What is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury is damage to the skin or deeper tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns vary in severity and are classified into different degrees based on the depth of tissue damage, such as:
- First-Degree Burn: This burn affects only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness, mild swelling, and pain. It usually heals within a few days without scarring, like a typical sunburn.
- Second-Degree Burn: This type damages both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis), leading to redness, blisters, and severe pain. Healing takes weeks, and scarring may occur depending on the severity.
- Third-Degree Burn: It destroys the entire thickness of the skin, making it appear white, blackened, or leathery. Since nerve endings are damaged, the burn may be painless despite its severity.
- Fourth-Degree Burn: This is the most severe, extending beyond the skin into muscles, tendons, and bones. It often results in permanent damage, requiring surgery or amputation.
Common Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can be caused by various sources, leading to different types of burns. Here are the most common types:
- Thermal Burns – Caused by direct contact with heat sources such as fire, hot liquids (scalds), steam, or hot objects. These burns are common in household accidents and workplace injuries.
- Chemical Burns – Occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. Examples include burns from cleaning agents, battery acid, and industrial chemicals.
- Electrical Burns – Result from an electric current passing through the body, which can damage tissues internally and externally. These burns can be deceptive, as internal damage may be more severe than what appears on the skin.
- Radiation Burns – Caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays (e.g., sunburn) or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. These burns may take time to develop and can cause long-term skin damage.
- Friction Burns – Occur when skin rubs against a rough surface, creating both heat and abrasion injuries. Common examples include road rash from motorcycle accidents or rope burns.
Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries
The long-term effects of burn injuries depend on the severity, location, and type of burn. Here are some common long-term consequences:
Physical Effects
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Deep burns can leave permanent scars and may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
- Contractures and Mobility Issues: Burns over joints can cause tightening of the skin, limiting movement and flexibility.
- Chronic Pain and Sensory Changes: Nerve damage may lead to persistent pain, numbness, or hypersensitivity in the affected area.
- Skin Fragility and Sensitivity: The new skin may remain thinner and more prone to injury, sun damage, and irritation.
Psychological and Emotional Effects
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Burn survivors may experience flashbacks, anxiety, or depression due to the traumatic event.
- Body Image Issues: Visible scars and disfigurement can lead to self-consciousness, social withdrawal, or low self-esteem.
- Depression and Anxiety: Chronic pain, lifestyle changes, and long recovery periods can contribute to mental health struggles.
Medical Complications
- Infections and Skin Ulcers: Burned areas may remain vulnerable to infections, especially if healing is prolonged.
- Temperature Regulation Issues: Severe burns can damage sweat glands, making it harder to regulate body temperature.
- Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: Scarred and previously burned skin is more susceptible to developing skin cancer over time.
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If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$1.32 Million Settlement for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
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$110K Settled for Client Injured in T-Bone Collision
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$350K Knee Injury Caused by Tractor Trailer
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$100K Policy Limit Settlement for Motor Vehicle Accident With Back Injury
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$160K Settlement for Man in Rear-End Collision
Comparative Fault in Burn Injury Claims
Georgia follows the rule of modified comparative negligence. You can seek damages even if you were partly at fault. However, your damages may be reduced by an amount proportionate to your responsibility for the accident. You will be barred from recovering damages at all if you were 50% or more at fault. For example, if you were speeding while on your motorcycle, and you crashed into a van carrying chemicals that failed to yield to oncoming traffic, you might sustain chemical burns in the collision. In that case, the jury might find that you were 30% at fault and that the driver of the van was 70% at fault. If an Atlanta burn injury attorney can show that your damages were $1 million, you would be able to recover $700,000 from the driver of the van.
The concept of comparative fault can be daunting for victims trying to grasp their eligibility for compensation. It's important to remember that even if you bear some responsibility for the incident, you still have rights. Legal guidance can illuminate how the percentages of fault are determined and help you effectively present your case to ensure fair compensation. An attorney's insight is invaluable in navigating these legal waters, leveraging evidence and persuasive argumentation to minimize your perceived fault.
