Burn injuries are devastating. They cause severe physical pain, often lasting months or even a lifetime. Victims may face permanent disfigurement, disability, and ongoing struggles with anxiety, depression, and other health issues. In addition to the emotional toll, burn injuries bring unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, and a dramatic change in how life was planned.
If you or someone you know suffered a burn injury because of the negligence of another, schedule a consultation with Falcon Law Group. We help burn injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Se Habla Español.
What Are the Most Common Ways Burn Injuries Occur?
Burn injuries in Louisiana most often occur due to exposure to heat from liquids, steam, surfaces, fire, electricity, or radiation. Common scenarios include:
- On-the-Job Accidents: Chemical burns, electrical burns, or fires in industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing.
- Car or Truck Accidents: Burns can result from vehicle fires or explosions.
- Defective Products: Faulty appliances, batteries, or electronics that overheat and cause burns.
- Premises Liability: Fires or explosions in hotels, apartments, or public buildings due to faulty equipment or lack of safety measures.
What Are Common Types of Burn Injuries?
There are four basic types of burn injuries:
- Thermal Burns: Caused by flames, steam, or scalding liquids.
- Flash Burns: Result from exposure to explosions or sudden bursts of fire.
- Chemical Burns: Occur when the skin comes into contact with caustic substances.
- Inhalation Injury: Damage to the respiratory system from breathing smoke or chemicals.
Burns are classified as first, second, third, or fourth degree, with third and fourth degree burns being the most severe and often requiring extensive medical care, surgery, skin grafts, or even amputation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Burn Injury?
Determining liability in a burn injury case depends on the circumstances. Common responsible parties include:
- Employers: If the injury happened at work due to unsafe conditions or lack of proper safety equipment.
- Property owners: If the injury occurred on unsafe premises, such as a building without working fire alarms or smoke detectors.
- Product manufacturers: If a defective product caused the burn.
- Vehicle manufacturers or drivers: If a car or truck accident resulted in burns.
Liability is often complex, and multiple parties may share responsibility. An experienced burn injury lawyer can help identify all liable parties and ensure you receive full compensation.
Types of Compensation for Burn Injuries
Burn injury victims may be eligible for financial compensation, including:
- Emergency, current, and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Temporary and permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
- Physical therapy
- Job training
Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including burn injury claims, depends on when the injury occurred. For burn injuries that happened on or after July 1, 2024, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. For injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, the deadline is one year from the injury date.
There are important exceptions to these rules:
- Minors: If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18.
- Discovery Rule: If your injury was not immediately apparent or the cause was not obvious, the time limit may start when you knew or reasonably should have known about your injury.
- Wrongful Death: If a burn injury results in death, the deadline to file a wrongful death claim is one year from the date of death.
- Government Claims: If your claim involves a government agency, the filing deadline is usually much shorter.
Failing to file within the statute of limitations can permanently bar your right to compensation. Early legal consultation is crucial to protect your claim and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Help for Victims: Experienced Louisiana Burn Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffers from a burn injury, you don’t have to face everything alone. The experienced Louisiana burn injury lawyers at Falcon Law Group are here to help get you what you need and deserve. Schedule your consultation now.
Our personal injury attorneys proudly serve clients across Louisiana, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and surrounding parishes.
