Burn injuries can be extremely painful and often leave permanent scars. Unfortunately, many burn injuries happen due to accidents that could have been avoided. They may be caused by fires on property, motor vehicle collisions, flammable products, and inadequate flame retardation qualities. The American Burn Association reports that over 500,000 people are treated for burn injuries each year.
If you have suffered from a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can potentially pursue compensation for your harm. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care when engaging in a particular action. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent person would behave in the same or similar circumstances. In order to establish negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s conduct deviated from the reasonable care standard and that this deviation was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s harm.
For example, thousands of motorists and passengers suffer severe burn injuries as a result of automobile accidents each year. If you suffered a burn injury in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a negligence lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, it is important to note that your burn injuries may not be entirely the fault of the party that caused the accident. The manufacturer of either automobile or one of its component parts could be partly or entirely liable as well. Thus, ascertaining liability in a burn accident case can be a lengthy and complicated process.
A burn injury entails an individual’s body being harmed by electricity, heat, chemicals, or friction. There are a number of types of burn injuries, including:
- Fire burns: these injuries take place due to exposure to an open flame;
- Electrical burns: these injuries can be caused by electrical shock or an uncontrolled short circuit;
- Radiation: this is when an individual is exposed to UV light or excessive radiation therapy; or
- Scalding: hot liquids or gases that come in contact with the skin typically cause these injuries.
Burn injuries can be extremely expensive to treat. Many times, burn victims suffer from embarrassing scars, which must be corrected over time through a number of medical treatments. As a result, a burn injury victim may be able to recover medical bills, lost income and benefits, therapy costs, disability, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and more. The exact amount of compensation an individual will be able to recover will vary depending on the nature and extent of the harm suffered.
An experienced Miami personal injury attorney can help victims navigate the complex legal and emotional challenges that may arise after a burn injury. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand how to handle virtually all types of personal injury claims. We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family, which is why you can expect the utmost compassion from our entire team. We serve clients throughout South Florida. For more information, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Weather-Related Motor Vehicle Accidents in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 19, 2015
Jurisdiction Issue in Florida Product Liability Case, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 19, 2015
Aggressive Driving in Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 19, 2015