Burn injuries remain a serious public health issue and are a leading cause of accidental deaths and injuries in the U.S. According to recent data from the American Burn Association (ABA), approximately 398,000 burn injuries require medical treatment annually across the country. Of these, around 29,165 lead to hospital admissions, with a mortality rate of 2.7%. Even though 95% of patients survive, burn injuries can have severe financial, physical, and psychological effects. Severe burns often require extensive medical care, including surgeries and rehabilitation, and can result in long-term physical impairments or disfigurement. The recovery journey includes overcoming both physical and psychological challenges, especially when the injury is caused by someone else's negligence.

Burn injuries can happen in various settings, such as car accidents, workplaces, and public spaces, often resulting in significant pain. Some types of burns are particularly likely to cause scarring, disfigurement, ongoing health issues, and limited mobility. Knowing the correct steps to take after a burn injury is essential. After receiving medical attention, it is important that you consult with a Florida personal injury attorney experienced in handling burn injury cases.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our team has a proven track record of assisting clients in obtaining the compensation they are entitled to, including those who have sustained burn injuries in a car accident or while at work. If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to us today. We are dedicated to supporting you through this difficult time.

Should I Hire a FL Burn Injury Lawyer After an Accident?

Ensure That Your Current and Future Medical Expenses are Covered

Burn injuries often lead to personal injury and product liability claims. If you’ve suffered a burn injury, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is essential. The cost of treating burns can be overwhelming, with expenses that increase depending on the severity and the necessary treatments. In some cases, burns require lifelong care, which can place an immense financial burden on individuals already coping with the emotional and physical trauma of their injuries.

If you’ve experienced 2nd or 3rd-degree burns due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A burn injury lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation to cover the costs of medical care, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Expert Negotiators and Litigators With Decades of Experience

Burn injury law is intricate and challenging to navigate. However, a burn injury lawyer in Florida can assist you. Being a burn victim or a family member of the injured individual during the recovery process can be significantly distressing. A burn injury lawyer at Brandon J. Broderick will advocate for you by handling insurance companies, collecting evidence to support your case, and negotiating settlements on your behalf.

We Stand By Your Side, Protecting Your Rights While You Heal

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is committed to providing the legal support you need so you can focus on healing and being with your loved ones. Our Florida team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve while protecting your rights during this difficult time.

Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your legal options and how we can assist you.

What Are the Most Common Types of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of situations, such as on construction sites in Florida or during car accidents caused by reckless drivers, where the responsible party can be held accountable.

Here are some of the most common types of burn injuries:

  • Chemical Burns: Exposure to common chemicals can lead to severe burns. Some chemicals are combustible, while others can cause life-threatening reactions upon skin contact or inhalation.
  • Car Accidents: Burn injuries from car accidents are often among the most severe and traumatic. These injuries typically occur when a vehicle catches fire upon impact, subjecting occupants to extreme heat and flames. Burns can range from first-degree, affecting the outer skin layer, to third-degree, which can damage nerves, muscles, and bones. Survivors may also face significant emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  • Defective Products: Burn injuries caused by defective products can be a serious and often overlooked hazard. These injuries can occur when items such as electrical appliances, children’s toys, or kitchen equipment malfunction due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or insufficient safety warnings. Burns from defective products may range from minor skin damage to deep tissue injuries requiring extensive medical care, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Victims may also suffer psychological impacts, such as trauma and anxiety, leading to a loss of trust in the use of everyday items.
  • Electrical Burns: Electrical burns are common among construction workers. When electricity passes through the body, it can cause severe internal damage. These injuries often result from faulty components, wiring issues, or poor installation and maintenance of electrical systems. For instance, a power surge can lead to serious burns, potentially causing permanent harm.
  • Steam Burns and Scalds: Burns from hot steam or water are frequent in certain industries. Those working with hot liquids or installing pipes, such as plumbers, are particularly at risk of suffering serious burns.
  • Thermal Burns: Thermal burns, caused by exposure to open flames, can be fatal. These burns can occur on construction sites, during welding accidents, or in car crashes where a vehicle ignites. Severe cases may require skin grafts and long-term medical care.
  • Sunburns: Workers exposed to the sun without adequate protection are vulnerable to severe sunburns. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious burns, sun poisoning, or even heatstroke.

Burn injuries of all types can cause lasting scars along with emotional and physical trauma, often requiring months or even years to heal.

How Are Burn Injuries Classified?

Burns are classified into four categories—first, second, third, or fourth degree—based on the depth and severity of the skin damage. Identifying the exact classification can be difficult early on, as the full extent of a burn may take a day or two to become apparent due to its gradual progression.

Here’s how burns are classified:

  • First-Degree (Superficial) Burns: These burns affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. The burn area is red, painful, and dry, with no blisters. A mild sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. Long-term damage is rare, typically limited to changes in skin color.
  • Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burns: These burns affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis, the layer beneath. The burn site is red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
  • Third-Degree (Full Thickness) Burns: These burns destroy both the epidermis and dermis and may reach the subcutaneous tissue, the deepest skin layer. The burn site may look blackened or charred.
  • Fourth-Degree Burns: These burns extend beyond the skin, damaging deeper tissues like muscles and bones. The affected area lacks sensation due to the destruction of nerve endings. Fourth-degree burns require immediate medical attention and often result in permanent disabilities and disfigurement.

