Birmingham Burn Injury Lawyers

Many people who suffer burns or other types of fire injuries suffer from a wide range of long-term effects. Our Birmingham burn attorneys know that victims of fires and burns endure not only physical and mental agony and suffering but that it can also be difficult for them to return to work and resume their previous lifestyle.

A person may return to work and other daily activities after suffering a fire or burn injury, but the constant reminder of the scars and deformities can be emotionally taxing.

The Varieties of Fire and Burn Injuries and How to Treat Them

Severe burns are most commonly caused by contact with fire, steam, scorching surfaces, or caustic solutions. When a person’s employment requires them to use equipment that can start a fire and inflict burns, the risk of injury from steam, hot surfaces, liquids, and electricity increases significantly.

According to NIH, the “prevalence of first-degree burns was 12.8%, that of second-degree burns was 71.1%, and that of third-degree burns was 16.1%. The most common cause, area, and type of treatment were hot water injuries (36.1%), upper limbs (62.2%), and skin debridement respectively.”

The severity of burn injuries can only be grasped by first learning about the many burn injuries that might occur.

First-Degree Burns

Burns of the first degree are the least severe and usually heal without scarring. A sunburn is a first-degree burn since it only affects the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. As the skin heals, it turns red and may peel. Even if you experience pain from the burn, it probably won’t last long.

If you suffer anything worse than a first-degree burn because of someone else’s negligence, contact a Birmingham burn injury attorney as soon as possible.

Second-Degree Burns

Burns to the dermis, which is deeper in the skin than the epidermis, are second-degree burns. These are characterized by pain, redness, peeling, and sometimes the formation of fluid-filled blisters. A skin graft may be required in cases of severe second-degree burns. Scarring is possible in some people, while in others the wound will heal without leaving a mark.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are serious since the flames have invaded all the skin’s layers. However, since third-degree burns frequently cause damage to nerve endings, pain may not be an initial sensation for some people. Skin that has been burnt may seem yellow, black, or brown instead of red or pink. Scars from third-degree burns are likely to lessen with time but will still be visible to the naked eye.

Patients in need of skin grafts, pain medication, and other therapies to lessen the likelihood of permanent scarring must get care in specialized burn units. Furthermore, the discomfort and disability caused by burns can be the same regardless of what caused them (fire, chemicals, radiation, electricity, steam, etc.). Some patients in burn units may spend several days, weeks, or even months recovering from injuries that may be permanent. Experiencing the mental agony of a burn injury can be a daily battle for any burn injury victim, but it may be more intense when the injury is to an exposed part of the body like the face or another place that is frequently seen.

Burn Victims Can File a Claim for Personal Injury or Wrongful Death

The first step in taking legal action for a burn injury in Alabama is to consult with an experienced burn injury attorney in Birmingham. To bring a lawsuit, a Birmingham burn injury lawyer must first decide whether or not there is sufficient proof of negligence or intentional wrongdoing on the part of the defendant. These aspects should be demonstrated by the evidence presented:

• The allegedly negligent party had a duty of care toward the hurt party.
• The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care for the plaintiff’s safety.
• The victim’s burn injuries were allegedly brought on by the defendant’s carelessness or malice.
• Losses occurred as a result of the victim’s burn injuries, including but not limited to bodily and emotional distress, financial hardship, and loss of earning capacity.

When a fire occurs in a multi-unit dwelling, a grocery store, or a workplace, numerous people may be held liable for damages. Therefore, there may be more than one person to blame. Whether or not a fire is ruled an accident, whoever was negligent in starting the fire may be held accountable for any injuries that ensue.

The Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Cases

In Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim due to burn injuries is two years from the earlier of (1) the date of the accident that caused the burn injuries, or (2) the date on which the plaintiff knew or should have known that the burn injuries were caused by an accident. However, the statute of limitations would likely begin counting down from the day of the accident if the victim suffered burn injuries, as the source of the burns is usually immediately apparent.

A wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death if the plaintiff is to have any chance of success. There are few exceptions to this rule, therefore it is normally too late to bring legal action on behalf of a deceased loved one after the two-year period has passed.

A person who has been wounded may lose their right to sue for damages if the statute of limitations expires before the case is resolved. As soon as someone realizes that their burn injuries may have been the result of another person’s carelessness or malice, they should get in touch with a Florida burn injury lawyer.

What to Expect from the Legal System When Filing a Lawsuit for a Burn Injury

Whether the matter is settled out of court or goes to trial, the conclusion of a personal injury lawsuit can take a significant amount of time. In cases where a person has suffered serious and persistent burn injuries, the stress of going through the legal procedure to seek recompense for pain and suffering (both physical and emotional), medical expenditures, and lost income is more than justified.

Call a qualified burn injury attorney today at (855) 390-5566 to get the legal aid you deserve.