New Orleans

Burn Injury Lawyers

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand the devastating impact burn injuries can have on your life. These injuries leave more than physical scars; they also have lasting mental, emotional, and financial effects on survivors and their families. Treating severe burns can be immensely costly, both in terms of medical bills and lost income from time taken off work to heal, and victims must often cope with considerable physical and emotional trauma that can be difficult to treat. Our goal is to make sure that you not only receive the financial compensation you need to manage these and other unexpected challenges but also to ensure the liable party is forced to be accountable for the harm they have caused.

Whether you are dealing with the physical pain or the emotional aftermath of a serious burn injury, our burn injury attorneys in New Orleans are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need. Our track record of achieving history-making settlements and verdicts, including a landmark $117 million result, makes us a trusted advocate for those seeking justice and fair compensation in the wake of such traumatic events.

For a free consultation with our New Orleans burn injury lawyers, call (225) 209-9943.

Understanding Burn Injuries: Causes & Consequences

Burn injuries occur due to a variety of circumstances, ranging from house fires and car accidents to workplace injuries and defective products. 

Some of the most common causes of burn injuries in New Orleans include: 

• Contact with Hot Surfaces: Such as boiling liquids, heated metal, or flames 
• Residential Fires: Often caused by electrical issues, defective stovetops, or faulty dryers
• Vehicle Accidents: Flammable fluids, like gasoline, can lead to crash-related fires and explosions 
• Workplace Hazards: Particularly prevalent in industries dealing with flammable chemicals or heat
• Chemical Exposure: Including bleach, lye, strong acids, and solvents 
• Electrocution: Contact with live electrical currents can lead to electrical burns 

The painful reality of burn injuries is that the damage extends far beyond physical scars. Victims often face long-term rehabilitation, significant medical expenses, and lost income due to prolonged recovery periods, and they may require counseling or therapy to cope with the emotional trauma arising from their injuries. Navigating these challenges requires seeking assistance from a skilled attorney who can help burn injury survivors and their families fight for the justice they deserve. 

Types of Burn Injuries & How They Are Treated

How a burn injury is treated depends on the severity of the burn, where it is located on the body, and the amount and type of surfaces it covers. For example, a first- or second-degree burn may be “less serious” than a third-degree burn, but if it covers a large area of the body or occurs on the face, it may constitute a medical emergency. 

The three types of burn injuries include: 

• First-degree (superficial) burns
• Second-degree (partial thickness) burns 
• Third-degree (full thickness) burns

Some experts also distinguish a fourth level, fourth-degree burns, which include burns that penetrate deep below the surface of the skin, affecting all layers of tissue and even the underlying bones and muscles. Each level of burn injury presents unique challenges, requiring specific medical and legal interventions.

As previously stated, the exact treatment required for a given burn injury depends on how severe it is, among other factors. That being said, some common treatments for different types of burns are outlined below.

• First-Degree Burns: First-degree burns are the least serious type of burn injury. They typically do not require medical intervention, though this can vary depending on the burn's size and location. In most cases, first-degree burns can be treated with at-home first-aid, such as applying cool (not cold) water to the affected area, as well as an over-the-counter burn ointment, such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera. OTC pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also be helpful in managing pain associated with these types of burns.
• Second-Degree Burns: Treatment for a second-degree burn depends on how severe the burn is, as well as where it's located and how big the affected area is. For less serious second-degree burns, at-home care can include gently washing the area with cool (not cold) water and covering the wound with a clean bandage or dressing, such as gauze. More serious second-degree burns may require professional treatment by a doctor or medical provider. 
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are widely considered to be the most serious types of burn injuries. These injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention. Treatment may include cleaning and dressing the affected area, removing dead tissue (debridement), skin grafting or other types of surgical reconstruction, antibiotic medication administered orally or intravenously, fluid replacement, and pain management. 

Always seek medical attention for any burn that is more than three inches in diameter or that occurs on a sensitive area of the body, such as the face or groin. 

Understanding the recovery process is crucial for burn victims and their families. Recovery can include multiple surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy, counseling, and more. This extensive treatment can place a significant emotional and financial burden on both the victim and their loved ones. But, by working with a knowledgeable burn injury lawyer in New Orleans, like ours at Clayton, Frugé & Ward, burn injury survivors can focus on healing while our team handles the complexities of their claims.

Navigating Burn Injury Claims in New Orleans

Burn injury claims in New Orleans—and throughout Louisiana—are governed by specific state laws that emphasize fault and negligence. Understanding these statutes is essential when it comes to pursuing a successful personal injury claim. Our New Orleans burn injury attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward are well-versed in Louisiana’s personal injury laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights every step of the way.

