Burn injuries can bring lifelong pain, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma. If another party’s negligence led to your injury, you have the right to seek full compensation with a burn injury claim.
A serious personal injury attorney can guide you through each step, from gathering evidence and estimating medical and wage losses to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to trial. In this blog, we explain how working with an experienced burn injury attorney can help to protect your rights and maximize your recovery under Louisiana law.
Understanding Burn Injury Claims
Burn injuries range from first-degree burns (red, painful skin) to third- and fourth-degree burns (deep tissue damage). You may have scars, nerve damage, or loss of function. If another person or company caused your burns, for example a faulty appliance or unsafe work conditions, you can file burn injury claims.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can arise in both industrial and home environments. On worksites, fires often start when flammable chemicals spill or vapors ignite near sparks and hot surfaces. Factory workers and construction crews face this threat daily. Even a small leak of a corrosive cleaning agent can cause deep skin damage on contact.
Electrical burns also pose a serious risk. Exposed wiring, damaged cords, or overloaded outlets can deliver a powerful shock that burns the entry and exit points on the body. Finally, any appliance or device that overheats, including space heaters placed too close to curtains, malfunctioning hair tools, or faulty electronics, can overheat and ignite or cause contact burns.
Key Deadlines in Louisiana
In Louisiana, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar your right to seek compensation. Acting fast gives you the best chance to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Role of a Serious Personal Injury Attorney
A serious personal injury attorney understands how to investigate your burn accident. They can collect police reports, medical records, and expert opinions related to the injury. They can help determine who is legally at fault and explain the complex rules for burn injury claims.
They track and meet strict filing deadlines so your case never expires. Your attorney also handles every interaction with insurance companies, sparing you from stressful negotiations and aggressive adjusters. Most importantly, they fight to secure the full compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured.
Choosing the right burn injury attorney makes all the difference. Look for an attorney who has a proven track record handling similar claims. Make sure they work on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront cost to you. That way they collect their fee only if you win. Finally, find an attorney who offers a free first meeting to review your case, answer your questions, and map out a clear path forward.
Steps to File Your Burn Injury Claim
Building a strong burn injury claim starts with collecting every piece of evidence you can find. Save all medical records and bills related to your treatment. Take clear photos of your burns and the scene where the accident occurred. An attorney can help ask any witnesses or co-workers to give written statements about what they saw. If a fire marshal or safety inspector investigated the incident, your attorney can get a copy of their report. Having this documentation ready is key to proving your case.
Calculating Compensation for Burn Injury Claims
Your burn injury attorney will work with you to add up all of your losses. This begins with past and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up visits. Next, you’ll account for lost income if you missed work, as well as any reduction in your ability to earn a living. Don’t forget costs for physical therapy or home care, which can quickly add up. Finally, your attorney will assign a value to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life that come with a serious burn injury.
Submitting Your Claim
With evidence gathered and damages calculated, your attorney drafts a demand letter. This letter explains how the injury occurred, who was at fault, and how much money you need to make you whole. Your attorney sends the demand letter to the insurer or the party responsible for the burn. If they refuse to offer a fair deal, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate court and press for the compensation you deserve.
Bringing Your Burn Injury Case to Court
Most burn injury claims settle before reaching a courtroom, but if settlement talks stall, your attorney shifts focus to trial preparation. They file all necessary court papers and meet every legal deadline. At trial, you or your attorney first tell your story to the jury, laying out the facts of the accident and its impact on your life. You’ll then present medical proof of your injuries and call expert witnesses to explain the burn damage and your future care needs. After both sides finish, the jury will decide who is at fault and what compensation, if any, you should receive.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Counsel
Burn injury claims require speed and skill. Medical records and witness memories may fade over time, so early action locks in proof and strengthens your case. An attorney will work to ensure you meet deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.
At Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello, our serious personal injury attorneys have won millions for serious personal injury victims across Louisiana. We handle all aspects of your claim, from investigation to negotiation to trial.
Call Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello today for a free consultation on your burn injury claims and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.