Burn Injury Lawyers in Auburn, AL

Burns are among the most painful and potentially debilitating injuries an individual can suffer. Victims often undergo extensive medical treatment and there is a long road to recovery, especially in the most severe cases.

When a burn injury occurs, families are faced with mounting expenses for hospitalization, treatments and procedures, rehabilitation, and related costs. This combined with several days, weeks, or even months out of work can make it difficult for the household to make ends meet.

When someone suffers a burn injury that is caused by the negligence or reckless actions of another party, the victim deserves to be compensated. Recovering compensation can be a complex and challenging process, however, and it is important to have strong legal counsel in your corner advocating forcefully for your rights and interests.

At Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short, LLP, we have successfully represented clients who have suffered burn injuries and other types of personal injuries in Auburn, Alabama since 1959. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of this area of the law, and we work closely with our clients to provide the skilled and personalized representation they need and deserve. Our legal team works collaboratively, putting our in-depth experience to work to explore every potential legal avenue toward obtaining full and fair compensation on behalf of each client we serve.

What Causes Burn Injuries?

There are numerous incidents that can result in burn injuries, some of the most common include:

• Auto Accidents
• Trucking Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bike and Pedestrian Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Defective Product Accidents
• Electrical Accidents
• House and Apartment Fires and Explosions
• Scalding Accidents
• Chemical Accidents

Burn injuries fall into several different categories:

• Thermal Burns: These are burns that occur when the body comes into contact with something hot; such as a flame or fire, hot liquid or steam (known as a scald), or a hot object like a pan or iron. Thermal burns can happen just about anywhere, and they are the most common type of burn injury.
• Electrical Burns: These are burns that happen when the body is shocked by an electrical current. This is commonly known as electrocution. The shock or jolt from an electrical burn can cause internal injuries, and sometimes, the shock or jolt can be so severe that it ignites the clothes the individual is wearing, resulting in a thermal burn as well.
• Chemical Burns: These are burns that happen when to body comes in contact with a toxic chemical substance, such as acid. Acid is a key ingredient in several household cleaners, as well as in substances used in many workplaces. For example, toxic chemicals are commonly used in factories, construction sites, and medical facilities.
• Friction Burns: A friction burn happens when the skin’s surface scrapes or rubs repeatedly against another heat-generating surface. Common examples include rope burns and rug/carpet burns.
• Radiation Burns: These are burns that damage the skin or biological tissue caused by overexposure to radiation. The most common type of radiation burn is sunburn. This type of burn can also happen in tanning beds or with cancer patients who are undergoing radiation treatment.

Severity of Burn Injuries

Some burn injuries are minor skin breaches that heal fairly quickly on their own. Others can penetrate deeper into the skin, resulting in a more serious injury. Burns are classified by their degree of severity:

• First-Degree Burns: A first-degree burn is the mildest type, penetrating only the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. These burns can usually be treated at home and without having to go to the hospital.
• Second-Degree Burns: A second-degree burn penetrates the top two layers of the skin; the epidermis and the dermis. These types of burns will often require a skin transplant or replacement, or other types of medical treatment.
• Third-Degree Burns: A third-degree burn is more severe, penetrating three layers of skin. These types of burns are typically characterized by skin that appears leathery, white, brown, or black. Accompanying symptoms may include swelling, numbness, and excruciating pain in the areas that are affected. Third-degree burns often require immediate medical attention, ongoing treatment, and extensive rehabilitation periods.

Damages for Burn Injury Cases in Auburn, Alabama

Victims of severe burns that result from another party’s negligent or reckless actions or omissions can pursue compensation for their injuries from the party responsible. Damages for burn injuries may include compensation for:

• Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity
• Physical Pain and Suffering
• Emotional/Psychological Distress
• Loss of Enjoyment
• Loss of Consortium

Recovering damages for burn injuries can be a complicated process. An extensive investigation is required to obtain all the facts and evidence in the case. This may include accident reports, medical records, photographs and video footage of the accident scene, statements from eyewitnesses, and statements from expert witnesses who have specialized knowledge of various aspects of the case. The information compiled is used to present a clear and convincing case for damages during settlement negotiations and/or litigation.

The laws in Alabama make it even more challenging for personal injury victims to obtain damages. Alabama applies the “contributory negligence” legal doctrine. Under this doctrine, an injured party who is found to be even 1% at-fault for the incident that led to the injury can be barred from recovering compensation. Because of the high legal standard for injury cases in this state, it is critical to be represented by an attorney who thoroughly understands state laws and has a successful track record with these types of cases.

Speak with a Compassionate Burn Injury Attorney in Auburn, Alabama

At Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Thompson & Short, we understand that burn injuries can exact a major physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families, and our goal is to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. We handle the entire process from A to Z. We thoroughly investigate the case to determine the exact cause, and we go to work immediately to put together a rock-solid case designed to prevail at trial and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. Along the way, we provide frequent updates on the progress of the case, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call our office today at 334-821-3892. You may also send us a message through our online contact form or stop by our Auburn office at your convenience.