Florida burn injury lawyer

A burn injury can be debilitating, and in some instances, life-threatening. The legal team at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath recognize that burn victims and their families may be unaware of their rights and the aggressive investigation required to achieve fair compensation.

Keep reading to learn about your rights and how we can help you and your family in the aftermath of a burn injury.

Damages you may be able to recover

Damages are the financial losses you’ve incurred because you’re hurt. There are two main types of damages in a personal injury case – economic and non-economic.

Economic damages are the tangible losses you’ve suffered, losses that come with a “paper trail” of bills, invoices, and receipts. These include all of the bills associated with your treatment – your hospital stay, the costs of any surgeries, your prescriptions, and more. They also include the wages you’ve lost because you’re unable to work.

On the other hand, non-economic damages don’t lend themselves to easy calculations because they’re subjective. You’re probably experiencing a great deal of pain and suffering, and you’re probably going through a lot of emotional trauma.

There’s also a chance you can no longer pursue your favorite activities, and you’ve experienced a loss of quality of life. A skilled Florida burn injury lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you obtain compensation for these more subjective losses as well.

Types of burns

These are just a few of the more common types of burns. Medical professionals classify burns in terms of “degrees,” which we’ll discuss later.

Chemical burns

Chemical burns occur when a strong acid or base comes into contact with the skin or eyes, causing damage to the tissues. Symptoms may include redness, pain, and blisters. Immediate first aid involves flushing the affected area with water and seeking medical attention.

Thermal burns

Thermal burns are caused by heat, such as fire, hot liquids, or steam. The severity of the burn depends on the duration and intensity of the heat exposure. Symptoms may include redness, blistering,  and skin peeling. First aid involves cooling the burn with water and seeking medical attention if necessary.

Radiation burns

Radiation burns occur when the skin is exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, such as through ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, X-rays, or medical procedures. Symptoms typically include skin discoloration, blisters, and ulceration.

Electrical burns

Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body causing tissue damage. Symptoms may include skin damage, muscle pain, and nerve damage. These burns often occur due to defective products or malfunctioning equipment.

Burns are classified by the degree of severity

First-degree burns

First-degree burns are minor burns that only affect the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms may include redness, pain, and swelling. Treatment involves cooling the burn with water and applying a soothing lotion or cream. The burn usually heals within a week.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns are deeper burns that affect the outer and underlying layers of the skin. You can usually spot a second-degree burn by its wet or moist appearance.

Symptoms may also include pain and swelling, but blisters may form as well. Treatment involves cooling the burn with water and applying a sterile dressing to protect the wound. Depending on the severity, the burn may take several weeks to heal and may leave a scar.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns are severe, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissues, as well as muscle and bone. Symptoms may include charring or blackening of the skin, numbness, and a dry, white, or leathery appearance. Treatment involves emergency medical attention and may include skin grafts or other surgical interventions.

Third-degree burns often leave significant scarring and may have long-term complications such as nerve damage.

Who may be liable for your burn injury

It may not be your fault if you are the victim of a burn injury caused by a careless driver, poor installation, improper maintenance, and leaks that result in an explosion.

The Florida personal injury lawyers with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath understand the hardships caused by burn injuries and the difficulty in getting justice. As such, we are committed to devoting maximum effort to recoup the highest possible compensation to defray medical or funeral expenses.

Common causes of burns

Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath provide legal guidance and representation for burn injuries that include but are not limited to:

Car and truck accidents

Chemical, electrical, and heat burns are the most common types of burns from an auto accident. Most chemical burns occur when hazardous or even cleaning chemicals that are being transported spill and come in contact with the skin during an accident.

The electrical system in motor vehicles provides numerous opportunities for individuals to experience an electrical burn. Heat burns are also common in car accidents and happen through compulsory interaction with a hot metallic surface, open flame, boiling liquid, and or scorching steam.

Dangerous or defective products at home or in the workplace

Liquid burns can occur wherever combustible liquids are used or stored. This type of burn injury typically occurs in residential homes and work environments that use multiple chemical products for cleaning, flammable liquids, and power equipment.

Home or workplace explosions

Burns received from an explosion are usually the most damaging due to the potential for long-lasting physical incapacities. According to the American Burn Association, increased outdoor activities such as grilling, sailing, and camping cause more flammable burn accidents during the summer months.

Also, vapors from propane and gasoline that have the power to ignite even below room temperature can result in severe burn injuries. Since the extent of suffering from an explosion burn injury is usually more severe, the pain, suffering, and financial depletion can continue for months, years, or even a lifetime. It is therefore critical to get the appropriate counsel and the best representation.

Overexposure to radiation

Radiation burns can occur from too much sun exposure, frequent X-rays, and radioactive fallout. Depending on the type and level of radiation exposure, the burn injury can range from mild to severe and in some cases even be fatal.

Burns are often coupled with lingering costs and pain associated with loss of income, medical procedures, scarring, and even disfigurement. Our attorneys are keenly aware that whether a burn injury results in permanent scarring or not is often dependent on how the wound is treated.

As a result, our attorneys are passionate about expediting the time it takes to reach the best resolution for our clients.

Best burn treatment centers in Florida

There are several top-tier burn treatment centers in Florida providing comprehensive and specialized care for patients with burn injuries. Here are some of the best in our state:

• University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Burn Center: One of the largest and most comprehensive burn centers in the United States, this burn center has a team of highly skilled burn specialists who provide advanced treatment options such as skin grafts, wound care, and reconstructive surgery. Jackson Memorial also has an outpatient clinic that offers ongoing care for burn survivors.
• Tampa General Hospital Burn Center: Tampa General is recognized as one of the best in the country. The center offers specialized treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which can help promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• Orlando Regional Medical Center/Warden Burn Center: This burn center is staffed by a team of experienced specialists. The center provides a range of treatments such as skin grafts, burn wound care, and physical therapy. It also has a burn survivor support group that offers resources and support to those who have experienced a burn injury.
• Shands Burn Center at the University of Florida: Shands has a team of burn specialists who provide comprehensive care for patients with burn injuries. They offer specialized treatments such as reconstructive surgery, laser therapy, and occupational therapy.
•  HCA Blake Hospital: Located in Bradenton, this burn center is the only Level II burn and trauma center serving Manatee County. The center offers a range of treatments such as skin grafts, wound care, and physical therapy.

How our skilled Florida burn injury lawyers can help you

Every burn injury victim or family member is assigned an experienced and professional team of qualified investigators and attorneys with expertise in the burn injury judicial process. Our goal for every client is for you to receive the finest medical care and support as well as to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering.

Burned in an incident that wasn’t your fault? Give us a call.

If you or a family member have suffered a burn injury in an accident, at work, or through the negligence of others, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for the appropriate counsel and legal advice.

We will fight hard for you. Contact us today at (561) 655-1990.