North Port Burn Injury Attorneys
We will get you through this.
Available 24/7
Our specialists are here to listen and help for free, no strings attached.
(941) 888-0848
for a free consultation
A burn injury from a fire, car accident, scalding-hot object, or any other burn source can require expensive, painful treatments such as surgery, hospitalization, or rehabilitation. An injury may also result in a secondary illness.
If you suffered burns in an accident, you shouldn’t have to face the insurance company alone. The insurance company or at-fault party will do whatever they can to reduce your settlement award, so trust the experience of one of our highly skilled North Port burn injury lawyers at Boohoff Law.
If you were the victim of a fire-related accident and sustained injuries due to the negligence of another party, you have a legal right to seek compensation for your losses. After your life turns upside-down in an accident, we understand that you need to focus on healing and regaining as much quality of life as possible.
Our compassionate North Port burn injury lawyers at Boohoff Law can advocate for your rights and help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. We identify liable parties and seek the compensation you need for your losses. Reach out today at no cost.
Find out what your case is worth.
Table of Contents
- Common Burn Injury Causes
- Types of Burn Injuries
- Burn Injury Treatment
- Overview of Burn Injury Claims
- Steps to Take After a Burn Injury
- Burn Injury FAQs
- Contact a North Port Burn Injury Lawyer Today
Common Burn Injury Causes
Severe burns are extremely painful, and a significant injury resulting from someone else’s carelessness may require expensive medical treatments. While burn injuries resulting from fire or other heat sources are some of the most common, these injuries have many different causes.
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Car accidents at dangerous intersections, such as U.S. 41 and Sumter Boulevard
- Defective products, including motor vehicles, electric scooters, or appliances
- Workplace accidents, including construction and development sites
- Gas explosions at hotels or residences
- Scalding injuries from hot liquids or steam
- Apartment fires
- Truck accidents on I-75
- Household fires
- Chemical exposure or HAZMAT accidents
- Electrocutions and electrical accidents
Even when you exercise caution to avoid an injury, accidents happen, and circumstances outside your control can result in an injury.
Many factors cause burns, but the most common include:
- Thermal – These burns are caused by contact with fire, steam, hot liquids, or other sources of extreme heat.
- Light – These are caused by sunlight or ultraviolet light.
- Chemical – Some common chemicals can cause burns including acid, alkali, or chemical explosions.
- Radiation – This is caused by contact with nuclear radiation.
All of these types of burns can fall into three categories, according to how severe they are:
- First Degree – Only the first layer of skin is damaged in first degree burns. Symptoms are redness or minor inflammation of the burn area. These burns cause minimal damage and usually heal within a week on their own.
- Second Degree – These burns will show signs of blistering, be extremely red, and cause some pain. They often require some bandaging and may take several weeks to heal properly.
- Third Degree – This is the worst type of burn. In fact, this type of burn can reach the bone. These types of burns will show up as black, charred, dry wounds that are extremely serious and can cause permanent damage to a person’s body.
The amount of compensation you may receive in your case will depend on the type of burn you sustained, the severity of the burn, the percentage of skin involved, and the location of the burn. If you receive a burn injury due to the negligence of another party, contact one of our North Port burn injury lawyers to discuss your options for filing a personal injury claim and receiving just compensation for your injuries.
More than one million people suffer burns requiring medical attention each year. If you suffered a serious burn, get treatment from a medical professional.
Types of Burn Injuries
While burn deaths among children have been on the decline, they still happen as a result of house fires. Other common burn injuries include:
- Workplace injuries
- Truck accidents
- Gas tank explosions
- Car accidents
- Electrical fires
- Defective products
- Scalding liquids
- Recreational fires
Burn injuries are tragic and are often preventable. One civilian fire death happens every two and a half hours. When you or a loved one has suffered a severe burn injury, your sole focus should be on your recovery and not worrying about how you will pay your medical bills. Working with the right North Port burn injury lawyer is the place to start.
Burn Injury Treatment
Treatment for your burn injury will vary greatly depending on the degree of your burn and what caused your burn injury. Make sure that you see a doctor as soon as possible after your burn injury. Waiting too long can lead to an infection or more severe injury. First degree burns can be treated at home but should never include the use of ice. Aloe vera and ointment are perfectly acceptable. If you have symptoms of a second or third degree burn, seeking immediate medical attention is the prudent decision. But it isn’t just physical injuries that need healing. Burn injuries often come with psychological injuries. Because there is a permanent deformation of the skin, some people have trouble accepting how they look after a burn and don’t want to be seen in public. This aspect of an injury often requires longer and more intense rehabilitation than the physical injury.
Overview of Burn Injury Claims
Burn injury claims arise when someone’s negligence leads to your accident and injury. These claims fall under personal injury law, and one claim is rarely like the next.
