Phoenix Burn Injury Lawyer
Phoenix Burn Injury Attorney
Dedication And Fierce Passion When You Have Suffered A Severe Burn
Burn injuries do not heal quickly or well. Frequently multiple operations and skin grafts are required if the burns are severe or cover a large area of the body. The expense of these procedures is high. The potential loss of mobility due to severe scarring can be devastating, as well as possibly shattering your personal image and self-confidence. If you have been badly burned in an accident caused by another’s negligence, you should not have to suffer alone.
At the law firm of Luis P. Guerra, LLC, our Phoenix burn injury lawyers have extensive experience with cases involving burn injury. Although results are not guaranteed, we strive to provide the best results for our clients and have obtained millions of dollars for our clients through our dedication to their causes and our relentless research and preparation of their cases. We put the same energy and passion into every case.
What Are Examples of Burn Injuries That Warrant a Lawsuit?
Burns can be caused by a multitude of accidents and incidents. For instance, scalding liquids and steam can cause burns when they come into contact with the skin. These kinds of burns are often the most severe, due to their proximity to major arteries and organs. If you’ve ever seen the words “caution: contents hot” printed across your coffee lid, that’s because of the landmark case in 1992, where 79 year-old Stella Liebeck sued McDonalds after receiving third-degree burns from a coffee so hot, she required skin grafts across a large portion of her body. Not only was Liebeck awarded damages to compensate her for her pain, suffering, and medical bills, but this case also changed the way the fast food industry handles hot beverages forever.
Some other general examples include:
- Explosions
- Car crashes due to negligent drivers
- Electrical accidents that cause burns or shocks—these accidents often create fires that cause other losses and injuries.
- Fire or heat damage caused by negligence in a home or place of business
- Defective products that cause burns
The first step after suffering a burn injury is to seek medical attention. This may be followed by many months of physical therapy. You need to be cared for by physicians and burn specialists who understand the long-term effects of burns on your body, including pain and the possibility of disability and disfigurement.
When you have been injured, our job is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive full compensation for your losses. We will work with you and the insurance companies to ensure that your rights are not violated or overlooked due to an insurance company’s desire to limit its financial responsibility.
Talk to a Phoenix Burn Injury Attorney, always standing by, ready for your call.
The Effects Burn Injuries to the Body
There are many different types of burns, ranging from minor to major. These injuries can have a long-lasting impact on the individual who has suffered them. The most common forms are first and second degree. A first degree burn only affects the outer layer of the skin, while second degree burns, on the other hand, are deeper and affect both the epidermis (outer layer) as well as the dermis (underneath). The most serious burns, however, are third degree burns, as they can destroy the entire layer of skin and any fat or muscle underneath. Depending on the severity, it may be necessary for the sufferer to spend an extended period in the hospital.
Regardless of the type of burn, all burns can cause significant damage and require medical treatment—and that can get expensive. When a burn is severe and causes permanent damage, the victim may be able to file a personal injury claim. This can help compensate for medical bills as well as any income that was lost due to the injury.
Can You Sue for First Degree Burn Injuries?
Many people wonder whether they can sue for first degree burns. The answer is yes, and such a burn injury could also give rise to other kinds of claims, such as medical negligence or product liability that an experienced burn injury lawyer can support.
To recover damages for a burn injury under the legal theory of “negligence”, a claimant must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, breached that duty by failing to meet certain standards or requirements, and that the plaintiff suffered injuries or losses due to the defendant’s breach of its duty.
Under Arizona law, there are certain individuals who owe a duty of care to the public in general. These include persons who have custody or control of an individual, such as parents and employers. When employers have a duty to an employee, they are also obligated to the public at large, due to that relationship.
In certain cases of first-degree burns, the defendant may be liable for failure to provide a safe place to work. This can include working conditions that are excessively hot or cold, failure to provide heat regulating equipment, failure to protect workers from harmful chemicals, vapors or fumes, and many other conditions that are dangerous.
In the case of defective products, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable for failure to warn consumers about dangers associated with its product. This is especially true if the product was defective or dangerous to use.
