Tampa Burn Injury Lawyer

Did You Suffer A Serious Burn Injury?

Even a moderate burn injury can cause severe pain and disfigurement, and more severe burns can threaten the lives of those victims. The American Burn Association estimates that about 450,000 people in the United States are treated for burn injuries in hospitals every year, and 3,400 of those people die as a result of their burns. About 75 percent of those deaths are caused in residential fires, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that fires and burns are the number three cause of death in homes across America.

Did you suffer a burn injury? Give us a call at (813) 710-4816 to discuss your case.

At Robert Sparks Attorneys, our Tampa burn injury lawyers have spent their careers protecting the rights of serious injury victims throughout Florida, and are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal assistance in order to secure our clients the compensation they deserve. If you suffered a burn injury as a result of someone’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact us today to discuss your case. All of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t be charged any legal fees until we help you recover an award for your injuries.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur due to various causes, often involving exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Common causes include:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns occur from exposure to high temperatures, such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces. Examples include scalding from boiling water, touching a hot stove, or getting too close to a fire.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive substances like acids or alkalis found in cleaning agents or industrial products. These burns can damage the skin and deeper tissues, often requiring immediate flushing with water.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns happen when electricity passes through the body, potentially causing both external skin burns and severe internal injuries. They are common in accidents involving live wires or lightning strikes.
• Radiation Burns: Radiation burns are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays (like sunburn) or medical radiation treatments. They can range from mild redness to severe tissue damage, depending on the intensity and duration of exposure.
• Friction Burns: Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, generating heat and damaging the skin. These injuries are often seen in accidents like falling off a bike or being dragged on a hard surface.
• Cold Burns (Frostbite): Cold burns, or frostbite, result from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, leading to tissue damage. The skin and underlying tissues can freeze, mimicking the effects of thermal burns.
• Inhalation Burns: Inhalation burns happen when someone breathes in hot air, smoke, or toxic fumes during a fire. These burns can severely damage the respiratory tract, often requiring immediate medical attention.

How Serious Was Your Burn?

All burns fall under the following four levels of classification:

• First-Degree Burns: This level of burn affects the epidermis (first layer of skin), and causes swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. With proper care and first-aid, this type of burn generally heals within a week or so.
• Second-Degree Burns: This level of burn affects the epidermis and the dermis (second layer of skin) and causes swelling, red and /or white splotchy skin, and pain in the affected area. It may appear wet or moist, and can blister which may cause scarring.
• Third-Degree Burns: This level of burn affects the epidermis, the dermis, the fat layer underneath the skin, and may destroy the nerves in the affected area. The burnt area may appear black, wet, waxy, or leathery. Because large fires are a common cause of third-degree burns, the victim may also suffer from smoke inhalation.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: This level of burn affects the epidermis, the dermis, the fat layer, the muscles, the tendons, and the bone. The affected area often appears black, and may need to be removed or amputated.

Potential Complications Caused By Serious Burns

There are a variety of secondary ailments that may accompany your burn, each with its own potentially life-threatening complications:

• Scarring: As your burn injury heals, it may cause scar tissue to form. Depending on how severe your burn was, the new tissue may limit your ability to move the affected area, permanently destroy your sweat glands in the area, or pull your joints out of position.
• Infection: Any level of burn can leave you vulnerable to infection. If not properly treated, the infection could lead to sepsis that could in turn affect your bloodstream and put you at risk of going into shock or organ failure.
• Hypothermia: Losing a significant portion of your skin limits your body’s ability to regulate your internal temperature, and may result in a dangerous drop in your body’s temperature.

In addition, burn injuries can lead to psychological, emotional, and social effects, such as the following:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may relive the trauma of the injury, experience nightmares, or feel anxious in certain environments.
• Depression and Anxiety: Disfigurement, physical limitations, and lifestyle changes can contribute to mental health issues.
• Body Image Issues: Visible scars and disfigurement often lead to self-consciousness and diminished self-esteem.
• Reduced Mobility and Functionality: Contractures and physical limitations may impair the ability to perform daily tasks or work.
• Social Isolation: Survivors might withdraw from social interactions due to self-consciousness about their appearance or abilities.
• Employment Challenges: Physical and psychological impairments can limit career opportunities or require a change in job roles.

Lastly, long-term medical needs include:

• Reconstructive Surgeries: Many survivors require multiple surgeries to improve function and appearance.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Rehabilitation is often needed to regain mobility, flexibility, and strength.
• Dermatological Care: Burned skin may require ongoing treatments, including moisturizers, compression garments, or laser therapy.

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Call A Qualified Attorney Today

If you suffered a serious burn injury, you deserve the chance to file a claim to secure the compensation you need to make a full recovery. At Robert Sparks Attorneys, our Tampa burn injury attorneys have decades of collective experience and are committed to providing you with the care and assistance you need during this difficult time. Give us a call at (813) 710-4816 to speak with one of our attorneys, or fill out our online form to tell us all about your case.