The American Burn Injury Association says that burns remain a leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. They also say 486,000 people went to emergency rooms for non-fatal burns between 2010 and 2014.
In certain situations, burn injuries are completely preventable had it not been for someone else's negligence. The attorneys at Kelleher Law can help with these situations. To find out if you have a claim, please call us at 833-546-3675. We have offices in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Burn Injury Case in Florida?
In the state of Florida, you have two years from the date an accident occurred to file a burn injury claim. In unusual or complex cases, this may be extended to four years.
When you sustain burn injuries in an accident, it is best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies often work quickly to settle these claims. They know that when you accept their offer, you are barred from taking legal action. Talking to a lawyer before you accept an insurance offer can help you understand all of your options and may allow for more significant compensation.
Types of Burn Injury
Burns range in severity from first degree to fourth degree. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. They penetrate all the way through the skin, burning muscle, bone, and possibly organs. Third-degree burns affect deep layers of skin and usually require hospitalization. First and second-degree burns are the least severe and may or may not require medical care.
A severe burn can be caused by a fire, explosion or chemical spill, or from something that scalds the skin. The following are some of the most common causes in the claims we handle:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Boat accidents
- Home fires
- Business/retail fires
- Workplace explosions/fires
The most familiar are thermal burns, which occur when flames burn the skin. But burns can also be the result of workplace chemical accidents or explosions.
Burn Injury Effects
Burns have potentially severe outcomes, beyond the initial injury:
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain
- Sensation loss
- Muscle damage
- Organ damage
- Scars
As a result, you may require extensive medical attention. You may be in a lot of pain, possibly long-term. And in addition to the physical harm of the burn, you may be dealing with feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress related to the event. Scarring and disfigurement are common and can influence a burn victim's quality of life forever.
Tips for Burn Prevention
If you haven't yet suffered a burn injury but are interested in preventing such an event, here are tips for preventing burns:
- Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home
- Install smoke alarms near bedrooms
- Test smoke alarms monthly
- Never leave the stove unattended when it is in use
- Follow all workplace safety rules – report accidents to your supervisor immediately
- Check your vehicle for recalls at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls - vehicle defects are sometimes related to fire danger
Unfortunately, even when you display the utmost care and caution, a burn injury may occur because of someone else's action or inaction. When that happens, call our personal injury attorneys to find out if you may be eligible to recover compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Burn Accident Case?
Liable parties in a burn accident can include an individual, a group or organization, a corporation or company, a government entity, or anyone else whose negligence resulted in injury. Liable parties are typically identified during the investigative process performed by our office.
How Can I Prepare for My Case in Court?
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To prepare a burn injury case for court, you will need to gather evidence, hire expert witnesses, and create a legal argument that proves you were the victim of someone else’s negligence. These are all things best left to an experienced and proven burn injury lawyer.
Most personal injury claims do not go to trial, but each must be prepared for that potential outcome. Working with a law firm that focuses on personal injury claims helps to ensure your case is handled appropriately and prepared for any eventuality.
How Long Can a Case Take?
Many personal injury claims are settled within six months to a year. Complex cases may take 12 months or more to settle. Claims that go to trial can take even longer, up to two years in some cases.
What Kind of Compensation Should I Expect?
There is never a guarantee of compensation following burn injury, but our firm will fight for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Home modifications
- Adaptive technologies
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- And more
We fight tirelessly for our clients, always seeking the largest settlement or verdict possible. Call us today to schedule a free consultation where we can review your case, discuss your options, and help you get a clearer understanding of what your claim may be worth.
Free Burn Injury Attorney Claim Evaluation In Fort Myers and Naples, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Surgery, skin grafts, and other invasive medical care is common after a severe burn. These are all things we can pursue compensation for, as well as for other things.
For a free burn injury consultation in Fort Myers, please call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675. With offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Atlanta. We proudly fight on behalf of burn injury victims from across the state of Florida and Georgia.
