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How are burn injuries categorized by medical professionals? Doctors often categorize burns as first, second, or third-degree injuries. However, even a relatively minor first-degree burn can require medical treatment.
If you sustained a burn injury in Fort Myers, you might receive compensation to cover your losses. Our team at Viles & Beckman, LLC, can help you build a legal claim. Reach out to us to learn more about your options.
What Are the Three Levels of Burn Severity?
Johns Hopkins provides detailed information about all three types of burns. According to this medical facility, you may require medical treatment if you sustain a:
First-Degree Burn
First-degree burns only damage your outermost layer of skin. However, they can cause painful red irritation. Generally, these burns do not result in long-term injuries. For example, individuals experience a first-degree burn when they get a mild sunburn.
Second-Degree Burn
Some individuals sustain second-degree burns. These burns cause damage to both the epidermis and the dermis, generally causing blisters, swelling, and pain.
Third-Degree Burn
Finally, you may experience a third-degree (or full thickness) burn in Florida after an accident. These burns can damage both layers of skin, as well as your muscles, tendons, and bones.
Some medical professionals use the term “fourth-degree” to refer to burns that damage tendons, bones, and muscles. These burns can destroy nerve endings and cause long-lasting injuries.
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What Types of Burns Could You Face in Florida?
Not all burns come from exposure to heat sources. Medical professionals use the term “thermal burns” to refer to burns caused by fire or other heat sources, like steam or scalding liquids.
The Mayo Clinic details other types of burns, including:
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when you get exposed to dangerous chemicals. Detergents and cleaners that contain alkalines and acids may burn your skin. It’s important to follow correct safety procedures when handling these chemicals.
Electrical Burns
Exposure to either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) can cause electrical burns. Improper wiring at home or poor safety practices on a job site can lead to an electrical burn in Florida.
Radiation Burns
Finally, some individuals get in accidents that lead to radiation burns. X-rays and the UV rays from the sun can cause radiation burns. If you were in an accident that resulted in any kind of burn, you could receive legal help securing compensation.
Can You Secure Compensation for Burn Injuries?
Regardless of how burn injuries are categorized, you may have the opportunity to seek legal compensation if you were in an accident that led to burn injuries in Florida. Working with a burn injury lawyer gives you the chance to focus on damages to cover your:
Economic Losses
Economic losses tie directly into your accident. These losses include your current and future medical expenses and your lost wages at work or diminished earning potential. Burns often require extensive medical care, including:
- Emergency services
- Time in a hospital
- Surgeries and skin grafts
- Antibiotics
- Pain medication
Scars may result in severe scarring, even if you receive immediate care. These scars can impact your range of motion and result in lasting pain.
Non-Economic Losses
You could also recover non-economic losses after a burn injury in Florida. These losses cover your pain, suffering, and mental anguish. In many cases, these losses do not have a set dollar value. You can discuss your possible compensation for your injuries with a lawyer.
Click To ContactWho Causes Burn Injuries in Florida?
Fault matters when it comes to burn injuries and accidents in our area. You may only receive compensation if a lawyer shows that someone else caused your injuries through an act of negligence.
Individuals demonstrate negligence if they:
- Owe you a duty of care
- Fail to uphold that duty of care
- Take an action that directly causes your injuries
For example, every driver on the road has a duty to follow laws related to speeding, passing safely, and obeying traffic signals. A driver who disregards these laws and runs a red light, striking your vehicle, demonstrates negligence.
Any individual could cause an accident leading to burns, including other drivers, your employer, or property owners. A lawyer can assess the causes of your accident when focusing on liability.
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How Lawyers Help With Burn Injury Accidents in Florida
A burn injury lawyer serving Florida can step in to help you with all aspects of your claim. You can count on your lawyer to answer questions about how burn injuries are categorized and to review your legal options.
Your law firm can also:
Investigate the Causes of Your Accident
A lawyer can review the specific facts about your burn injury. Lawyers focus on gathering evidence about what caused the accident by:
- Speaking with eyewitnesses
- Reviewing any police reports
- Visiting the scene of the incident
- Working with burn experts
Taking these steps helps your lawyer build a claim to present to insurance agents or the court system.
Track Your Losses
You may receive compensation after a burn injury in Florida. Lawyers help keep track of any losses associated with your injuries, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Handle All Legal Communication
Insurance agents and other lawyers may reach out to you after a burn injury. The professionals recommend that you allow your legal team to handle this communication. Everything you say about your claim could be used against you.
Speak to Us After a Burn Injury in Florida
Do you want to know more about how burn injuries are categorized and your legal options following an accident in Florida? Reach out to our team at Viles & Beckman, LLC, to speak with a legal team member. Let us help you seek compensation for your losses.
You can contact us by phone or through our online contact form.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
