Atlanta Burn Injury Attorneys
Get Legal Representation After an Atlanta Burn Accident
When people think of burns, they often think of the immediate effects, like excruciating pain. However, the devastation of a burn injury may not be restricted to the body. Many victims face long-term consequences in the form of mental trauma, emotional suffering, and financial stress. Extended hospital stays, expensive surgeries, and long periods of recovery and rehabilitation are not uncommon. Many victims even face hardship in their professional and social lives.
If you have suffered burn injuries due to the negligent actions of another party, you have the right to seek compensation. At Grant Law Office, our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys have won six- and seven-figure settlements for countless clients. Get a dependable legal team with a proven track record on your side. Call us at (404) 995-3955 for a free case review.
Burn Injury Verdicts and Settlements
- $400,000 - For burn injury caused by defective appliance, microwave oven
Click here for more verdicts and settlements.
Frequent Causes of Burn Injuries
Vehicle accidents are a significant cause of burn injuries, often resulting from vehicle fires or explosions. When vehicles collide, the impact can damage fuel systems, causing leaks that may ignite. The combination of flammable liquids and electrical sparks can lead to intense fires, trapping occupants and causing severe burns.
Household and structural fires are common sources of burn injuries, often resulting from faulty wiring or heating equipment malfunctions. These fires can spread rapidly, trapping occupants and exposing them to extreme heat and flames. In addition to thermal burns, victims may also suffer from smoke inhalation, which can cause respiratory issues and further complicate recovery.
Electrical burns happen when an electric current passes through the body, potentially affecting not only the skin but also internal organs and tissues. These burns may result from direct contact with electrical sources due damaged power lines, bad wiring, or defective appliance. Hot surfaces and steam from ruptured cooling systems may cause thermal burns.
Burn injuries can occur anywhere – at home, in the workplace, on a public property, etc. – and are commonly caused by the following:
- Car accidents
- Structural and household fires
- Electrical fires
- Hot liquid and steam
- Hot metal, glass, or other objects that conduct heat
- Exposure to chemicals such as acids, lye, and gasoline
- Radiation
- Sunlight or ultraviolet light
- Gas explosions
Who’s Liable for Burn Injuries in Atlanta?
Determining liability and negligence in burn injury cases involves pinpointing who is at fault. This process requires a comprehensive investigation of the event, focusing on whether safety protocols were followed and if any preventable errors occurred. Proving negligence involves demonstrating that the responsible party's actions or failure to act resulted in burn injuries.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your Atlanta burn incident, the following parties may be held liable for your damages:
- The negligent and/or reckless driver of the vehicle that hit you;
- The manufacturer of a dangerous and/or defective product;
- A property owner who did not address dangerous conditions on his or her premises; or
- Any individual who caused your burn injury through negligence – or failure to act with reasonable care.
Proving liability, however, can be difficult. Please contact the Grant Law Office as soon as you can for immediate legal assistance. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
What Are the Different Types of Burns Injuries?
Burn injuries are categorized into several types based on their cause. Thermal burns are the most common and result from contact with flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects. Chemical burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with harsh chemicals like acids, alkalis, or solvents. Electrical burns are caused by electric currents passing through the body, which can cause deep tissue damage. Radiation burns result from exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from the sun or medical treatments.
The burn classification system of degrees is based on the extent to which a burn damages the skin.
- First-degree burns: These burns are considered superficial and affect only the epidermis, or the topmost layer of the skin. The affected area usually turns red and becomes painful and dry but does not develop blisters.
- Second-degree burns: Two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis, are damaged. Blisters usually develop on affected areas. Skin grafts may be required.
- Third-degree burns: Both layers of skin of destroyed and underlying nerves, bones, and muscles may be damaged. Skin grafts and long-term care are often necessary for treatment.
- Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, penetrating all layers of the skin and affecting muscles, tendons, bones, and internal organs. These injuries are often fatal.
What Is the Healing Process for Burn Injuries?
For minor injuries, some basic first-aid treatment along with the passage of time is enough. Serious burns, on the other hand, will require laborious procedures for the prevention of pain and infection. This includes skin grafts, custom pressure garments, rehabilitation sessions and therapy, smoke inhalation treatment, and closely monitored nutrient and fluid intake. The deepest burns can damage or destroy nerve tissue, causing the victim to suffer impediments to his or her mobility. Permanent deformities may cause a victim to seek mental health counseling and cosmetic aide. All in all, the costs of these treatments can amount to exorbitant levels, which many cannot afford without significant financial assistance.
How Long Does Recovery Usually Take?
Recovery times vary with the location and the severity of the burn injury. More serious burns often require highly skilled and specialized medical treatment that can take months, even years to finish. Unfortunately, not all victims heal fully – some are left with long-term, if not lifelong, debilitation and disability.
What Damages Can I Recover In My Burn Injury Claim?
The general rule of thumb for personal injury claims is this: the worse your injuries and other losses, the more damages you can receive. Below is a list of damages that you could be entitled to recover in your case:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Claims for Families of Atlanta Burn Victims
In Georgia, a wrongful death is legally defined as a death caused by the negligent, reckless, intentional, or criminal actions of another party. This may include fatalities resulting from car accidents, defective products, workplace accidents, and criminal acts. Establishing a wrongful death claim requires proving that the defendant's actions directly caused the victim’s death.
Compensation available for families in wrongful death claims aims to address the financial and emotional hardships caused by the loss of a loved one. Under Georgia law, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. Compensation may cover medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Resources Available for Burn Injury Victims in Atlanta
Burn treatment centers are specialized medical facilities dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of burn injury victims. These centers are equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experts in burn care, including surgeons, nurses, and therapists. Accessing a burn treatment center can significantly improve outcomes for victims, offering comprehensive care plans tailored to their specific needs and facilitating a smoother recovery process.
Burn treatment centers offer a range of therapeutic services, including physical and occupational therapy, to help patients regain function and mobility. Psychological support is another critical component, addressing the emotional and mental health challenges that often accompany severe burn injuries.
Support group services play a vital role in the recovery process for burn injury victims. Support groups provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs with others who understand their struggles. These groups offer emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community, helping victims cope with the psychological impact of their injuries.
Rehabilitation services focus on physical recovery, offering specialized therapies to improve mobility, strength, and overall function. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals work with victims to develop personalized rehabilitation plans. These services may include exercises, adaptive techniques, and assistive devices to enhance daily living skills.
Why You Need a Compassionate Atlanta Burn Injury Lawyer
It can be difficult to handle the complex legal procedures pertaining to a lawsuit, especially when you’re recovering from a painful and debilitating burn injury. However, an Atlanta burn injury lawyer who has experience in these matters can handle your case in your stead and help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve for your losses. Do not forego getting professional legal representation – or you may regret it!
Contact Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955 for answers to your Atlanta burn accident case questions. We are available to evaluate your case, lead you in the right direction, and help you get the compensation you need from the person or party responsible for your injury.
Additional Information
- The Varying Degrees and Severity of Burn Injuries
- Common Causes For Atlanta Burn Injuries
- The Dangers of Chemical Exposure at a Pool
- Burn Information from MedlinePlus
Contact us today for a free and comprehensive case evaluation.
We require no legal retainer or upfront fees,
and you pay nothing unless we prevail.
Phone: (404) 995-3955