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The American Burn Association estimates that a half million people seek medical treatment for burns each year. Some 40,000 require hospitalization and some 3,500 are killed. Serious burns can have injuries that last a lifetime.
John Foy & Associates takes burn injuries seriously. We’re one of Atlanta’s largest personal injury firms, and we’ve helped many burn victims over the years. And because we’ve been in Atlanta for more than 20 years we’ve built strong relationships with our city’s many surgeons and specialists to treat burn victims.
I was burned as a result of the negligence of another. Who can I sue and what should I do to get the process started?
As in all personal injury claims, you have the right to recover from the liable party, be it a home owner, business owner, car manufacturer or restaurant owner. But proving liability is complicated, but not to worry, our associates are experienced with these types of cases. Speak to one of our Atlanta burn injury lawyers today by calling 404-400-4000. Someone will answer your phone call no matter what time or day you call. We’re even open on Christmas. Your call is free and confidential.
What are some of the most common types of accidents that you see that involve burn injuries?
- — Scalds from spilled foods and drinks, hot tap water, hot household objects such as irons, stoves and space heaters. The most common burn injury among children under age 4 is scalding.
- — House fires which resulted in 2,500 deaths in 2010.
- — Vehicle crashes, including malfunctioning air bags and other equipment.
- — Open flames, smoke inhalation and faulty electricity.
What are the different types of burn injuries? Do these various degrees make my case weaker or stronger?
Medically, there are three types of burns:
- First-degree burn: First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. Sunburn is a classic example of a first-degree burn. These burns usually heal with first-aid measures.
- Second-degree burn: Second-degree burns affect the outer and second layer of skin (dermis). Blisters may develop, and pain can be severe. Deep second-degree burns can cause scarring.
- Third-degree burn: Third-degree burns reach the fat layer beneath the skin. Your skin is usually charred black or white. Third-degree burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness. Someone with third-degree burns may have difficulty breathing or experience smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
The type of burn does affect the case. Severe injuries often require long periods of rehabilitation. Before we calculate a value to a claim, we wait to see how permanent any scarring is. We consider if the scarring affects any career possibilities, such as modeling or acting, and if the scarring has caused great pain and suffering, especially with our younger clients.
What are some of the serious complications from burn injuries?
Burn victims can suffer from lingering and severe complications, including:
- Infections, burned skin leaves the patient vulnerable to serious infections.
- Scarring.
- Joint and bone pain and movement limitations.
- Breathing problems. Often burn victims have damaged lungs from inhaling hot air and smoke
- Chronic pain. All of the of above symptoms can leave a patient living with chronic pain.
How does your firm handle burn injury claims?
Our first priority is to get you back to the best possible health. We work with Atlanta’s best plastic surgeons and expert surgeons to treat your injuries. These doctors will help us document your injuries and recovery. Your health is our number one priority. The goal is to have the injured person reach “maximum medical recovery” or the best health you will be able to achieve after your injury. Then, and only then, can we calculate your damages.
Our top attorneys and investigators will gather evidence about liability and negligence. Because John Foy & Associates is one of Atlanta’s largest and most established personal injury law firms, we have the resources to fight as long and as aggressively as needed to win your case.
What type of settlement do you think I can receive as a result from sustaining burns and scars?
A burn case is treated as a bodily injury claim, which has three components, including reasonable and necessary medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages due to the accident. We calculate a settlement cost with tangible and intangible evidence. Burn victims often must live with a lot of pain, and scarring adds another dimension of emotional and physical pain, especially for female and younger clients.
What if I was burned at work? Can I sue my employer?
If you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to bring a workers compensation claim. You may be able to recover money for medical care and payments when you are not working. These are considered workers compensation cases and at John Foy & Associates, our workers compensation lawyers will help you negotiate the complicated procedure of getting what you deserve if you are injured at work. Work injuries are handled differently, and an attorney knows the difference. At John Foy & Associates, we can review your case and explain your best option.
What if a loved one was killed as a result of a burn injury or fire? Can a family member sue on their behalf?
The answer is a resounding “Yes.” In Georgia, if another party is at fault for a relative’s death, the appropriate survivor is eligible to make a claim for the monetary value of the deceased family member. This is called “full value of the life of the decedent.” The amount is carefully calculated, based upon age, education and income potential. At John Foy & Associates we rely on economists to tabulate this. You will only have one chance to be compensated for your loss, don’t try to negotiate this on your own. John Foy & Associates only goal is to make sure that you are compensated as well as possible for this tragedy.
Has your law firm handled many burn accident cases?
We at John Foy & Associates have handled burn and fire cases in the more than 20 years we’ve practiced in Atlanta. We are fortunate enough to work with Atlanta’s many top plastic surgeons and medical experts to get you the best medical care and the best financial award possible. We have the financial and people resources to fight for you without rushing to a settlement. Burn injuries take a long time to assess and often unpredictable complications arise.
I don’t have a lot of money and can’t afford an attorney. Will you still take my case?
People often have misconceptions about personal injury lawyers. Let us put your mind at rest. We don’t get paid unless you get paid and even then, you’ll understand all along the way what our costs are. We’ll arrange for medical care if you don’t have health insurance. Quite frankly, you can’t afford NOT to call us.
Find out what our burn injury lawyers at John Foy & Associates can do for you, call 404-400-4000 for a free and confidential consultation.
