Baton Rouge 

Burn Injury Attorneys

Seeking Compensation for Serious Burns in Baton Rouge

Severe burn injuries have devastating consequences, from immense and ongoing pain to permanent scarring and disfigurement. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand just how difficult it is to recover from serious burns, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful acts, our Baton Rouge burn injury lawyers can help you seek the justice you deserve.

In addition to physical pain, severe burns can have significant emotional and financial impacts. The road to recovery often involves long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy. Dealing with such injuries can lead to lost wages due to prolonged absences from work and financial strain as a result of mounting medical bills. Our team understands the challenges you are facing. We are committed to fighting for compensation that reflects not just your tangible costs but also the emotional distress and major life changes you and your family have endured.

For a free consultation with one of our Baton Rouge burn injury attorneys, call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online and a member of our staff will be in touch with you shortly.

Burn Injury Types & Classifications

Burn injuries are classified according to both how they occur and their severity, or degree. While less-severe burns, such as first-degree thermal burns, will likely heal on their own with minimal lasting damage, others require immediate medical attention. Understanding the type and classification of a burn is critical for determining the appropriate treatment plan and potential recovery process. For example, third-degree burns may lead to complications, such as infections, blood loss, and shock, requiring a highly structured medical response. In more severe cases, fourth-degree burns can be life-threatening, necessitating rapid and often extensive surgical interventions, including potential reconstructive surgeries.

The different types of burns, according to severity, include: 

• First-Degree Burns: First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and typically result in redness and mild pain. These burns usually heal within a few days with at home first aid and minimal or no medical treatment. They might result in some superficial scarring.
• Second-Degree Burns: Second-degree burns involve both the epidermis and part of the underlying skin layer (dermis). Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and blisters. Healing may take weeks or longer and can leave significant scars.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns extend through the skin into deeper tissues, causing widespread damage. The affected area may appear white, charred, or leathery. Victims often experience no pain in the area due to nerve damage, but these burns require extensive medical treatment, often including skin grafts.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: These are the most severe, extending beyond the skin into muscle, bones, and tendons. Treatment is complex and often requires surgery and rehabilitation. Like third-degree burns, fourth-degree burns are considered a medical emergency, and victims may experience shock, coma, or death. 

Burns are also categorized according to how they occur. This includes: 

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns are caused by direct contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or other heat sources. 
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns result from exposure to strong acids, bases, or other corrosive substances.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body.
• Radiation Burns: These are the result of prolonged exposure to sources of radiation, including the sun (sunburns) or radiation therapy.

Burn treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury, as well as the type of burn the victim has suffered. In serious cases, victims may require antibiotics to prevent or limit infection, skin grafting surgery, intravenous fluids, and ongoing pain management, among other treatments.

Common Accidents That Lead to Severe Burns in Baton Rouge

Catastrophic burn injuries can occur in a variety of scenarios, often due to negligence, wrongdoing, or unsafe practices. In Baton Rouge, specifically, the prevalence of certain industries and environments makes severe burns more likely for some workers and residents. For example, the area's many industrial sites, chemical and petrochemical plants, oil refineries, and construction zones contribute to a greater risk of harmful chemical exposure, as well as accidents like explosions and fires, which can lead to serious burn injuries. Workers within these industries are at risk, but so are residents who live, work, or go to school near hazardous worksites and commercial facilities. 

Some of the most common causes of serious burn injuries include: 

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fuel leaks and post-collision fires can lead to severe burns following a car crash or any collision involving large trucks, tankers, big rigs, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles. 
• Workplace Incidents: Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and chemical processing face significant burn risks due to equipment malfunctions, chemical exposure, or safety violations. 
• Defective Products: Faulty appliances, heaters, fireworks, and other products that increase the risk of fires, explosions, sparks, chemical leaks, and other hazards can cause severe thermal or chemical burns.
• Explosions: Gas explosions and other similar incidents can lead to severe burn injuries affecting one or more people. Explosions can occur in a variety of settings, including in the workplace, in residential areas, and on the road. 

While many types of accidents can lead to burn injuries, most are the result of negligence. When employers flagrantly violate safety protocols, or when manufacturers allow defective products onto the market and into the hands of consumers, they can and should be held accountable. That’s where our Baton Rouge burn injury lawyers come in.

We are dedicated to seeking fair compensation on behalf of burn victims whose lives have been forever altered by the negligent and wrongful conduct of others. Our firm can help you fight for the recovery you need to manage unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, and other hardships resulting from your injuries. While no amount of money can undo the pain and suffering you have experienced, a just settlement or jury verdict can allow you to obtain the critical medical attention and therapeutic treatment you need to heal and move forward with your life. 

What Damages Can a Baton Rouge Burn Injury Lawyer Help You Recover?

