Recovery from a burn injury is both physically and emotionally painful. Victims suffer indescribable pain and, all too often, disfigurement.  A Miami burn injury lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries through a personal injury claim.

HAVE YOU SUSTAINED A BURN INJURY IN MIAMI?

If you or a loved one sustained burns because of someone else’s actions or negligence, you should speak with an attorney. You may be entitled to a monetary settlement that could cover:

• All medical bills related to your burn injury. That includes hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Loss wages while you recover, and if you are unable to ever return to work.
• Your pain and suffering. A burn injury is difficult for both you and your loved ones. Money can’t undo your accident. But, compensation can make life a little more comfortable, after all that you’ve been through.

Burn injuries are more common than many people realize.

COMMON TYPES OF BURN INJURIES

Burn injuries can occur not just from direct contact with a flame, but also through:

• Exposure to chemicals
• Contact with steam or hot water
• Electrocution
• Flash burns in an explosion

From a medical standpoint, there are three categories of burn injuries: first, second, and third degree.

First-degree burns. These types of burns are considered the most minor, as only the skin’s top layer is damaged. A first-degree burn may cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected area.

Second-degree burns. A second-degree burn damages the top layer of skin, as well as a few layers below. In addition to pain and redness, these burns cause blisters and may make the skin appear wet-looking.

Third-degree burns. Although third-degree burns are the most severe, they typically cause little to no pain due to nerve damage. All layers of skin and underlying tissue are damaged. A third-degree burn can have many appearances, including waxy, white or charred.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A BURN INJURY?

Not all burn injuries will qualify for compensation. In order to pursue a settlement, you have to prove that someone else’s actions or negligence caused your injuries. And without legal representation, that is difficult to do.

Burn injury cases are often complex and require a thorough investigation. This research may reveal that more than one party is responsible for burn injuries. Who is responsible depends on the nature of the injury and where the injury occurred. A Miami burn injury may be the fault of:

Landlords and Property Managers. The Florida Fire Prevention Code covers the state’s fire provisions. Renters may be able to hold their landlords liable in certain circumstances: a lack of smoke detectors in the building, outdated smoke detectors, or a faulty hot water heater.

Product Manufacturers. Certain products such as firearms, appliances, vehicles, factory equipment, and fireworks can malfunction and cause burns. The product manufacturer may be held liable in these cases.

Employers. Some occupations require employees to handle chemicals, operate machinery, and be near open flames. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules and regulations that employers must follow to keep workers safe. If the accident was a result of an OSHA violation, the employer may be held responsible.

Distracted or Reckless Drivers. Burn injuries can be the result of a motor vehicle accident. In a high-impact crash, a car may explode. Contact burns can be sustained in a motorcycle accident if the victim makes contact with the hot exhaust pipe. If an irresponsible driver caused the accident, that individual should be held accountable for any resulting burn injuries.

There are several different types of accidents that can result in a burn injury.

WHAT TYPES OF ACCIDENTS RESULT IN BURN INJURIES?

Burn injuries can happen anywhere: at home, at work or school, and during recreational activities. However, most burn injuries happen at home or in a vehicle. According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s Florida Fire Loss data, nearly 75% of all fire injuries in the state occur in a residential dwelling. Another almost 12% occur in some type of motor vehicle.

Some of the most common types of burn injury accidents are:

Residential fires. There are numerous ways that a fire can start in a home: cooking-related fires, space heaters, children playing with matches or lighters, faulty electrical wiring, and unattended candles.

Workplace accidents. Some work environments are inherently more dangerous than others. However, a burn injury can happen at any job. For example, mislabeled cleaning products can cause a chemical burn.

Car accidents. In addition to a car fire, victims may sustain chemical burns. Gasoline and other caustic car fluids can leak out during a crash.

Accidental explosions. An explosion can happen when people act recklessly around flammable items. Bystanders can sustain burn injuries if someone pours too much lighter fluid on a barbecue grill or throws a combustible item onto an outdoor fire.

FINDING THE BEST MIAMI BURN INJURY ATTORNEY

A burn injury case is one of the most complex personal injuries out there. Victims can go through years of recovery. Our firm is compassionate with our clients, but tough on responsible parties. To learn if your case may qualify for compensation, schedule your consultation today.

How can a lawyer help me after I suffer burn injuries?

Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer in Miami is the single best step you can take if you have been burned. A lawyer can help you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here are some of the specific ways a lawyer can help you during this difficult time:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the details of your accident
• Gather and organize evidence to support your case
• Secure any eyewitness testimonies that could be helpful to your case
• Negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties
• Take your case to trial if you are unable to reach a favorable settlement

In addition to these measures, a lawyer will provide unconditional support from the moment you hire them until your case concludes

Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your burn injuries.