Recovering compensation after a burn injury requires building a solid case based on meticulous documentation and expert testimonies, which can be used to establish the cause and extent of the injury. Engaging with medical experts who can definitively link the burn injuries to the incident is crucial in building a strong case. Our attorneys collaborate with top medical professionals and expert witnesses to provide compelling evidence and testimony, greatly enhancing the chances of a favorable outcome for our clients.

When filing a burn injury claim in New Orleans, here are some key legal considerations to consider: 

• The Statute of Limitations: In Louisiana, you typically have one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit if your injury occurred before July 1, 2024, or two years from the date of the incident if your injury occurred on or after this date. If you fail to bring your lawsuit within the applicable timeframe, you could lose your right to recover damages.
• Comparative Negligence: Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, which can affect the compensation awarded based on the plaintiff's degree of fault. For example, if the insurance company says that you were 50% at fault for the incident that led to your burn injury, you can only recover half (50%) of the total amount you are seeking in damages. 
• Types of Compensation: Victims may be entitled to both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those with a specific dollar value, such as medical expenses or lost wages. Non-economic damages are more intangible and include things like pain and suffering.

Our firm is known for taking on complex burn injury cases, especially those turned down by other firms, and we are known for winning results for our clients. Though no attorney can ever guarantee a specific outcome, we can assure you that we will do everything possible to maximize your recovery so that you can heal and move forward with your life. 

Why Choose Our Burn Injury Attorneys in New Orleans?

Choosing the right attorney matters when it comes to improving your chances of a successful outcome. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we stand out for several reasons that instill trust and confidence in our clients.

• Record of Success: With over $1 billion secured in verdicts and settlements, including a record-setting $117 million verdict, our results speak for themselves.
• Comprehensive Support: We offer more than just legal services; we provide emotional and practical support to help clients rebuild their lives.
• Diverse Team: Reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of New Orleans, our team brings a wealth of perspectives and insights to each case.

Additionally, our firm’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity sets us apart. We tailor our legal strategies to meet the specific needs of each individual client. This level of personalized service ensures that clients feel heard and understood, fostering a strong attorney-client relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

Local Resources & Support for Burn Injury Victims

New Orleans is home to several top-tier facilities and resources dedicated to the recovery and rehabilitation of burn injury victims. These institutions play a critical role in the healing process, providing both the medical and emotional support necessary for recovery.

Some notable local burn units include: 

• University Medical Center: Renowned for its specialized burn care team and cutting-edge treatment protocols
• Children's Hospital New Orleans: Offers comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of pediatric burn victims
• Ochsner Medical Center: Equipped with advanced facilities for managing acute and complex burn injuries

Additionally, organizations like the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation, offer valuable resources and community services to help victims and their families navigate the difficult journey of recovery. Such connections can significantly enhance the overall rehabilitation process, offering vital emotional and psychological support.

New Orleans Burn Injury Claims FAQ

What Should I Do If I Suffered a Burn Injury? 

After seeking immediate medical treatment, document every detail related to the incident, including photographs of injuries and damage, witness contact information, and any communications with potential responsible parties. If you are unable to get this evidence yourself, our team can help. We encourage you to consult with a burn injury attorney in New Orleans as soon as possible to understand your legal options and protect your rights.

How Can a Burn Injury Attorney Help Me?

Our attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward provide critical guidance in assessing the legal parameters of your case, including liability and potential compensation. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and opposing parties, striving to ensure that settlements are fair and comprehensive.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Burn Injuries?

Victims of burn injuries may be eligible for several types of compensation, including but not limited to hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost income due to missed work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Each case is unique, and compensation varies accordingly.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Suit in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally one or two years from the date of the injury, depending on when the injury occurred. If the date of injury was on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years to file a lawsuit; for injuries occurring before this date, you have just one year to sue for damages. Failing to file within this time frame can bar recovery of rightful compensation, highlighting the importance of prompt legal action.

Your First Step Toward Recovery Begins Here; Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in New Orleans, it's important that you act quickly. The sooner you reach out to a burn injury attorney at our firm, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence and building your case. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our dedicated team is here to support your journey toward healing, offering compassionate service and experienced legal counsel to help ensure that you feel prioritized and empowered every step of the way.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling (225) 209-9943. Together, we can navigate this challenging time, helping you rebuild and reclaim your future with confidence.