The first step in filing a burn injury claim is determining the severity of your injury and documenting the harmful effects the injury has on your everyday life. You should seek a medical evaluation from a reputable healthcare provider who can officially diagnose your injuries. A physician can provide you with information, including how severe your injury is, how long it may take to heal, and whether you will suffer any long-lasting effects.
Medical help first provides benefits for your health, as providers can take steps to prevent infection or complications from your burns. You can also begin treatment right away, which might reduce the chances of permanent scarring for many people.
Additionally, having medical documentation helps your burn injury claim. Your attorney can present your diagnosis and treatment plans to the proper insurance companies, so adjusters can see proof of the extent of your injuries. You can provide notes and treatment records to prove the pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries.
The next step in the claims process is determining who was at fault for your injury. Anyone from another motorist to a product manufacturer to a property owner may be legally liable for your losses. Sometimes, more than one party shares liability, such as when a working driver hits your car. In this situation, the driver’s employer also shares liability, and the company likely has higher insurance policy limits than the individual driver.
Once your burn injury attorney determines who was to blame, we can prepare and file your insurance claims with the necessary evidence to support liability and your claimed damages. Even if we provide all the necessary information, the insurance adjuster will likely start with a low offer. This is common in burn cases, as insurers often grossly underestimate the pain and suffering a burn victim experiences.
We negotiate with the insurance company, hopefully receiving a settlement offer that covers your losses. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we can file personal injury lawsuits against the liable parties and pursue your compensation through the Florida civil justice system.
None of this is something you want to do while you are dealing with the aftermath of your accident and injuries. Leave it in the hands of our trusted legal professionals.
North Port Burn Injury Attorneys
Boohoff Law North Port Office
14900 Tamiami Trail, North Port, FL 34287
Free Consultation
We Are Here For You 24/7
Steps to Take After a Burn Injury
When a serious or catastrophic burn injury leaves you with a lifetime of physical and emotional pain and suffering, you should not have to bear the burden alone. If you were involved in an accident with a negligent party who failed to keep you safe, you might hold them legally responsible for the cost of treatment for your injuries and other losses.
After a serious accident involving a burn injury, our attorneys understand that you may feel confused or overwhelmed. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney to take on your case and guide you through the necessary steps to pursue just compensation for your injuries and personal losses can take some pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery.
Step 1: Report the accident to local law enforcement
Once you get to a safe place, call for help. In Florida, you have to report a car accident to the police that results in injuries or property damage. You can report other types of accidents to law enforcement, as well. Seek medical attention as soon as you can after the accident if you sustained second-, third-, or fourth-degree burns that require immediate care.
Not only will seeing a medical professional prevent your injuries from worsening, but medical records can provide a layer of credibility to your case. Obtaining a copy of the police accident report can serve as another piece of valuable evidence needed to prove your claim.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
To prove your claim and show that your injuries were the direct result of another party’s negligence, you will need to obtain solid evidence that shows the severity of your burn and how the accident happened.
Suppose your burn injury occurred because of a vehicle accident. In that case, photos of your injuries and pictures or video evidence of the accident site can be valuable in proving your burn injury claim. You may also want to write down key details of the accident, including the source of the burn and where it occurred.
We know that many people with severe burns cannot gather evidence themselves. If authorities rushed you to the hospital, we can gather evidence for you through our investigative process.
Step 3: Obtain Witness Information
Witness statements can play a significant role in your burn injury case if you file a lawsuit against the negligent party for personal injury. If there are any witnesses at the accident scene, collect their personal information, including their name, home address, and phone number.
Testimony from witnesses can make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. You may ask the witness for permission to record a statement with your phone, which your lawyer can provide to the insurance company. Any principal caregivers who provide treatment to you during hospitalization can also testify about the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
Step 4: Don’t Miss Your Medical Appointments
It is crucial to attend all appointments prescribed by your doctor. Not showing up to your appointments will only result in a slow recovery and potentially hurt the value of your burn injury claim. Failure to attend all medical appointments can result in the insurer denying your claim.
Step 5: Keep Important Records Safe
Maintaining copies of all your medical bills, reports, and other key evidence in your case is a great way to chart a successful outcome in your case. Writing in a personal medical journal detailing any progress you’ve made or setbacks you’ve faced can be used to prove the level of suffering you’ve endured due to your injury. Keeping a journal will prevent you from forgetting important details of the accident and your experiences.
Step 6: Get in Touch with a Skilled Burn Injury Attorney
Refrain from giving statements to the insurance company or posting anything on social media before speaking with a licensed attorney first. Our reputable North Port accident lawyers know how to accurately calculate damages for burn injury cases, considering past, present, and future financial needs. One of our burn accident attorneys can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and ensure you recover the fair compensation you need and legally deserve.
