Florida Burn Injury Attorney: What to Do After an Accident
Burn injuries can be excruciating and life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatments and leading to substantial financial burdens. If you or a loved one have suffered a burn injury in Florida, an experienced Florida burn injury lawyer at Paul | Knopf | Bigger are here to help you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve. In 2021, the American Burn Association reports nearly 400,000 burn injuries in the United States. As a burn injury victim, it’s important to know the steps to take following an accident. Our lawyers are here to assist you and address any questions you might have during this challenging time.
Why Choose a Florida Burn Injury Lawyer from Paul | Knopf | Bigger?
At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we understand the devastating impact that severe burn injuries can have on victims and their families. Our compassionate and skilled legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and aggressive representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Comprehensive Legal Support for Burn Injury Cases
Our Florida burn injury lawyers will assist you with every aspect of your case, including:
- Educating you about the legal process: We ensure that you fully understand your rights and options, empowering you to make informed decisions for your future.
- Investigating the cause of your burns: We meticulously gather evidence to determine liability and the extent of your damages.
- Communicating with insurance companies: We handle all interactions with insurers to protect your interests and prevent them from undermining your claim.
- Negotiating settlements: Our team strives to secure a fair settlement that covers all your current and future needs.
- Representing you in court: We are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive just compensation.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Burn Injury Attorney
Severe burn injuries can be overwhelming, affecting every aspect of your life. Our dedicated legal team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger takes on the burden of your legal case so you can focus on your recovery. We fight tirelessly to hold the negligent parties accountable and obtain financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today at (800) 434-4327 to discuss your case.
Understanding the Legal Timeline in Florida
Florida law mandates that you file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of your injury (Florida Statutes § 95.11). It is crucial to start exploring your legal options as soon as possible to ensure you meet this deadline. We recommend contacting us once you are out of immediate danger and have sought medical care.
Compensation Available for Burn Injury Survivors in Florida
Burn injury victims in Florida may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, burn center treatments, rehabilitation, and future surgeries is essential for comprehensive burn injury compensation. These expenses can quickly accumulate, underscoring the importance of securing financial support to ensure ongoing medical needs are met and recovery is facilitated effectively.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for past and future lost income due to your inability to work is crucial for maintaining financial stability during recovery from a burn injury. This includes reimbursement for wages lost during hospitalization and ongoing support to cover potential career changes or limitations caused by the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are essential components of compensation for burn injury survivors. These non-economic damages reflect the profound impact of the injury on daily living, relationships, and overall well-being, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and recovery resources.
- Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent physical disabilities resulting from the burn injury is vital to support ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment needs, and lifestyle adjustments. These funds provide financial stability and ensure access to necessary resources to enhance the quality of life and independence for the injured individual.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar misconduct in the future. These additional damages serve as a deterrent and aim to hold accountable those whose actions resulted in severe harm or injury.
Types and Severity of Burn Injuries
The severity of your burn injury significantly affects the compensation you may receive. Burns are categorized into four degrees based on their depth:
- First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness and sensitivity without blistering. While these burns are painful, they typically heal within a few days and rarely require medical treatment.
- Second-Degree Burns: Penetrate the epidermis and dermis, causing redness, blistering, and potential scarring. These burns often require medical attention to prevent infection and manage pain, and they may take several weeks to heal fully.
- Third-Degree Burns: Damage both outer skin layers and reach subcutaneous tissue, often destroying nerve endings and requiring skin grafts. These severe burns can leave the skin charred or white, leading to significant long-term consequences and extensive rehabilitation. Medical intervention is crucial to manage pain, prevent infection, and support recovery.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: Extend through all skin layers to muscles and bones, often life-threatening. These burns can cause severe damage to nerves and blood vessels, necessitating immediate and intensive medical treatment. Recovery is typically prolonged and may involve multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
Types of Burn Injuries and Common Causes
Burn injuries can result from various sources, including:
- Chemical Burns: Caused by exposure to acids, alkalis, or explosive chemical reactions. These burns can occur in both industrial settings and household environments, resulting in severe tissue damage. Immediate medical attention is often required to neutralize the chemical and prevent further injury.
- Radiation Burns: Resulting from prolonged exposure to sunlight, artificial UV light, or radiation sources. These burns can cause significant damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to redness, blistering, and peeling. In severe cases, radiation burns may increase the risk of skin cancer and require specialized medical treatment.
- Electrical Burns: Caused by contact with electrical currents. These burns can result from household accidents, workplace incidents, or faulty wiring, leading to both external and internal injuries. Electrical burns can cause severe tissue damage, nerve injury, and potentially fatal complications, requiring immediate and comprehensive medical care.
- Thermal Burns: Resulting from exposure to hot liquids, metals, steam, or fire. These burns are among the most common and can vary in severity from superficial to life-threatening, depending on the temperature and duration of exposure. Immediate cooling of the affected area and prompt medical evaluation are crucial to minimize tissue damage and facilitate healing.
These burns can occur in numerous scenarios, such as car accidents, workplace incidents, or premises liability cases.
Our Commitment to Burn Injury Victims in Florida
At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, our Florida burn injury lawyers are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to burn injury victims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take and are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. In fact, we’ve won one of the largest jury verdicts ever awarded to a burn injury victim.
Contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger today for a free consultation. Our experienced Florida burn injury lawyers will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first step toward securing the compensation you need for your recovery. Call us now at (800) 434-4327 to schedule your consultation and begin your path to justice.
Schedule your free consultation now at (800) 434-4327 or visit our offices in Tampa or Orlando. We are available 24/7 to assist you.
Sources:
- https://m.flsenate.gov/statutes/95.11
- https://www.floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data/florida-injury-surveillance-system/_documents/data-fact-sheets/fires-2011.pdf
- https://ameriburn.org/resources/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/
- https://www.floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data/florida-injury-surveillance-system/links.html