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 team can help you seek the justice you deserve.
For a free consultation with one of our Baton Rouge burn injury attorneys, call (225) 209-9943 or contact us online.
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.
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 without medical treatment and 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, often leading to internal damage.
- 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.
Common Types of 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.
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.
One of the things these incidents tend to have in common is the presence 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 through no fault of their own. 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 heal and move forward with your life.
What Damages Are Available for Severe Burn Injuries in Baton Rouge?
By filing a personal injury claim, you can seek “damages,” which are designed to compensate you for specific losses related to your injury.
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 burn 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 or reckless behavior.
How Our Baton Rouge Burn Injury Attorneys Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic burn injury can be overwhelming, but 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 case, 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.
We have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Learn how our legal team can help you with your burn injury case during a free and confidential consultation.
Call (225) 209-9943 today to get started.