In a case involving first degree burns, all of these possible defendants could be liable for damages if their negligence caused the injury.
What are Second Degree Burns?
Second degree burns are less serious but can still cause significant pain and suffering for the victim. These kinds of burns are the most common type to result from accidents, but they can also occur through off-label use or misuse of prescription drugs. Second degree burns are frequently caused by scalding water or steam, but they can also be caused by chemicals or other substances.
Typically, second degree burns are characterized by redness and swelling of the affected area followed by blistering within a few days. The skin may be tender to the touch, but it is usually not painful. There will likely be no scarring. Second degree burns do not usually require a significant treatment period, although the victim may have to wear bandages or dressings to prevent infection. Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, but skin grafts may be necessary in some cases.
There is also the possibility of scarring, depending on how severe the burn is. A doctor should be consulted if the burn is on a sensitive area such as the face or hands, and there may also be ongoing pain associated with blistering. If you believe you have obtained a second degree burn due to someone else’s negligence, then you may be able to file a personal injury claim.
What Are Third Degree Burns?
Such as in Stella Liebeck’s case, third degree burns are the most serious type of burn injury. These kinds of injuries can be caused by an electric shock, dry heat (including fire), hot or caustic chemicals, steam, or scalding liquids.
If the skin is burned off completely, third degree burns are called full thickness burns. These kinds of injuries often require skin grafts, which are surgical procedures that replace the burned off skin with healthy donor skin from other parts of the body. Depending on how bad they are, full thickness burns can sometimes require amputation to save a person’s life. If a person is burned over a large area of their body or the burn was severe enough, they may have to undergo a skin graft for several months. In the case of third-degree burns, there is also a high risk of infection and other medical complications such as fluid loss.
Third degree burns are extremely painful, and they require a long treatment period. The victim will likely need to stay in the hospital during this time, and they will be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Debridement is the process of removing dead skin from a wound, which is usually done several times a day in the case of third-degree burns. If there are any dead areas, they will need to be removed surgically so that healthy skin can grow in its place.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Burned?
If you have been burned, the first thing to do is to get immediate medical attention. Your injuries will need to be treated as soon as possible so that you can avoid infection and other complications. You should also take a picture of the burn to document it, and you should keep any clothing that was burned in the accident.
If there are witnesses present who saw how the accident happened, you should try to get their contact information so that they can be contacted as necessary. If there were any surveillance cameras in the area, you should try to get a copy of the video footage.
You should also attempt to obtain any information from the person or business who is responsible for the accident. For example, if you got burned at a restaurant and there was an employee who served your food, then it is important to get their name and contact information.
If you have been burned as the result of someone else’s negligence or a defective product, then it may be possible to file a personal injury claim. To find out, the first thing that you should do is call a Phoenix burn injury lawyer, such as one from at the Law Offices of Kevin P. Haran, LLC.
Does a Bodily Burn Count as Trauma?
Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and it protects us from infection. As such, burns are considered traumatic to the body. Also, a burn is considered an emergency, and victims should seek medical attention immediately. Burns are classified by the percentages of how deep they go into the skin, as we outlined as first, second, or third-degree burns. These burns are considered to be traumatic to the skin, muscle, and other organs underneath. Not only can burns cause traumatic scarring, but the pain they inflict can be psychologically traumatic as well.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get from a Burn Injury Lawsuit?
Burn injuries can result in serious medical costs and lost wages. In some cases, the victim may need to take time off from work for medical appointments and physical therapy. Damages can also include pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, or loss of a body part.
Typically, damages are awarded based on the evidence presented in court and how much it would cost to treat the injury. The evidence can include medical records, x-rays, photographs of the burn(s), and other documents relevant to the case.
Who is Liable for Burn Injuries?
A person can be liable when they are responsible for causing the burn injury. For example, if they acted negligently or if they were careless with a dangerous product.
What Do I Need to Prove in My Burn Injury Lawsuit?
Burn injuries are often serious and can cause severe pain. To prove liability in court, you must show that the defendant was responsible for causing your burn injury. You also must show that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and lost wages.
