The aftermath of a severe burn injury may be traumatic, leaving you in a state of shock and making it difficult for you to think clearly or remember details. Furthermore, the legal implications of an accident, including potential lawsuits and insurance claims, can be overwhelming and challenging to process.
If someone else’s negligence caused your burn injuries, an experienced catastrophic injury attorney could protect your rights and help you seek maximum compensation. An Orlando burn injury lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright could investigate the incident that caused your burns and determine who is responsible.
Understanding the Different Types of Burn Injuries
Burns are classified by their depth, severity, and cause. Based on how deeply the burn penetrates the skin, they are typically categorized as first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial-thickness), and third-degree (full-thickness). The cause of a burn is classified as thermal, electrical, chemical, or radiation.
Like most sunburns, first-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and are typically painful and red. Second-degree burns damage the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis).
Since third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and may damage underlying tissues, they are considered severe and potentially life-threatening. Fourth-degree burns penetrate the skin into deeper tissues, such as muscle or bone, and could be as fatal as third-degree burns. A diligent burn injury lawyer in Orlando could help you seek compensation that aligns with the severity of your harm.
Potential Complications From Burn Injuries
Burn injuries could lead to a range of secondary physical and psychological complications. Burns, particularly severe ones, are susceptible to infection, including sepsis, which may be life-threatening. These injuries could cause hypertrophic scarring and keloids, which can affect skin color, texture, and function.
Burn injuries can lead to several physical complications, including:
- Swelling, which could lead to compartment syndrome, cutting off blood circulation to tissues
- Significant fluid loss, potentially leading to shock
- Breathing difficulties, particularly from inhalation burns
- Chronic pain, which could significantly impact your quality of life
- Organ damage and failure
- Scar tissue, which could cause joint contractures, limiting your mobility
- Limb amputation
Beyond the physical injuries and pain, burn injuries can cause extreme trauma, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burns can result from various types of accidents and acts of negligence. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in Orlando include:
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Drivers and vehicle owners could be liable for burn injuries caused by an accident, especially if it involves a fire or explosion. Such fires could result from fuel leaks, electrical shorts, or collisions with other vehicles or objects. Accidents could rupture containers holding hot liquids—such as radiator fluid, engine oil, or transmission fluid—leading to explosions or scalding burns. The force of a crash could also expose hot metal components that were previously shielded.
Defective Products
Defective appliances—such as stoves, irons, or heating devices—can cause burns due to faulty design, materials, or manufacturing defects. Improperly labeled, stored, or defective chemical containers may also cause burns. Any product that is poorly designed, manufactured, or fails to provide adequate warnings could potentially cause burn injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, factories, and other workplaces could expose employees to dangerous chemicals, hot materials, or electrical hazards. Faulty machinery or equipment could lead to electrical shocks, contact with hot surfaces, or chemical spills. If your burn injury occurs due to unsafe conditions, a lack of safety equipment, or inadequate training, your employer may be held liable.
Medical Malpractice
Burn injuries can sometimes result from medical negligence, such as surgical errors or incorrect treatment. For example, if safety precautions are not followed, medical procedures involving radiation could cause burns.
Determining Liability and Seeking Compensation for Your Burn Injuries
Burn damage cases often involve negligence, which is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Potentially liable parties for your burn injury may include:
- Drivers
- Property owners
- Healthcare providers
- Manufacturers of defective products
- Any other individuals or organizations who acted negligently
Compensation in a burn injury case could cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity and location of your burns, as well as their impact on your life.
Our dedicated Orlando burn injury attorneys could assist you in seeking comprehensive compensation for damages resulting from burns caused by negligence or accidents. We want to help you get the justice you deserve for the pain you should never have experienced.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Burn Injury Lawsuit?
Burn injury cases can be complex and involve various legal processes and procedures. Our attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright could guide you through these complexities and protect your interests. Past recoveries for our clients include a $16 million award for a worksite explosion case involving severe burn injuries and an award of $1 million for a woman burned by a bartender serving a flaming alcoholic beverage.
Contact an Orlando Burn Injury Attorney To Help With Your Case
Insurance companies may try to minimize the value of your claim. An Orlando burn injury lawyer from our team could negotiate with them on your behalf and ensure you receive a fair settlement, or if necessary, take your case to trial.
Contact us today to request your free, no-obligation consultation and speak with a compassionate lawyer about your burn injury claim.