Severe burns are some of the most painful injuries that a person can sustain. Burn injury victims may require hospitalization, surgeries, skin grafts, and other medical treatment. In addition to the physical pain victims endure, disfigurement from burns can cause intense emotional trauma.
Have you or someone you love suffered a burn injury in a Birmingham, AL, accident due to someone else’s negligence? If so, the compassionate personal injury lawyers at our law firm are here to help. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. We can offer legal guidance and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Norris Injury Lawyers has more than 40 years of experience representing burn accident victims in Birmingham and throughout the State of Alabama. Schedule your free case consultation today. We offer all our clients our No Fee Guarantee®. Call us 24/7 at (800) 477-7510 or fill out the online consultation form.
Common Causes of Birmingham, AL Burn Injuries
The American Burn Association reported that over 400,000 people receive treatment for burns every year. Tragically, many victims of burn injuries are young children.
Oftentimes, a burn injury occurs because someone was reckless, negligent, or simply not paying attention.
A burn injury may occur for a variety of reasons including:
- Car accidents
- House fires
- Medical malpractice
- Electrical accidents
- Construction accidents
- Explosions
- Defective products
- Workplace incidents
Identifying Different Types of Burn Injuries
The type of burn injury a person sustains depends on what caused it. The following are some of the most common types of burn injuries:
- Thermal burns: These types of burns occur when you are exposed to a hot object. Flames, hot metals, steam, and scalding liquids can cause a thermal burn.
- Radiation burns: A radiation burn injury may be the result of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Examples include sunburns, X-rays, or radiation used to treat cancer patients.
- Electrical burns: Exposure to electricity or an electric current can cause this type of burn injury.
- Chemical burns: Exposure to strong chemicals such as acids, detergents, alkalies, and solvents can cause a chemical burn injury.
- Cold burns: A cold burn, sometimes referred to as “frostbite,” occurs when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
What Are the Classifications of Burns?
Medical professionals classify burns into different degrees of severity. The following is an overview of the four main categories of burn injury:
- First-degree burns: A first-degree burn is mild and only affects the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. Symptoms include red, painful skin, but no blistering. Common causes are a sunburn or touching a hot pan on the stove.
- Second-degree burns: A second-degree burn is more serious, with both the epidermis and the dermis- the layer underneath- being damaged. Symptoms include pain, redness, blistering, and swelling. Causes may include exposure to flames, a hot object, or scalding liquid.
- Third-degree burns: A third-degree burn is sometimes referred to as a “full-thickness burn,” affecting the epidermis, dermis, and damaging the tissue underneath. Symptoms include white or black skin, and the burned parts of the body may go numb if nerve endings were damaged.
- Fourth-degree burns: A fourth-degree burn is the deepest, is the most severe, and can even be life-threatening. All of the layers of skin are affected as well as tissue, muscles, tendons, and even bone. A burn this extreme can result in many medical complications such as joint problems, infection, and even amputation.
Medical Complications From Burn Injuries
There are many different functions and systems of the body that may be affected by severe burns. Some victims of burn injuries heal quickly, while others face ongoing health problems and challenges.
These complications may include:
- Bacterial infection
- Scars
- Breathing problems
- Bone and joint problems
- Fluid loss
- Hypothermia
In addition to physical pain, victims of burn injuries may face emotional and psychological trauma. This could present itself in various ways including:
- Depression
- Family problems
- Insomnia
- PTSD
- Changes in body image
- Flashbacks of the accident
- Social withdraw
Who is Liable for Birmingham Burn Injury Accidents?
A Birmingham burn injury lawyer can investigate your accident and determine fault. Liability for your burn injury depends on where your accident occurred and how.
The following are some of the parties that may be liable for burn injury accidents:
- Employers: If you were injured at work, your employer may be held responsible. Employees may be able to collect workers’ compensation damages. If not, a lawyer could help you file a personal injury lawsuit or claim.
- Drivers: In car crashes that involve fire, the negligent taxi, rideshare, or another driver may be responsible for the incident. If the accident occurred on a public transportation vehicle, the transit company or a government agency could be liable.
- Building or property owners: Property owners are required to install fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and other safety features. If you were injured on someone else’s land, home, or business, then the property owner could be held liable for your burn injuries.
- Parts manufacturers: Manufacturers of car parts and other products are required to follow certain regulations to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If a design or manufacturing flaw caused your injuries, then the manufacturer could be responsible for the accident.
How a Birmingham Burn Injury Attorney Can Help
While you may question the need for a Birmingham burn injury attorney after your accident, there are many benefits to having a trusted legal representative on your side. Burn injury lawsuits can be challenging and complex, requiring a thorough investigation involving expert witnesses, medical providers, and insurance companies.
Consider the following reasons for hiring a Birmingham burn injury lawyer:
- Utilize their legal knowledge. The lawyers from our law firm know the Alabama state laws and regulations that apply to your personal injury case inside and out. We can assess your case, present the facts to you, and help you make the best decision.
- Receive needed medical treatment. Depending on the severity of your injuries, medical treatment after an accident may be extensive and costly. Your attorney will ensure that you receive the help that you need and that the at-fault party is held financially responsible for your healthcare expenses.
- Investigate your case. Our Birmingham burn injury attorneys can investigate the cause of your accident. This could involve speaking to eyewitnesses, viewing video footage, obtaining copies of police reports, and gathering other evidence.
- Identify liable parties. There may be more than one party responsible for your accident. Our burn injury lawyers can identify all liable parties and work to hold them accountable for their actions.
- File a claim. If you have sustained severe burn injuries, the last thing you need is the added stress of filing a burn injury claim or lawsuit. Your attorney will ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
- Negotiate a fair settlement. The majority of burn injury cases are settled out of court. The lawyers at our law firm are experienced negotiators and know how to obtain maximum compensation for our clients.
Compensation After Your Birmingham, AL Burn Injury
If you or someone you loved sustained serious burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may be eligible to recover some or all of the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
Contact Our Birmingham Burn Injury Lawyers Today
The knowledgeable and compassionate legal team at Norris Injury Lawyers has successfully handled burn injury cases in Birmingham and throughout the State of Alabama for decades. We may be able to help you and your family receive full and fair compensation for your injuries as well.
Norris Injury Lawyers represents clients on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win or settle your Birmingham burn injury case, then you don’t owe us a dime. No upfront costs. No hidden fees.
If you or someone you love suffered a burn injury, contact us today to schedule a free review of your case. Call us 24/7 at (800) 477-7510, start a live chat with us, or fill out the online information form.
