Burn Injury Lawyer

Burns are among the most painful and life-altering personal injury accidents. Additionally, burn injuries are among the most expensive types of injuries to treat. Even a moderate burn injury can create a financial burden and alter your day-to-day quality of life.

If you’ve received a burn injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer like the team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can give you an opportunity to seek justice. So, contact us for a consultation by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at (800) 320-HELP.

Types of Burn Injuries Caused by Personal Injury Accidents

Burns are a category of tissue damage caused by harmful exposure to an energy source, like heat, electricity, friction, or chemicals. This exposure can kill the cells in your body and cause extreme pain.

Types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal burns are caused by exposure to a heat source like fire, scalding liquids, or hot surfaces.
• Chemical burns are caused by exposure to corrosive substances like acids.
• Electrical burns are caused by exposure to electrical currents.
• Radiation burns are caused by exposure to high-energy radiation or radioactive material.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Exposure to fire or flame, including smoking, is the leading cause of burn injuries. Following this, scalding injuries caused by hot liquids are the second most common burn type.

Most burn injuries take place in the home as a result of household accidents. However, there are many situations in which you may suffer a burn as a result of someone else’s negligence.

• Workplace accidents in places like factories, construction sites, or laboratories can lead to severe burn injuries. Mainly, burn injuries in the workplace are a risk for people who work with heavy machinery, fuel, electricity, or chemicals.
• Car accidents and especially truck accidents can involve fires, explosions, intense friction, and the release of hazardous materials. All of  these can cause burns in addition to other injuries sustained due to a motor vehicle accident.
• Defective products like malfunctioning household appliances, faulty machinery, or improperly formulated chemicals can lead to burns.
• Negligent property maintenance, like inadequate maintenance, lack of fire safety measures, improper storage of hazardous materials, or lack of proper warning signage can contribute to burn injuries.

If you or a loved one have suffered a burn injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the personal injury attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia for a consultation. You can call us at (800) 320-HELP or fill out our online contact form.

Potential Complications of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can cause intense pain and visible damage to the skin. However, the effects can potentially go much deeper. Specifically, the intense heat and trauma of a burn can trigger a multitude of complications that affect the body’s function in both the short and long term.

Acute Complications

The acute stage of burn injury management involves stabilizing the patient and addressing immediate threats to their life. These can include:

• Fluid loss: Skin damaged by burns can lose significant moisture, potentially leading to low blood pressure, shock, or organ failure.
• Infection: Due to the disruption of the skin’s protective barrier, burn injuries carry a high risk of infection, potentially complicating the healing process.
• Respiratory distress: Inhaling smoke or fumes during a burn can damage the lungs and airways, possibly leading to shortness of breath or pneumonia.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: Severe burns, especially electrical and thermal burns, can disrupt the heart’s electrical system.

Long-term Complications

Once the initial danger has passed, burn injuries can leave a series of long-term complications that can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These can include:

• Scarring: Burns can create extensive scar tissue, which can restrict movement and cause pain and disfigurement.
• Psychological trauma: Burns can be intense events that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
• Functional limitations: Burns can affect mobility, dexterity, and the ability to perform day-to-day tasks, depending on the location and severity of the injuries.
• Chronic pain: Burn victims may experience long-term pain due to nerve damage, scar tissue, or muscle stiffness.
• Weakened immune system: Burn victims may have long-term effects on their immune system, leading to a higher chance of infections and illness down the line.

The Cost of a Burn Injury

Burn injuries are among the most expensive types of injury to treat. They often require extended hospital stays, surgery, skin grafts, or physical rehabilitation, and the costs add up. Even low-intensity burn treatment can cost over $100,000.

The costs increase dramatically with the severity of the injuries. For example, a severe burn can cost upwards of $1 million on average to treat, especially when there are complications involved related to the burn.

Burn Injury Damages and Compensation

If your burn injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages through a personal injury claim. This can help alleviate the financial and emotional costs of your burn and help you recover from your injuries.

The amount of compensation you can receive varies on the specifics of your case. Types of damages you can recover include:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgery, skin grafts, physical rehabilitation, or therapy.
• Lost wages: Compensation for the wages lost while unable to work due to your burn injury. Furthermore, burn injuries that are sustained on the job also require filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain or trauma you may have suffered as a result of your burn injury.
• Punitive damages: In addition to compensation, you may be awarded punitive damages intended to punish the at-fault party for their negligent conduct.

The Importance of Hiring a Burn Injury Lawyer

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be frustrating at the best of times. Also, it’s likely the last thing you want to do in the aftermath of a burn injury. Nevertheless, an experienced burn injury lawyer like those on the legal team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can be a valuable ally in your difficult time.

For instance, a burn injury lawyer can move your case forward by:

• Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records to determine the cause of the injury and identify the at-fault party.
• Assessing the value of your claim: Reviewing your damages and calculating the compensation you’re owed.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Representing your best interests to secure a fair settlement.
• Filing a lawsuit: If necessary, protecting your rights by filing a lawsuit and representing you in court.

While it’s technically possible to pursue a claim yourself, your chances of success are much greater with an attorney experienced in personal injury claims at your side.

Contact Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia to Speak with a Burn Injury Lawyer About Your Case

If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia are experienced personal injury lawyers who understand the physical, emotional, and financial costs of a burn injury and are committed to fighting for the rights of victims.

To learn more about how we can help you recover compensation for your burn injuries, or to schedule a free case evaluation, please contact us online or at (800) 320-HELP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a valid burn injury claim?

If your burn injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a valid claim. Negligence exists when:

• The at-fault party had a legal duty to act responsibly
• They breached that duty
• Their actions led to your injury
• You have suffered damages as a result of that injury

For instance, if you suffered burn injuries in a car accident caused by an unsafe driver, that person acted with negligence which would make them liable for your damages.

What should I do immediately after a burn injury?

If you receive a burn injury, you should seek medical treatment right away. It can be tricky to tell just how seriously you’ve been burned, and a medical professional can give you a clearer picture of what’s going on.

If you need to pursue a claim later, the medical records will also be a key piece of evidence.

What kind of compensation can I expect for a burn injury case?

Settlements for burn injuries can vary depending on factors like the severity of your burn or the cost of treatment. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer for an evaluation of your specific case.

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits varies from state to state. Usually, you have about two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations is four years.

Consult with an experienced burn injury lawyer to make sure the right paperwork is filed at the right time.