Burn Injury Attorney in New Orleans

Dealing with the aftermath of a burn injury can be challenging and painful, especially if someone else is to blame. You deserve to seek justice and monetary compensation for what you’ve suffered, and a New Orleans burn injury lawyer can help you do so by filing a claim on your behalf.

At The Thibeaux Firm, we offer our fellow Louisianans effective and affordable legal representation. Founding attorney Omar Thibeaux is known across the Pelican State as “The 25% Attorney,” as he charges a flat and fair 25 percent fee if and when he wins your case — not the industry standard 33 to 40 percent. Moreover, he’ll start work on your case without charging you any upfront fees, which means high-quality representation is within your reach, no matter your budget.

Ready to take the first step toward a fair recovery in your burn injury case? Then reach out to The Thibeaux Firm today for a free initial consultation to learn more.

What a New Orleans Burn Injury Attorney Can Do for Your Case

An experienced burn injury lawyer in New Orleans can provide valuable support and guidance for your burn injury claim. Here are some ways a lawyer from The Thibeaux Firm can assist you in seeking compensation and justice for your burn injuries:

• Investigating the injury accident and gathering evidence to support your claim
• Consulting medical experts to understand the extent and long-term impacts of your injuries
• Calculating the full extent of your losses, including ongoing and future expenses
• Filing all necessary claim documents accurately and promptly
• Communicating with liable parties and their legal representatives to facilitate a resolution
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and damages
• Representing you in court and presenting a compelling argument on your behalf if necessary
• Presenting evidence to demonstrate the negligence or wrongdoing of the liable parties
• Never charging anything to get started on your case

At The Thibeaux Firm, we know accident victims are in a vulnerable position, with medical bills piling up and a loss of income due to not being able to work. But we strive to keep more money in your wallet. As home to “The 25% Attorney,” we only charge a flat and fair 25 percent fee if we recover compensation for your case. This is below the industry standard of 33 to 40 percent, meaning you can get more in any settlement or verdict than you would with many other attorneys.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Burn Injury?

Burn injuries can have profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts on your life. If you have sustained a burn injury due to someone else’s wrongdoing, you could be entitled to compensation for these impacts. This can include burn injury compensation for:

• Medical expenses and transportation costs for your initial treatment
• Future medical costs for ongoing healthcare needs
• The income you lost while unable to work
• Lost earning potential if your injury affects your ability to work in the future
• Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life
• Home modification and assistive device expenses

Who Is Liable for a Burn Injury in New Orleans?

Burn injuries often result from negligence or preventable wrongdoing. Identifying who could be liable for a burn injury is essential for seeking compensation and justice. Below are some examples of potentially liable parties in burn injury cases:

• Property Owners – Property owners can be liable if unsafe conditions on their premises cause burn injuries. For instance, a landlord could be responsible if faulty wiring causes an electrical fire, or a restaurant owner might be liable if a patron suffers a burn from a hot surface.
• Product Manufacturers – Manufacturers can be liable for burn injuries resulting from defective products. For example, if a faulty kitchen appliance or tanning bed overheats and burns a consumer, the manufacturer could face a product liability lawsuit.
• Contractors and Maintenance Workers – Contractors and maintenance workers might be responsible if their work leads to a hazardous condition that causes a burn injury. For instance, improper installation of electrical systems can result in severe burn injuries.
• Drivers – Drivers can be liable for burn injuries resulting from car crashes, especially if they cause a wreck that leads to a fire or explosion. For example, a driver who causes a collision due to reckless behavior, leading to a vehicle catching fire, could be liable for resulting burns.
• Caregivers and Nursing Home Staff – Caregivers and nursing home staff can be responsible if their negligence leads to a resident’s burn injury. This includes situations where residents suffer burns due to hot water, heating pads, or kitchen accidents due to inadequate supervision.

What Are the Medical Costs for Burn Victims?

Burn victims often face a range of medical expenses as they undergo treatment and recovery. Below are some common medical costs that burn injury patients typically incur:

• Emergency Room (ER) Visit Costs – An ER visit is often the first step in treating a burn injury. These visits can be costly due to the need for urgent medical attention and specialized care.
• Hospital Stay Costs – Severe burn injuries frequently require extended hospital stays. The length and complexity of the stay can significantly increase overall treatment costs.
• Surgical Costs – Burn care often requires multiple surgeries, such as reconstructive procedures or skin grafts. Surgical costs can include surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and operating room expenses.
• Medication Costs – Patients with burn injuries often require numerous costly medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and topical treatments.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Costs – Rehabilitation and physical therapy play critical roles in burn injury treatment. Regular therapy sessions can be a significant ongoing expense.
• Follow-Up Appointment Costs – Follow-up appointments are often necessary to ensure patients heal properly. The frequency and duration of follow-up care can impact overall medical costs.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the burn injury to file a burn injury lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, you risk losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Missing this deadline means you cannot take legal action against those responsible for your burn injury, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your legal claim.

The best way to avoid missing this crucial deadline is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced burn injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and file your claim on time. Seeking prompt legal assistance substantially increases your chances of a successful outcome.

What Are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can result from a wide range of everyday scenarios and preventable accidents. Common causes of burn injuries in New Orleans include:

What Are the Types and Degrees of Burns?

Burn injuries can cause severe pain and long-lasting damage. Recognizing the different types of burn injuries can help you seek the right treatment and legal support. Common types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal Burns – These result from direct contact with extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Hot thermal burns occur when the skin touches steam, flames, or hot liquids or objects. A cold thermal burn or frostbite can result from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. Both types can damage skin and underlying tissues.
• Friction Burns – These burns happen when the skin rubs against a rough surface. This combination of abrasion and generated heat causes the skin to scrape off and burn. Common causes include road rash from motorcycle accidents or treadmill mishaps. Friction burns are often extremely painful and might require medical treatment to prevent infection.
• Chemical Burns – These result from contact with harsh chemicals. These substances, such as acids, bases, or solvents, can cause severe tissue damage. Common sources include household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or improperly stored substances.
• Electrical Burns – These burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body. These burns often happen when someone touches exposed wiring or gets struck by lightning. The electricity can cause damage both at the entry and exit points, often leading to deep tissue damage, internal injuries, and even heart complications.
• Radiation Burns – These develop after exposure to radiation, such as from the sun, medical treatments, or nuclear sources. Sunburn, the most common form, results from excessive UV radiation. Medical radiation burns might occur after treatments like radiation therapy for cancer. These burns can vary in severity and affect both the skin and deeper tissues.

Medical professionals categorize each of these types of burns into different degrees depending on their severity. Here’s an overview of the three degrees of burns:

• First-Degree Burns – First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). These burns cause redness, minor swelling, and pain but do not result in blisters. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn. Typically, these burns heal within a week without leaving scars.
• Second-Degree Burns – Second-degree burns penetrate deeper, affecting both the epidermis and the underlying layer of skin (dermis). These burns cause intense pain, redness, swelling, and blisters. Second-degree burns might cause the skin to appear wet or moist due to fluid leakage. Healing can take several weeks, and there is a risk of scarring and infection without proper care.
• Third-Degree Burns – Third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin, extending into the underlying tissues. These burns often look white, charred, or leathery and can result in numbness due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns often require surgical intervention, such as skin grafts, and can lead to significant scarring and long-term complications.

Contact a Burn Injury Attorney in New Orleans Today

Don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve for what you’ve suffered. Contact The Thibeaux Firm for a free initial consultation with a New Orleans burn injury attorney, and let’s discuss your options today.