Did you suffer a burn injury that’s left you struggling physically, emotionally, and financially? Whatever the cause, a serious burn can upend your life in an instant. But if someone else is to blame, you can demand that they compensate you for the medical bills, lost wages, and other losses they cost you.
At Butler Kahn, our Lawrenceville burn injury lawyers have secured millions of dollars in fair compensation for injured Georgians like you. We’re here to protect your rights and pursue the recovery you deserve after an unexpected burn injury. If you would like to discuss your potential burn injury claim, contact us for a free consultation.
Burn Injury Statistics
According to the American Burn Association (ABA):
- In one recent year, 486,000 Americans received medical care for burn injuries.
- Another 3,275 Americans died that year from burns and inhalation injuries.
- Of that total, 2,745 deaths were from residential fires, 310 were from car accident fires, and 220 were from other types of fires.
- One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 41 minutes.
- One in every 1,442 Americans died from exposure to fire or smoke.
- Most burn injuries reportedly occurred due to fires in the home (73 percent), in the workplace (8 percent), or on roads or highways (5 percent).
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burns are categorized based on their cause as follows:
- Thermal burns – Thermal burns come from exposure to flames, scalding liquids, steam, hot surfaces, and other direct heat sources.
- Chemical burns – Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as bleach, lye, and certain acids, can cause chemical burns.
- Electrical burns – Electrical burns result from exposure to electrical currents, such as in live electrical outlets, household appliances, or outdoor power lines.
- Friction burns – Friction burns occur when the body rubs up against abrasive surfaces, such as carpets or pavements, that damage the top layer of skin.
- Radiation burns – Radiation from X-rays, cancer therapies, and even strong sunlight can burn the flesh and underlying cells.
How Are Burn Injuries Classified?
Doctors classify burn injuries by degrees, with higher-degree burns reflecting more severe injuries. There are four degrees of burn injuries:
- First-degree – Relatively mild burns that affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, swelling, and localized pain
- Second-degree – Moderate burns that affect the outer and underlying skin layers, causing more intense redness, swelling, blisters, and pain
- Third-degree – Severe burns that damage all layers of skin and underlying soft tissues, such as tendons and nerves
- Fourth-degree – The most severe type of burn injury, which can cause damage all the way down to muscle, bone, and even internal organs
How to Prove Liability in a Lawrenceville Burn Injury Lawsuit
Proving liability in a burn injury lawsuit means showing that the defendant is responsible for your burn injuries. Depending on the circumstances, you could establish liability through several different means, such as:
- Negligence – Someone is negligent when they don’t act with enough care and their behavior harms another person. To establish liability through negligence, you must prove that someone else had a responsibility to act carefully and didn’t, causing your burn injuries.
- Premises liability – Premises liability refers to a property owner’s responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. To prove a case based on premises liability, you must show that a property owner failed to keep their property safe and that you suffered burn injuries as a result.
- Product liability – Product liability refers to a manufacturer’s or seller’s responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumer use. When proving a case based on product liability, you must demonstrate that a manufacturer or seller made or sold an unsafe product that caused your burn injuries.
- Workers’ compensation – Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that covers employees after on-the-job injuries, no matter who is at fault. If you are an eligible employee and suffer work-related burn injuries, you can claim workers’ comp benefits without having to prove liability at all.
What Compensation Is Available for a Burn Injury Lawsuit?
If you sustain burn injuries because of someone else’s wrongful behavior, you can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against them. In it, you can demand compensation for losses, including:
- Hospital bills and other medical costs you incur due to your burn injuries
- Future medical expenses you will likely incur because of your burn injuries
- Incidental costs, such as travel expenses for going to doctor’s appointments
- Lost wages and other income from any time you miss at work as you recover
- Losses in lifetime earning capacity due to long-term or permanent burn injuries
- Subjective losses, such as pain, suffering, and lost quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for loved ones affected by burn injuries
You can demand the full value of your Lawrenceville burn injury claim by working with a knowledgeable attorney. The Georgia injury lawyers at Butler Kahn can investigate your burn injury accident, develop a strong legal case, and negotiate forcefully for a fair and just settlement.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Georgia law sets a two-year time limit for most personal injury lawsuits. This two-year window typically begins on the date when you sustain your burn injuries. You lose your right to sue once the deadline passes.
While two years might sound like a long time, investigating injuries, building a solid case, and negotiating with insurance companies take a while. A burn injury lawyer can help you avoid missed deadlines and other preventable claim errors that could cost you money.
Contact a Lawrenceville Burn Injury Lawyer
If you’re here because you or a loved one have been hurt in a burn accident, we hope you are recovering quickly with the medical care you need. We hope the information on this page has been useful. If you’re ready to discuss your situation with us for free, call or contact us online.
