Baton Rouge Burn Injury Lawyer

Seeking Compensation for Burn Victims

Suffering a burn injury because of someone else’s negligence can be devastating. Burn injuries are severe, and many require hospitalization and extensive medical treatment. Medical bills can lead to financial strain, especially if you have to take time off work to rest and recover.

By working with a Baton Rouge burn injury lawyer, you can recover compensation for your injuries and get payment for the accident that caused your pain and suffering. Our team at Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, can walk you through your case from beginning to end, helping you identify liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and more. We are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve after a serious burn injury.

Please don’t feel like you must navigate this challenging time on your own. Call (225) 263-6194 to learn more about our law firm and how we can help you.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries range in severity. The type of burn you suffer can impact your treatment options and your long-term symptoms. It’s essential to seek medical attention after any burn injury, even if it doesn’t seem serious.

The different types of burn injuries include:

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are minor burns that often occur when people come into contact with hot water or hot oil. They don’t usually cause long-term symptoms and can often be treated at home.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns occur when the top and second layers of skin are injured. In most cases, small second-degree burns can be treated at home. However, if a second-degree burn is larger than three inches in diameter, it’s recommended that you see a medical professional.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are severe burns that harm both layers of skin and may also injure your muscles, tendons, nerve endings, or bones. Third-degree burns always require medical attention and could take several months to heal completely.

Fourth-Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns injure the skin and internal tissue, damaging a victim’s bones and muscles. Fourth-degree burns may not ever heal and are often fatal.

What Long-Term Complications Can Burns Cause?

Burns are complicated injuries, and even minor burns can have long-term consequences. A severe burn injury that isn’t treated immediately can be dangerous and cause victims to suffer even more.
The long-term consequences of a burn injury include:

Infections

Burns are very susceptible to infection, especially if they are exposed to unclean environments. Burned skin can also increase the risk of sepsis.

Hypothermia

Damaged skin loses the ability to retain heat. While it sounds counterintuitive, burn victims can suffer from hypothermia after a severe injury.

Low Blood Volume

Burns that damage the blood vessels can cause fluid loss. Low blood volume disrupts the body’s ability to pump blood, which can cause complications.

Respiratory Issues

Some burn victims inhale hot air and smoke, leading to damage to the respiratory system. This can cause lung damage and respiratory failure.

Joint Problems

Scar tissue can cause mobility issues, tightening the skin and muscles and pulling joints out of position.

Psychological Trauma

Burn injuries are traumatic, and many victims develop issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Scarring and disfigurement can also cause self-esteem issues.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries are often caused by negligent accidents that could have been prevented. Unfortunately, burn injuries are common, and they can happen for a variety of reasons.
The most common causes of burn injuries include:

Car Fires

Cars contain highly flammable gasoline, which can ignite during a car accident. Explosions, heat exposure, and smoke inhalation can cause devastating injuries.

House Fires

House fires can be caused by defective products and poor fire safety. Many people develop severe burns and incur thousands of dollars in property damage after a house fire.

Industrial Accidents

Factories and other industrial environments contain toxic substances and hot surfaces. Workers can be seriously injured if the proper safety protocols are not in place.

Oil Industry Fires

In Louisiana, many people work on or near oil and gas. Exposure to toxic chemicals, explosions, and fires in these areas can cause severe burn injuries.

Workplace Accidents

Any worker can have an accident in their workplace that causes burns. Even if you don’t work near dangerous substances, you could be hurt by hot oils or liquids, exposed to electricity, and more.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Burn Injury?

A burn injury claim allows you to recover compensation for your injuries and other expenses. Because all burn injuries are different, the amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, our burn injury attorney can help you calculate your damages during your consultation.
Many victims recover compensation for the following:

• Medical bills, both past and future
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Lost wages from taking time off work
• Reduced future income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Compensation can pay for economic damages, like bills and expenses. It can also pay for things like emotional distress and mental anguish. Your burn injury has likely impacted your life in many ways, and you deserve to seek compensation for the experience.

Who is Liable for a Burn Injury?

Determining liability is an essential part of your personal injury claim. Depending on how you were hurt and what the circumstances were, there may be multiple liable parties at fault for your injuries.
The most common parties held liable for a burn injury include:

Property Owners

Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe environments. If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you could hold them responsible for your injuries.

Employers

Employers must ensure their employees are safe from harm. If you were injured on the job, you could hold your employer liable.

Manufacturers

Defective products can cause severe burn injuries. If you were hurt by a product, you could sue the product manufacturer or inventor.

Do You Need a Burn Injury Attorney?

If you have suffered burn injuries, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Burn injuries can cost thousands of dollars in medical bills alone. With help from our legal team, you can recover compensation and hold responsible parties liable for your injuries.

Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, is here to assist you after a burn injury. For more information and a free consultation about your case, call us today at (225) 263-6194.