248 ReviewsHow Can a Burn Injury Attorney Help?
If you’ve suffered a burn injury in New York or Florida, pursuing compensation can be a complex process due to the nature of burn injuries. At our law firm, our burn injury attorneys can help by:
Investigate the Accident
To build a strong case, a burn injury attorney at Friedland & Associates will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the burn injury and identify liable parties.
They will gather evidence such as:
- Accident reports/incident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions
And more, to establish the negligence or fault of the responsible party.
In states, like New York and Florida, you typically need to demonstrate negligence on the part of another party to pursue compensation beyond the no-fault system.
Documenting Damages
Your burn injury attorney will work with you to document the damages you have suffered.
This includes:
- Medical records
- Treatment plans
- Rehabilitation costs
- Ongoing medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Any other relevant losses related to the burn injury
And more, to establish the negligence or fault of the responsible party.
In states, like New York and Florida, you typically need to demonstrate negligence on the part of another party to pursue compensation beyond the no-fault system.
Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, your attorney may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit. This involves preparing legal documents, adhering to procedural deadlines, and initiating the legal process. Your lawyer will represent your interests in court, presenting evidence, and arguing your case.
Trial and Litigation
If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your case before a judge and jury. They will argue your side, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and provide legal expertise throughout the trial process.
Settlement or Verdict
The case may be resolved through settlement negotiations or a trial verdict. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, considering both economic and non-economic damages related to your burn injury.
What Are State-Specific Laws?
New York:
New York’s no-fault insurance system means that you generally seek compensation from your own insurance provider for medical expenses, regardless of fault. However, for severe burn injuries that meet certain criteria, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Florida:
Florida’s no-fault system also covers initial medical expenses through personal injury protection coverage. However, if your burn injury meets the threshold of “serious injury,” you may be eligible to pursue compensation beyond PIP coverage.
What Types Of Accidents Can Result in Severe Burn Injuries?
Severe burn injuries can result from a variety of accidents and incidents, each capable of causing substantial physical and emotional trauma.
The potential causes of burn injuries are wide-ranging, and include
Fire accidents
Fires are one of the most common causes of severe burn injuries. They can occur in various settings, including homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Fires can result from electrical faults, faulty appliances, gas leaks, arson, or accidents involving flammable materials.
Explosions
Explosions, whether due to industrial accidents, gas leaks, or chemical mishaps, can cause devastating burn injuries. The sudden release of energy and heat can lead to severe burns, often accompanied by shrapnel injuries.
Scalding accidents
Contact with hot liquids or steam, commonly arising from hot water, cooking accidents, or malfunctioning equipment, can result in severe scald burns. These burns can cause significant damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
Workplace accidents
Industrial settings involving chemicals, machinery, and hot surfaces can expose workers to the risk of burn injuries. Inadequate safety measures, improper training, and malfunctioning equipment can contribute to such accidents.
Electrical accidents
Electrical burns can occur when a person comes into contact with live electrical currents. This can happen due to faulty wiring, unsafe work practices, or mishandling of electrical appliances.
Motor vehicle accidents
Car crashes and other vehicular accidents can result in severe burn injuries, especially when fuel leaks and vehicle fires occur. Collisions can cause explosions or fires that lead to significant burns.
Home accidents
Accidents within the home, such as cooking-related mishaps, scalding incidents, or faulty appliances, can cause burn injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable to burns caused by hot liquids, surfaces, and objects.
Chemical burns
Exposure to corrosive chemicals, either at home or in industrial settings, can result in chemical burns. These burns can be particularly severe and may require specialized medical treatment.
Contact with hot surfaces
In workplaces, public spaces, or even in homes, contact with hot surfaces such as heated machinery, pipes, or cooking equipment can lead to thermal burns.
Fireworks accidents
Mishandling or malfunctioning fireworks during celebrations can lead to explosions and burns. The combination of high temperatures and explosive force can result in severe burn injuries.
What Are the Ongoing Medical Treatment Needs for Burn Victims?
The ongoing medical treatment needs for severe burns are complex and often require care over an extended period. Severe burns can cause profound physical and emotional trauma, requiring specialized medical interventions to promote healing, prevent complications, and enhance the victim’s quality of life.
The treatment for severe burns typically involves several stages:
Initial emergency care
In the immediate aftermath of a severe burn injury, the primary focus is on stabilizing the victim. This involves extinguishing any flames, removing clothing, and cooling the burn area to prevent further tissue damage.
Wound care
Effective wound care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. In the initial stages, the burned area is cleaned and dressed to keep it sterile. Depending on the severity of the burn, this may involve specialized dressings, topical treatments, and regular wound assessment.
Skin grafting
Severe burns often require skin grafting, a surgical procedure in which healthy skin from one area of the body (the donor site) is transplanted to the burned area. This helps to close the wound, reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing.
Physical therapy
Burn victims often require physical therapy to maintain joint mobility, prevent contractures (the tightening of muscles and tendons), and improve overall function. Physical therapists work with patients to regain strength, flexibility, and independence.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists help burn survivors relearn daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and eating. They provide adaptive techniques and devices to facilitate independence and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Pain management
Severe burn injuries can be extremely painful, both during the initial treatment phase and throughout the recovery process.
Scar management
Scarring is a common consequence of severe burns. Burn victims often require ongoing scar management techniques such as massage, silicone sheets, and pressure garments to improve the appearance and flexibility of scars.
Reconstructive surgery
Severe burns can cause significant deformities and functional impairments. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore form and function, such as improving joint mobility or enhancing the appearance of scars.
Long-term follow-up
Severe burn survivors may require lifelong follow-up with medical professionals to monitor for potential complications, manage ongoing treatment needs, and address any emerging health issues.
Contact Us Today!
If you or a loved one have suffered severe burn injuries, do not hesitate to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer at Friedland & Associates. We offer free consultations to discuss your case.
If you or a loved one have suffered severe burn injuries, do not hesitate to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer at Friedland & Associates. We offer free consultations to discuss your case.
