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Overview of Burn Injuries
A burn injury is damage to the body's tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. The skin is the body's largest organ, acting as a crucial barrier against infection, regulating body temperature, and preventing fluid loss. When this barrier is destroyed, the systemic impact on your health is immediate and life-threatening.
Medical professionals classify burn injuries by their depth and severity, which directly dictates the complexity of the medical treatment and the legal valuation of your personal injury claim:
- First-Degree Burns: These affect only the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). While painful and red, they generally heal within a few days without scarring (such as mild sunburns).
- Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness): These damage both the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer (the dermis). They cause intense pain, severe redness, swelling, and blistering. If they penetrate deeply, they may require skin grafting to heal properly and can leave significant scars.
- Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness): These destroy both layers of skin and damage the underlying hair follicles, sweat glands, and tissues. Because the nerve endings are destroyed, these burns may not feel painful at the direct site, but they cause severe pain in surrounding areas. The skin may look charred, white, or leathery. Skin grafts are always required, and permanent disfigurement is virtually guaranteed.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: These extend beyond the skin, destroying fat, muscle, tendons, and even bone. These are highly catastrophic, life-threatening injuries that often require amputations and extensive reconstructive surgeries.
Common Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Some of the most common types our Albuquerque burn injury lawyers see include:
- Thermal burns – Caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces, often resulting from house fires, workplace accidents, or scalding incidents.
- Chemical burns – Occur when skin comes into contact with corrosive substances such as industrial cleaners, acids, or improperly labeled consumer products.
- Electrical burns – Result from contact with electrical currents, frequently seen in workplace accidents involving faulty wiring or improperly maintained equipment.
- Friction burns – Caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface at high speed, common in motorcycle and car accidents (also known as "road rash").
- Radiation burns – Result from prolonged exposure to radiation sources, including some medical equipment and industrial machinery.
The Right Legal Team Matters
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Attorneys
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"Thank God we found him. He really seemed to care about our family."Mr. Buckingham won our case after two other law firms said it would be impossible to win. He knew the medicine better than the experts in the case. I guess the fact that he’s also a doctor was a great help.Former Client
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"He truly was impressive."Mr. Buckingham flew to the East Coast several times & understood how a correct gall bladder surgery is supposed to be done better than the surgeon. He was very knowledgeable & precise.Former Client
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"If you want real-life heroes contact these guys. They cared when no one else did."When I first contacted Mr.Vega, I knew he was different because he listened to me with compassion. Mr. Vega and his team gave me hope and most important they gave my son a better life.Former Client
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"Adrian Vega and his law firm changed my family's life."They fought for my injured baby and made sure we would be taken care of for the rest of our lives. I highly recommend this law firm.Former Client
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"My family is better off having them in our corner."We turned to him when we had nowhere else to go. Turns out it was the best decision we could have ever made. They represented us in a difficult case and made those responsible accountable for their actions.Former Client
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"Nothing but the best of the best."This was an experience I'll never forget and felt like family and not a business associate. Adrian kept me informed and up to date on all matters of the lawsuit. Needless to say, I received more ( much more ) than expected...Former Client
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"Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!"I would highly recommend using Buckingham & Vega if you have been injured in an accident. Very professional firm and well knowledgeable!Former Client
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"Highly Recommend"We had a great experience working with Adrian. He was very professional and guided my family through a difficult situation.Former Client
Our Results Make a Difference
Explore How We Have Helped Our Clients
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Record-Setting $72 Million Birth Injury
The Buckingham & Vega team obtained a $72 million verdict in a birth injury case when an OB/ GYN failed to properly monitor the mom during pregnancy.
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$16 Million Truck Accident
Buckingham & Vega obtained a $16 million settlement in a truck accident case. The truck driver was speeding and inattentive (texting) and crashed into the rear of a pickup truck stopped at a stoplight.
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$14 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our team obtained a $14 million dram shop verdict on behalf of a client who was injured due to negligence.
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$13 Million Truck Accident
Our team secured a $13 million settlement in a truck accident case. An eighteen-wheeler made an unsafe turn in front of a car driven by a grandmother and her family. The grandmother was killed and the family suffered severe injuries.
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$13 Million Work Injury
Buckingham & Vega represented an oilfield worker who was killed when their company failed to properly train its employees on how to safely move waste bins. Our client was killed when he became trapped between two bins.
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$12 Million Birth Injury
The attorneys at Buckingham & Vega obtained a $12 million birth injury settlement.