If you’ve suffered any type of burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a burn injury lawsuit or legal claim. It’s critical to contact a Florida burn injury attorney at Brandon J. Broderick as soon as possible to discuss your available legal options.

How is Fault Determined in a Florida Burn Injury Case?

Establishing another party’s fault is essential for securing compensation for the losses associated with a burn injury. This process, known as "determining fault," requires clear evidence to prove that one or more parties were responsible for the injury.

In most cases, liability for burn injuries caused by negligence or reckless behavior rests with the person or entity at fault. However, it is vital to present solid evidence to demonstrate this responsibility.

Having an experienced burn injury attorney on your side can greatly strengthen your case. Determining fault can be complex, depending on the unique circumstances of your injury. A skilled lawyer can help identify the responsible parties by carefully analyzing every detail of your burn injury claim.

What Compensation Is Available for Burn Injury Victims in Florida?

Victims of severe burn injuries may be entitled to pursue substantial compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face. Burns can cause significant tissue damage, sometimes reaching down to the bone, leading to chronic pain, loss of mobility, numbness, and permanent disfigurement. These life-altering injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including expensive cosmetic surgeries and long-term physical therapy.

The impact on loved ones, such as a spouse, child, or parent providing support during the recovery process, is another important consideration. Several factors influence the compensation a victim may receive, including the severity and lasting effects of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the accident, the liability of the responsible party, the number of individuals affected, the need for ongoing medical care, and the victim’s ability to return to work. Each of these elements plays a critical role in determining the damages awarded to burn injury victims.

What Damages Can I Pursue in a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

If you have suffered a burn injury in Florida, you may be eligible to receive various forms of compensation, known as compensatory damages. These damages are designed to address the life-altering impacts of a personal injury, providing financial support for your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

A burn injury lawyer in Florida can help you pursue the following types of damages in a burn injury lawsuit:

  • Economic damages: These cover tangible financial losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other expenses directly related to your injury and recovery.
  • Non-economic damages: These compensate for the intangible effects of the injury, including pain, suffering, emotional distress, and the diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
  • Punitive damages: In cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct led to the burn injury, punitive damages may be pursued. These are awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar reckless behavior in the future.

By seeking these damages, a burn injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation necessary to rebuild your life after a devastating injury.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if a Loved One Has Died After Suffering a Burn Injury in Florida?

In some cases, burn injuries are so severe that they tragically result in the victim’s death. When this happens, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is similar to a negligence lawsuit but focuses on compensating the surviving family members or the estate for their losses due to the victim’s death. Additionally, a survival action allows the representative of the deceased to seek compensation for the pain and suffering the victim endured from the time of the injury until their passing.

It’s important to consult with a wrongful death lawyer in Florida to navigate the legal complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit.

A wrongful death claim in Florida is intended to provide the deceased’s family with compensation for their losses. This type of lawsuit is governed by Florida Statutes § 768.21.

Eligibility to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida: The lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the beneficiaries, who usually include the surviving spouse, children, and in some cases, other family members.

Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include:

  • Medical Expenses: Costs incurred due to the accident before the death.
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to laying the deceased to rest.
  • Loss of Income: Compensation for the loss of the deceased's future earnings.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and support.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the emotional distress suffered by the deceased before death and the grief experienced by the family.

Statute of Limitations: According to Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(e), the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida is two years from the date of the individual’s death. It is essential to meet this deadline to preserve your right to pursue compensation.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Burn Injury Claim in Florida?

Burn injury cases are part of a broad category of personal injury lawsuits in Florida, which also include cases like dog bites, slip-and-falls, and car accidents. Like these other cases, burn injury lawsuits are governed by the state’s statute of limitations.

In Florida, the general deadline for filing a burn injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. This means that an individual who has suffered a burn injury must begin legal proceedings within this two-year timeframe to seek compensation. However, if the cause of the injury was not immediately apparent, the two-year period may start from the date the injured person discovered, or should have reasonably discovered, the cause of the injury. It’s vital to meet this deadline, as missing it can result in losing the right to pursue legal action.

To ensure your claim is filed within the proper timeframe and all legal requirements are met, it’s essential to consult with a Florida personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, Can Help You Recover Compensation for Burn Injuries in Florida

A severe injury, especially a burn injury, can be devastating for the entire family in Florida. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can provide the closure you need to move forward and begin the healing process. We know how much your case matters to your family's future and the emotional and physical trauma that you are going through.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we handle each case with compassion and dedication. Our team will manage communications with insurance companies, gather witness statements, review medical reports, and collect evidence from healthcare providers to fully document your injuries and prove negligence by the responsible party.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and consultation.

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