By filing a personal injury claim, you can seek damages, which are designed to compensate you for specific losses related to your burn injury. These damages fall into different categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive. Economic damages cover tangible costs, such as hospital bills and rehabilitation expenses. Non-economic damages compensate for less visible impacts, like pain and suffering or a reduced quality of life. Lastly, punitive damages might be considered in cases where negligence was extreme or malicious, serving not just as compensation but as a deterrent to prevent future misconduct by the same or other parties.

If you suffered a severe burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including but not limited to:

• Past and future medical expenses 
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy 
• Medication and other related costs 
• Lost income, wages, and benefits 
• Loss of earning capacity 
• Physical and mental pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress and trauma

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our goal is to help you recover every penny you are owed. Our injury lawyers in Baton Rouge strive to hold liable parties accountable and work to ensure they do not continue to engage in the same negligent, wrongful, or reckless behavior. 

How Our Baton Rouge Burn Injury Attorneys Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic burn injury can be overwhelming, but our experienced burn injury attorneys in Baton Rouge are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. From investigating the incident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating your claim, our team is here to advocate for you every step of the way. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to fight for your rights in court.

Our legal team employs a comprehensive approach, using expert witnesses, medical professionals, and accident reconstruction specialists to build a robust argument in your favor. We prioritize clear communication, ensuring you understand every phase of the legal process. Additionally, our client-focused philosophy means you receive personalized attention, reinforcing our commitment to supporting you through this challenging time.

We have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Learn how our legal team can help you with your burn injury claim during a free and confidential consultation.

Call (225) 209-9943 today to get started. 

Understanding Louisiana Burn Injury Laws 

Louisiana law requires that personal injury claims, including those involving burn injuries, be filed within two years if the accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024. For injuries occurring before this date, you have just one year from the date of the accident to file your claim. It is crucial that you file your claim within this timeline to ensure that you do not forfeit your right to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. Prompt legal action also ensures that evidence remains intact and witnesses can more accurately recall events related to the incident.

For burn injuries caused by industrial accidents, additional regulations may apply, particularly if the incident occurs at a federally regulated site. Injured workers should hire a legal team with the knowledge to effectively navigate these complex regulatory environments. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we stay abreast of these regulations and are prepared to help you seek maximum compensation under the law.

Local Resources for Burn Victims in Baton Rouge

In Baton Rouge, several local resources are available to support burn victims as they recover. The Baton Rouge General Medical Center has a dedicated regional burn care center that provides comprehensive treatment plans designed to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation for severe burns. These services include advanced wound care, pain management, and physical therapy to restore mobility and functionality.

Beyond medical treatment, support groups and therapy services are critical for the emotional and psychological recovery of burn victims and their families. These resources can help people develop coping strategies and provide a network of support essential for long-term recovery. Organizations like the American Burn Association provide regional support lists and resources to aid victims across Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries

What Should I Do Immediately After Suffering a Burn?

In the event of a burn injury, the first and most critical step is to stop the burning process. This may involve removing contact with the heat source and rinsing the affected area with cool, not cold, water for at least 10 minutes to reduce the temperature of the burn and alleviate pain. It is vital not to use ice or icy water, as this can further damage the skin.

Seek immediate medical attention for anything more severe than a first-degree burn, but you should also seek care for any burn if it covers a large area, is located on the face or joints, or if the victim is experiencing symptoms such as shock. Preserving your health is the priority. Subsequent actions should include documenting the incident and contacting a legal professional to explore your options for recourse.

How Much Is My Burn Injury Claim Worth? 

The exact value of your burn injury claim depends on several factors, starting with the severity and extent of the burns themselves. The cost of medical care, hospitalization, and ongoing rehabilitative treatment, also play a significant role in the overall value of your claim, as do other economic losses, such as lost earnings or wages and loss of future income. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering or emotional distress, are also evaluated and contribute to your claim's worth. 

It's important to note that insurance companies often undervalue claims. It is crucial that you work with an experienced Baton Rouge burn injury lawyer who can correctly assess the extent of your damages, including a realistic and accurate projection of the future losses you are likely to experience as a result of your injury.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

Compensation for burn injuries typically falls under three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages include past and future medical costs, lost wages, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages, though less common, may be awarded in cases where negligence was particularly egregious. Our goal is to advocate for the maximum compensation allowable under law, accounting for all aspects of a victim's injuries and realistic projections for future needs. 

Why Choose Clayton, Frugé & Ward for My Burn Injury Claim?

Choosing Clayton, Frugé & Ward means selecting a firm with a proven track record of success and a fierce dedication to client advocacy. We take on challenging claims, often rejected by other firms, and strive to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to. Our deep roots in the Louisiana community mean we understand the local legal landscape and can navigate it effectively for our clients. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we emphasize a client-focused approach, providing personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.