Fire and burn injuries can significantly change one’s life, leading to excruciating pain, potential physical disability, and lifelong scars. Treating these injuries often demands costly medical procedures. But if someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer burn injuries, you shouldn’t have to bear these expenses.
Dudley DeBosier’s experienced Baton Rouge burn injury lawyers are committed to helping burn victims get the compensation and support they need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Burn Injuries and Their Impact
Burn injuries can range from first-degree burns, affecting the skin’s surface, to third-degree burns, causing damage to muscles, bones, and even internal organs. These injuries can occur due to workplace accidents, car crashes, defective products, and unsafe premises or dangerous property conditions. It’s crucial to determine the cause of the burn to identify liability and pursue compensation.
Long-term complications from burn injuries can drastically affect one’s quality of life. Emotional distress from scarring, chronic pain, nerve damage, limited mobility, and reduced capacity to work are among the challenges burn victims often face. These are all considered damages, and they can be part of an injury claim where you demand compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company.
Damages and Compensation in Burn Injury Cases
Burn injuries can be among the most traumatic and life-altering injuries a person can endure, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In Baton Rouge, victims of burn injuries caused by another’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Understanding the types of damages and compensation available is crucial for anyone considering legal action.
1. Special Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses resulting from the injury. For burn injury victims, special damages can include but are not limited to:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate and ongoing medical treatment, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the burn injury
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time the victim was unable to work due to the injury, including loss of earning capacity if the victim can no longer work in the same capacity as before the injury
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses for physical and occupational therapy to regain mobility and function
- Home Modification Costs: If the injury results in the need for home modifications, such as ramps or special bathroom equipment
2. General Damages: These are losses that are not financially quantifiable but have a profound impact on the victim’s quality of life. They include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort experienced during and after the injury
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for the physical and emotional impact of permanent scars and disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner
Victims of burn injuries deserve a legal team that understands the profound impact of their injuries and is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation they need to rebuild their lives. If you’re considering your legal options, contact our team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Understanding the common causes of burn injuries is essential for recognizing when legal action may be warranted due to negligence or malpractice. Here are some of the frequent sources of burn injuries:
1. Fire and Flames: The most obvious cause of burn injuries is direct exposure to fire. This can occur in a variety of settings, including house fires, workplace accidents, and incidents involving flammable liquids and gases.
2. Scalding: Hot liquids and steam can cause severe scald burns, commonly occurring in home and workplace environments. Scalding injuries are especially prevalent in restaurant kitchens and among young children in domestic settings.
3. Electrical Burns: These burns result from direct contact with electrical sources or lightning. Electrical burns can occur in construction sites, during utility work, or with defective appliances and improperly installed wiring in homes.
4. Chemical Burns: Exposure to strong acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents can cause chemical burns. These injuries are frequent in industrial settings, laboratories, and even households due to cleaning products or pool chemicals.
5. Thermal Burns: Contact with hot objects, such as cooking utensils, irons, or machinery, can lead to thermal burns. Workplaces with high-temperature equipment and domestic kitchens are common sites for these injuries.
6. Radiation Burns: Though less common, exposure to radiation, including ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning booths, and medical radiation treatment, can cause burns and related injuries.
7. Friction Burns: These burns are caused by contact with hard surfaces during activities like motorcycle or bicycle accidents, where the skin is rubbed or scraped away.
Contact Our Baton Rouge Burn Injury Lawyers Today
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is one year from the date of the injury. Make sure to act quickly if you want to pursue compensation. Our experienced Baton Rouge burn injury lawyers can assist you in gathering evidence, building a solid case, and negotiating with insurance companies.
We are committed to ensuring you are adequately compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you’re ready to speak to an attorney about your legal options, we’re here to take your call. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