For a person to be held liable, they must have been responsible (either directly or indirectly, depending on the circumstances) for causing the burn injury. This typically occurs through negligence, such as when a company does not warn users of the dangers associated with their product. However, of course, there are some people who choose to commit assault in ways that intentionally cause burns to their victim(s). These cases, such as arson or domestic abuse, should always be handled criminally, rather than in civil court.
You must also show that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and lost wages. Damages can include pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, or loss of a body part.
Phoenix Attorneys Pursuing Compensation For Injuries From Gas Explosions
We frequently use propane tanks, flammable chemicals, fuels and other products, not thinking of the catastrophic harm they can cause if something goes wrong. Accidents do occur, and people suffer because of them. Our law firm has handled burn injury cases involving:
- Car fires
- Gas explosions
- Home explosions
- Punctured gas lines
- Defective products
When harm does come to you or your family, it’s important to know you have a law firm on your side that can pursue compensation. You need a seasoned lawyer’s expertise—which includes many years of experience and a record of successful verdicts and settlements—to help you pursue the maximum compensation possible.
The Importance of Having an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side From the Start
If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that they contact an experienced lawyer immediately. The attorney can make sure all necessary medical records are collected and file a claim on your behalf. Hiring an experienced lawyer will help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Since most victims of a burn injury suffer from severe pain and can have serious medical fees since it is an emergency, hiring an experienced lawyer to help you with your case is the best way to navigate the complexities of this type of personal injury case without making any common mistakes.
We Do Not Rest Until We Have Built A Strong Case
One of our strengths is in our preparation. We take the time necessary to investigate your accident thoroughly. We consult with experts to determine how your accident occurred and why. We carefully review every document and unearth all evidence that will help us create a vivid picture to present to the jury at trial. We do this because we are passionate about helping you obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and all other costs associated with your personal injury.
Contact Us To Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation
The lawyers of Luis P. Guerra, LLC are committed to your cause and will not stop until you feel that justice has been done on your behalf. Luis P. Guerra, LLC has a proven track record of obtaining excellent results for burned clients and we have the experience to help you as well.
We understand how difficult it is to face the future with a severe burn injury, and we are here for you when you need us most. We will be with you every step of the way, providing sound legal advice and skilled representation throughout your case. We will fight to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We want you to talk to us about your burn injuries without any concern about cost. Our representation is on a contingent basis: You are only responsible for legal fees if we are successful in recovering compensation for your losses. We serve clients throughout Arizona.
Call us at 602-381-8400 or contact us online to schedule your appointment. Luis Guerra speaks English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Read What Clients Say About Us
Total rating 5★ Quality of Representation Excellent!!! These attorneys understand all that is required to achieve favorable results. Talking with Mr. Shapiro and Mr. Guerra is easy and comfortable. I highly recommend this law firm.
I was badly injured in an accident at work. I hired a well-known attorney to represent me, but it wasn’t till Luis Guerra and his firm joined my case that things actually began to take off. Luis Guerra took my case personally and fought hard for me like I was family. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for him I would not have received the settlement that I did! He is an aggressive and HONEST attorney who will fight for what is right. His entire firm is filled with love and compassion for the victims. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is injured, I would HIGHLY recommend Luis Guerra.
Not only did Mr. Guerra and Mr. Shapiro meet their reputation but by far exceeded my expectations. They are diligent advocates for their clients, professional and extremely responsive to all inquiries. Most importantly, they had the expertise and genuine personal concern for my well-being that inspired confidence and ultimately resulted in an outstanding result. Mr. Guerra and Mr. Shapiro are attorneys that are truly interested in the welfare of their clients. I highly recommend having their team on your side for any case.
Mr. Luis Guerra is one of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever met. Thank God there are still people like him in the world. He carefully explained the entire process to me so I was aware at all times what was going to happen next.
The quality of representation we received was of the highest anyone could expect. It was a privilege to work with Luis and his staff. I am extremely grateful that I chose you to be our attorney. I am relieved that this matter has been concluded. Thank You for representing us. God Bless You.
Contact Information
Location:
1212 E. Osborn Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Request a Free Initial Consultation
The highlighted fields are required.
Start of the form