Retain a Burn Injury Lawyer in Atlanta
If you were burned in an accident caused by someone else, you should consult the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Van Sant Law. Our burn injury law firm is committed to seeking justice for accident victims.
We represent victims throughout Georgia from offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Gainesville. Call us at or complete our online form.
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Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
FAQ
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I Suffered Burn Injuries on the Job. Do I Have the Right to File a Lawsuit?
In most cases, injuries sustained while working are covered under workers’ compensation. This includes burn injuries. Workers’ compensation typically provides compensation for expenses related to your injuries, such as medical care and the cost of rehabilitation, as well as a percentage of lost wages while you are unable to perform the full duties of your job.
The attorneys at Van Sant Law work with victims who suffered workplace burn injuries, helping them navigate the claims process and provide trusted guidance and advice throughout the process.
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Do I Have a Legal Claim if I Suffered First-Degree Burns?
First-degree burns are those which affect the outer layer of the skin. Because these can be viewed as superficial injuries, victims sometimes do not seek compensation because they do not believe they are entitled to do so. However, many first-degree burns are compensable. If you suffered burns because of somebody else’s negligent or intentional actions, talk to an experienced Van Sant Law personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
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What Are the Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries often result from open flames or smoke inhalation, but they can – and do – arise under other circumstances too.
Some of the most common underlying causes of burn injuries include house fires or hot household items such as kitchen appliances and space heaters. Scalding water and other hot liquids or foods can also lead to burn injuries. Other common causes include household or workplace chemicals, vehicle accidents, and faulty electrical wiring.
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How Much Will It Cost Me to Retain a Burn Injury Lawyer?When you work with a burn or fire injury lawyer from Van Sant Law, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t have to pay legal fees unless we are successful in helping you recover compensation. Our priority is you, and we will fight for you to obtain the best possible outcome in your case and to hold the responsible party accountable for its actions. Our legal fees are deducted from the settlement amount or jury verdict you receive.
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Can I Obtain Compensation for Complications Related to My Burn Injury?
Yes. In addition to compensation for the immediate medical care needed to treat your injuries, your attorney will work to help you obtain compensation for a range of burn-related complications which can impact your life in the days, weeks, months, and years after you are injured. Some of the complications burn victims commonly suffer include lung damage, which can lead to breathing problems, scarring, serious infections, joint/bone pain, and chronic pain.
At Van Sant Law, we understand the severity of burn injury complications and will seek to help you obtain damages for them.
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"My results have been positive & I would highly recommend Van Sant Law to family & friends."
I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
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"They were diligent, timely, and very informative during the whole process."
Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
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R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
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I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
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Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
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Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
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"I highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney."
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
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Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
Liability for Burn Injuries in Atlanta
You may hold a person or entity responsible for your burn injuries if you can establish fault. The circumstances under which you sustained burns will determine the theory that you use to establish liability. For example, if you were involved in a truck collision that resulted in facial burns, we would investigate and perhaps use accident reconstruction to determine all the parties responsible for the truck collision. A truck driver may be responsible for a truck accident under a theory of negligence. In that case, a burn injury attorney in Atlanta would need to show that the truck driver breached his duty to use reasonable care while operating the truck and thus caused your burn injuries. However, a trucking company, a mechanic, a third-party loader, or another driver should also be brought into the lawsuit if they seem to share responsibility for what happened.
Liability can often be complex in burn injury cases involving multiple parties. It's crucial to conduct thorough investigations, potentially engaging experts in accident reconstruction and fire safety to paint an accurate picture of events. Such investigative depth ensures that all liable parties are identified, maximizing the potential for recovering fair compensation. Furthermore, understanding the nuances of local and federal safety regulations can provide additional pathways to establish liability in scenarios like workplace accidents or defective product claims.
If you were burned due to a dangerous condition on someone else's property, we would pursue a premises liability claim. For example, if your landlord had faulty electrical wiring that you had reported, and a fire broke out, and you were burned in the fire, you may be able to recover damages in a premises liability lawsuit. It is important to retain a fire injury attorney who understands how to show a jury that the landlord had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition that resulted in your burns.
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