An experienced North Port burn accident lawyer can help you hold a negligent person in your case legally responsible for your injuries and losses. Consult a member of our team to determine how one of our experienced attorneys can guide you on the type of damages you may seek in your case.
Don’t Settle Quickly
When you’re injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should not be forced to pay for what can sometimes be extremely large medical bills. When you work with a trusted burn injury lawyer, you give yourself a good chance of recovering damages for:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Lost wages;
- Medical bills; and
- Rehabilitation costs.
Unfortunately, many burn injury victims fall prey to unscrupulous insurance companies. The negligent party’s insurance company knows you’re suffering and knows you need quick money to pay your medical bills. They are likely to offer you a low-ball settlement and you’re often tempted to take it right away. But don’t accept any settlements until you’ve spoken with our North Port burn injury attorneys. The insurance company’s low-ball settlement offer likely won’t include enough compensation to cover your future medical expenses. This is important to consider because you will have bills beyond those that are currently sitting on your kitchen table. In fact, depending on how severe your burn injury is, you may have many medical procedures ahead. These are costly and time consuming. You should be properly compensated. When you work with us, we’ll help you create an accurate estimate of your future medical expenses. We calculate this based on the type of burn injury you suffered, its severity, and the medical prognosis for your recovery. This is an extremely important step to make sure that you maximize your recovery. We use this estimate in our negotiations with the insurance company, fighting to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. While it’s true that most personal injury cases settle out of court, some insurance companies refuse to be reasonable. If this happens, we are fully prepared to take your case all the way to trial, if necessary. We know that going to court causes extra heartache and delay, but we will only recommend this when it’s right for you. We won’t settle your case unless it’s right for you.
Our process.
-
1. Understanding your optionsFrom your first call, our team takes the time to listen and learn your unique situation. We’ll walk you through the factors that will increase the value of your claim and help you mitigate risks. Above all, we help you envision a personalized path forward.
-
2. Connecting with your attorneyYou will know within 1-2 days if our team can help. Your personal attorney and legal team will guide you through what to expect, ensuring you’re always informed about what’s going on. You will stay in control as an included member of the team working on your case.
-
3. Supporting documentationOur diligent legal team will work with you to make sure all the necessary documentation is complete. This includes insurance policy details, medical records, medical and repair bills, and lost wages.
-
4. Formulating a winning planWe’ll assess your case — every detail, every angle — as we fight for the outcome you deserve. We roll up our sleeves and bring an unrelenting commitment and proven track record to formulate a winning game plan, keeping you clearly informed along the way.
-
5. Negotiation and litigationWe are relentless in pursuing what’s right. We work with toughness and resilience as we negotiate directly with the defense to obtain the compensation you deserve. In cases that demand a court trial, our attorneys are expert personal injury litigators with the talent to maximize policy volumes and outcomes.
Burn Injury FAQs
What type of damages can I recover in a burn injury case?
Every burn injury case is unique, and several contributing factors will determine the value of a compensation claim. Some damages you may recover in a burn injury case include medical expenses, emotional pain, suffering, loss of income, and in cases where the defendant’s behavior was especially negligent or egregious, you may recover punitive damages. We will assess all compensation available given your circumstances.
Who can be liable for a burn injury?
There is a large list of potential defendants in burn injury cases. Anyone whose negligent behavior leads to an accident that causes injury to another person may be responsible for the injured victim’s losses. Some potential defendants in burn injury cases include vehicle drivers, construction site operators, product manufacturers, or anyone who owns a private or public property where dangers are present.
How does a lawyer prove negligence in your burn injury claim?
In a burn injury case, proving negligence is essential to retrieving compensation for your injuries and losses. The plaintiff in a burn injury case has a burden of proof and must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a legal duty of care, breached that duty, and that breach was directly responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries and losses.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party in my burn injury case?
In Florida, you will have two years from your accident to file a lawsuit. Claims against government entities must be filed within six months of the accident. In some cases where a victim does not discover the injury or negligent cause of the injury for a significant amount of time, they will have four years from their discovery to file a lawsuit.
Contact a North Port Burn Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffered burn injuries due to another party’s negligence, never wait to contact one of our burn injury attorneys, who can help you determine if you have a viable case. If we believe you have a claim and you decide to work with our firm, we know how to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. Burn injury losses can be costly, and we routinely seek compensation for an injured client’s medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, and other losses.
Contact Boohoff Law at (941) 888-0848 for your initial consultation with a compassionate North Port burn injury lawyer who will evaluate your case and build a strong defense on your behalf. We can start protecting your rights following your call.
North Port Location
14900 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
(941) 888-0848
Recovery is personal.
© 2024 Boohoff Law, P.A. — Auto Accident Lawyers.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
