A burn injury can be one of the most serious and impactful injuries that a person may face. If you’ve suffered from a burn injury, you may have a long road to recovery, and the last thing you may want to focus on is the legal process.
This is where a burn injury lawyer in Plantation comes in; they can handle the legal process for you from start to finish, all while ensuring that you have the support and guidance you need.
If you’ve been injured in a burn, you may have legal options, and a lawyer can help you understand what those may be. At Viles & Beckman, we have recovered $118+ million for our clients. If you need a dedicated advocate to help you tackle the legal process, start with us. Reach out to our firm today for a free consultation with a Plantation personal injury lawyer from our team.
What Compensation May I Be Able to Recover After a Burn Injury?
Every case is different, so that means that compensation and damages will vary, too. With that in mind, here are some of the potential compensation types that may be available with a burn injury claim in Plantation:
Medical Expenses
These claims usually cover any medical expenses that can come with a burn, such as ER treatment, skin grafts, or related surgeries, and any rehabilitation.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
If you are unable to work due to your injury for the short term or long term, compensation may be available for that. If you are unable to continue working after your injury, then your earning capacity is also considered with your claim.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Burn injuries are among the most painful injuries someone can experience, and compensation can be determined for pain and suffering in these cases. Emotional impact is also taken into consideration, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and loss of confidence due to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Ongoing Care Costs
Compensation with these cases may cover future expenses such as follow-up surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prescription medications, counseling, and assistive medical equipment. If your injuries result in permanent limitations, your claim may also include the cost of in-home care, home modifications, or other accommodations needed to support your daily life.
One thing to keep in mind with Florida, under Chapter 768 Section 81, is that the state follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means compensation may be reduced if you share any responsibility for the accident. This is why having a burn injury lawyer in Plantation on your side can be extremely helpful.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
How Our Plantation Burn Injury Attorneys Can Help
Depending on the circumstances, here are some ways an attorney from our firm may be able to help:
- Investigate the cause of the accident.
- Collect medical records and treatment documentation.
- Obtain fire reports, accident reports, and other evidence.
- Consult with medical experts and industry specialists.
- Calculate the full value of current and future damages.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- File a lawsuit and pursue litigation when necessary.
Our goal is to help you secure the compensation you need, based on the details of your case, while also providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Plantation
Many serious burn injuries occur because another person or company failed to act safely. Common causes of burn injuries include:
- Workplace accidents at construction sites, factories, and industrial facilities
- Motor vehicle accidents, with trucks, semis, cars, and motorcycles.
- Defective products, including appliances, electronics, and flammable materials
- Premises liability incidents, such as apartment, hotel, or commercial property fires
When negligence contributes to a burn injury, the responsible party may be liable for the resulting damages. A thorough investigation by a burn injury attorney in Plantation can help identify who is accountable and what compensation may be available.
Burn Injury Severity and Long-Term Impact
Understanding the different burn severities can help you understand what the road to recovery may look like, and it is an important part of these claims when it comes to compensation and impact. Typically, burn injuries are classified as:
- First-degree burns: First-degree burns only impact the outer layer of skin and typically heal with minimal treatment, sometimes even at home; they can still be painful. There may be scars, but they will likely fade.
- Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns go deeper than the outer layer and in deeper layers, causing more damage. With these, there will likely be much more pain, blistering, swelling, and a longer road to recovery. Scars may last for a long time.
- Third-degree burns: This class of burns destroys multiple layers of skin and can damage underlying tissue and nerves, often requiring skin grafts and surgery. Pain is intense and usually requires medication and hospitalization. With third-degree burns, sometimes scars and disfigurement may be permanent.
- Fourth-degree burns: These are the most severe that a person can experience; these burns go beyond the skin and extend into muscles, tendons, or bone, and can result in permanent disability or life-threatening complications. Pain management can continue for several weeks, months, or years, and victims are often permanently scarred or disfigured.
The more severe your burn, the more challenges you’ll likely face in recovering. A lawyer in your corner can help ensure that all of your losses are accounted for, including medical expenses, lost income, ongoing care needs, pain and suffering, and the lasting effects of permanent scarring or disability.
Contact a Burn Injury Law Firm in Plantation Today
A serious burn injury can affect every aspect of your life, from your health and career to your financial stability and emotional well-being.
You do not have to face these challenges alone. At Viles & Beckman, we have over 40 years of experience helping injury victims. Our firm is committed to helping burn injury victims throughout Plantation figure out the legal process and move forward with their claims, based on the details of their specific cases.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how our experienced legal team can help protect your rights and fight for you, while you focus on recovery.