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Burn Injury

Georgia Lawyers Advocating for Accident Victims

Burns are damage to body tissues caused by electricity, heat, chemicals, or radiation. They may result in blistering, scarring, disfigurement, and swelling. When burns are especially severe, they may lead to shock, infection, or death. Treatment for burns depends on how deep the damage is and how extensive the burn is over the body. Often, treatment is expensive. Most people do not have enough saved in case of significant burn injuries. If you were a victim of burn injuries, you should call the Atlanta burn injury lawyers at Van Sant Law. We are sensitive to safety issues, and we can sign up your case electronically without face-to-face meetings. However, we can easily visit you at your home if you prefer.

Liability for Burn Injuries

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.

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.

Comparative Fault

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.

Damages

After sustaining burn injuries, you may need multiple surgeries. The pain may be excruciating. Once you establish liability, you may recover both economic and non-economic losses that you suffered due to burns. Economic damages arising out of burn injuries may include lost income, emergency care, the cost of surgeries, replacement services, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages will vary based on the extent of tissue damage and where this damage is located on your body. Generally, when burns are located on visible areas of the body, such as the hands and face, the jury will assign them greater value than burns on hidden areas of the body. Fourth-degree burns are likely to be seen as significantly greater losses than first- or second-degree burns. You may be able to recover for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.

FAQI 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.   

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Retain a Burn Injury Lawyer in the Atlanta Area

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 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 855-GA-INJURY or complete our online form.

Client Reviews
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From the first time I called them to the current status of my case, has been by my side through it all. 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! Hilary
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I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office. Mary
★★★★★
Attorney David M. VanSant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney VanSant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track. Let the VanSant team handle your case! You're in good hands. Crystal