Life may never be the same after you suffer serious burn injuries. The pain, disfigurement, and new health complications from these injuries can be physically and psychologically debilitating. They can also be financially devastating, with astronomical medical bills that could last a lifetime.
Burn injuries are often caused by avoidable accidents and preventable negligence. When they are, burn victims can be entitled to compensation, and they may have various options for seeking justice.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping burn victims recover. Our Ruston burn injury lawyers are highly effective at building strong, persuasive claims and winning the maximum available compensation when it matters most.
Morris & Dewett has recovered millions in all types of burn injury cases.
What Is a Burn Injury?
Burns are a form of skin damage caused by an energy source or hazardous substance. Sources of energy can include heat and fire, as well as chemicals and electrical currents. The resulting burn can be mild to severe in nature, depending on the energy source and how much of the skin is exposed to it.
- First-degree burns: Mild, superficial damage to the skin; burns only affect the epidermis
- Second-degree burns: Pain, swelling, redness, and blistering; burns affect the epidermis and part of the dermis
- Third-degree burns: Leathery skin that is black, brown, yellow, or white; burns affect the epidermis, the dermis, and possibly nerves and tissues below
- Fourth-degree burns: Charred skin with exposed muscles or bones beneath; burns can affect tendons, muscles, bones, and other tissues beneath the skin
First- and second-degree burns, though painful, can be treatable with prompt medical attention. More serious third- and fourth-degree burns can leave behind permanent trauma and scarring, resulting in new impairments, physical limitations, and increased risk of serious infections.
Burn Injury Statistics
Burn injuries happen far too often, with horrific and life-ending results in many cases.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for serious burn injuries. Then take the following steps:
- Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish any flames as quickly as possible.
- Get away from the source of the burns, heat, or fire.
- Remove any tight or restrictive clothing as quickly as possible to prevent further injury.
- Take off any rings, belts, or other accessories that may also be restrictive and harmful.
- Do not try to remove or peel away any items that have already melted onto the skin.
- Clean burn injuries with a cold cloth and cover them while you await medical treatment.
- Elevate burned areas of the body, ideally above heart level.
- Be on the lookout for any signs of shock, like fainting or breathing complications.
- Follow through with all medical care that doctors prescribe.
- Talk to a Ruston burn injury lawyer who can help you determine if you have a claim and how to take the next steps.
What Causes Burn Injuries?
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto crashes, car fires, and explosions can cause horrific burn injuries. Drivers and other road travelers can suffer burns when motor vehicle accidents expose them to scalding debris, airbag deployment, electrical shocks, or caustic chemicals. Negligent drivers may be at fault for these crashes, but other parties may be liable as well.
Dangerous Products
Fires, explosions, electrical shocks, and chemical exposures can happen when unsafe products fail or malfunction. That can include products, electronics, appliances, and larger equipment used by both consumers and workers. In some cases, manufacturers know about the risks of product failures and simply fail to disclose them.
Work Accidents
Workers in construction, manufacturing, food service, welding, trucking, and oil and gas industries tend to have a particularly high risk of burn injuries. Whether job-related burns are caused by flammable substances, heavy equipment, or other factors, there may be various legal remedies available for injured workers.
How Can a Ruston Burn Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Clarify Liability
A burn injury attorney can investigate the incident and identify every liable party, so you are able to file claims against each and pursue the full recovery you may deserve.
Represent You When Insurance Companies Get Involved
Once a burn injury case has been filed, an insurance company will likely enter the picture. Insurance companies have their own priorities, which include protecting company profits. They will look for ways to minimize or deny your claim. With a lawyer on your side, insurers can be more inclined to play by the rules.
Calculate Damages and Negotiate Burn Injury Settlements
You could be eligible for various damages including past and future losses, depending on the nature of your burn injury claim. Your Ruston burn injury attorney can review and negotiate settlement offers and provide essential counsel throughout the process.
What Compensation Is Paid for Burn Injury Claims?
Burn injury compensation is a case-specific matter. Standard types of damages for burn injury cases generally include medical bills past and future, lost earning capacity, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.