formidable trial lawyers, insurers often take our demands very seriously. They know that if they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we have the resources, skill, and resolve to take the case to court and win.
The Full Scope of Compensation for a Serious Burn Injury
A settlement or verdict in a burn injury case is intended to compensate the survivor for every loss they have endured—past, present, and future. Our objective is to secure compensation that fully addresses the lifelong consequences of the injury. This compensation is typically divided into two main categories.
- Economic Damages: These are the tangible, calculable financial losses associated with the injury. They include all medical expenses, from emergency care and hospital stays to future surgeries, therapy, and prescription medications. It also covers lost wages and, if you are unable to return to your previous job, compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate for the intangible, but very real, human suffering caused by the injury. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life. A severe burn can prevent someone from participating in hobbies, social activities, or family life, and this loss has significant value under the law.
Our team works with medical experts and financial planners to accurately project these future costs, ensuring your compensation is sufficient to provide for your needs for the rest of your life.
Redding Burn Injury Claim FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions that people have after sustaining a serious burn injury.
What is the statute of limitations for a burn injury claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This is the deadline by which a lawsuit must be filed. According to this statute, failing to file within this period can permanently bar you from seeking compensation. There are some exceptions, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a Redding burn injury lawyer?
Our firm handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if and when we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery, an arrangement that allows everyone to access high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my burn?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the incident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
Do I have to go to court to resolve my burn injury case?
The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to trial. However, our firm prepares every case with the expectation that it might go to court. This thorough preparation and our reputation as skilled trial lawyers often convince the other side to offer a fair settlement to avoid the risk and expense of a trial.
What is the most important evidence to collect in a burn injury case?
Crucial evidence includes photographs of the accident scene and your injuries, contact information for any witnesses, the product that caused the burn (if applicable), and detailed medical records. It is also helpful to keep a journal documenting your pain levels, medical treatment, and how the injury is affecting your daily life.
Contact Our Redding Burn Injury Lawyers for a Candid Assessment
If a catastrophic burn injury has changed your life or the life of a family member, you deserve clear answers and a powerful advocate on your side. Our Redding personal injury lawyers at Reiner & Frankel, LLP offer personalized legal solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of your case. The whole team is committed to helping survivors get the full compensation possible after a serious injury. We understand what you are going through, and we know how to help.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We will discuss the details of your incident with you, explore every aspect of what happened, and help you reclaim the resources you need to move forward. The conversation is confidential and costs you nothing.
