Louisiana Burn Injury Attorneys
Burn Injury Lawyers Fighting for Complete Recovery
Burn injuries are among the worst injuries any person can endure. Consequently, they’re among the most costly injuries to treat, according to studies from the last decade. Severe burns require around-the-clock care from specialists who aren’t employed at every hospital; as a result, burn victims often have to be transferred to special units where doctors, nurses, and other staff can treat burns effectively.
Though burn injuries have several causes, our Louisiana burn injury attorneys know they have a single factor in common: negligence. Whether an employer ignored safety rules or a driver caused a car accident that harmed others, a burn injury is virtually always preventable. That’s why Clayton, Frugé & Ward is determined to hold responsible parties accountable on behalf of burn survivors and their families.
If you have been injured, call our Louisiana burn injury firm at (225) 209-9943.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns are medically classified in three different degrees of severity. By categorizing burn injuries, it becomes easier to understand the severity of burns that an individual has experienced. A burn's “degree” is not a matter of heat or location on the body, but of depth. The deeper a burn goes, the more life-altering and long-term the healing process will be.
Burns are classified according to the following categories:
- First-Degree Burns: The most common variety of burn, it does not require serious medical treatment but is still painful. These burns are often caused by quick contact with a hot surface.
- Second-Degree Burns: These burns extend past the first layer of skin. Depending on severity, second-degree burns may require medical attention. If a wound is large enough, it will require the advice of a medical doctor.
- Third-Degree Burns: Also called a “full-thickness burn,” third-degree burns are life-threatening injuries. They occur when all layers of skin are damaged. In the worst cases, third-degree burns may extend all the way to the bone.
Burns aren't measured only in depth, though. How much a survivor's body is covered in burns will also determine the extent of treatment required to recover. For instance, a fairly localized second-degree burn may not be as difficult to treat as a first-degree burn that covers 60-70% of a patient's body.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of settings, each presenting unique risks and circumstances. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our Louisiana burn injury attorneys frequently handle cases stemming from the following common causes:
- Workplace accidents such as chemical burns, thermal burns, or electrical burns
- Residential fires caused by cooking accidents, faulty wiring, heaters, or open flames
- Car accidents including fuel tank ruptures, airbag deployment, or hot surfaces/fluids
- Defective products such as faulty electronics, flammable materials, or industrial equipment
- Recreational activities like campfires, grills, fireworks, or sunburns
At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand the devastating impact burn injuries can have on your life. Whether your injury occurred at work, at home, on the road, or during recreational activities, our experienced Louisiana burn injury attorneys are here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Compensation for Burn Injuries in Louisiana
When you or a loved one suffers a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, pursuing compensation is crucial to cover the extensive medical and financial burdens that follow. Our dedicated Louisiana burn injury attorneys are committed to helping you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you grasp the full scope of what you may be entitled to recover.
Types of Compensation Available
Medical expenses form a significant part of the compensation, encompassing immediate medical care such as emergency room visits, surgeries, and initial hospital stays required to stabilize and treat burn injuries. Burn victims often need long-term care, including follow-up surgeries, skin grafts, and specialized treatments that can extend over months or years. Rehabilitation and therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling, are often necessary to aid in recovery and adaptation to life post-injury. Additionally, compensation may cover medication and medical supplies costs, such as pain management medications, antibiotics, and necessary medical supplies like bandages and dressings.
Lost wages are another critical aspect of compensation. This includes past lost wages for the income you lost while recovering from your burn injuries and unable to work, as well as future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or any form of employment.
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the significant and prolonged physical pain caused by burn injuries, as well as the emotional distress resulting from the trauma of experiencing and living with burn injuries. This distress can manifest as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Disfigurement and scarring are common consequences of burn injuries that can have profound effects on your appearance and self-esteem. Compensation can address these life-altering consequences. Additionally, burn injuries can severely impact your ability to enjoy life’s activities and hobbies that you once participated in, and compensation can be sought for this loss of enjoyment and diminished quality of life.
Home and vehicle modifications are often necessary when burn injuries result in mobility challenges. You may need to modify your home with ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms, and adapt your vehicle to accommodate your new needs, such as installing hand controls or lifts.
In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Begin Your Recovery with Our Louisiana Burn Injury Attorneys
Clayton, Frugé & Ward understands the difficulties that burn survivors are facing. Months of recovery, chronic physical pain, and rising medical debt make a burn injury one of the most difficult challenges any individual can experience. Even when the wounds have healed, burn victims often have emotional or financial losses they’ll struggle with for the rest of their lives.
Our firm advocates for our clients against their wrongdoers to recover what they’ve lost. We believe that no one should escape the repercussions of inflicting such serious injury. When you call our Louisiana burn injury lawyers, we will listen to your story and begin building a case that will fight for your maximum compensation.
You don’t have to deal with your injuries alone—call us today to take the first step toward recovery.
Call today for a free consultation at (225) 209-9943. If we take your case, you do not pay unless we win.