Tampa Burn Injury Lawyers

Legal Help For Burn Injury Victims In Tampa

Nearly everyone can relate to the pain and discomfort that sunburn can cause. While uncomfortable, a sunburn received from spending too much time at the beach or using too little sunscreen is nothing compared to the pain and anguish that a serious burn injury can cause. 

Some burn injuries are life-threatening, requiring immediate medical intervention and resulting in lasting disfigurement and scars. When you suffer a severe burn injury caused by the careless acts of another, you need the experienced Tampa injury attorneys of Burnett Law, P.A., on your side. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, time missed from work, loss of the enjoyment of life, and other losses.

While you focus on your health and recovery, we at Burnett Law, P.A., will investigate the cause of your burn injury accident and fight vigorously on your behalf to obtain monetary damages for you. Contact us online  or call (813) 491-8272 to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Burn Injury Laws in Florida

In Florida, burn injury claims generally fall under the umbrella of negligence or product liability law. To recover damages, we must navigate the Florida Statutes, specifically Chapter 768, which governs personal injury actions. Florida operates under a "Modified Comparative Fault" system. This means that as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for your own injury, you can recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Common Types Of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are described in terms of “degrees,” with first-degree burns being the least severe and fourth-degree burns being the most severe and catastrophic. The degree of trauma you or your loved one suffers will play a large part in determining the extent of the burn injury and prognosis.

1. First-degree burns are superficial burns that affect only the outermost layer of skin. A sunburn is a typical example of a first-degree burn. The skin appears red and there will likely be some discomfort. First-degree burns will often heal on their own and may not require much more treatment other than simple first aid.
2. Second-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin as well as the layer immediately underneath. The burn site may appear red and patchy and it may also blister. Discomfort is usually higher than that accompanying a first-degree burn. If a large part of the body is affected, or sensitive areas such as the buttocks, genitals, or face are involved, immediate medical treatment will likely be needed.
3. Third- and fourth-degree burns are the most severe burns and will affect all layers of the skin and can also affect muscle and bone tissues. The skin around the burn may appear white and pain may or may not be present depending on the extent of nerve damage..

Common Causes Of Burn Injuries In Tampa

Burn injuries in Tampa can happen in many everyday settings, and identifying how the injury occurred is a critical first step in determining whether someone else may be legally responsible. 

Burns may result from: 

• Fires, explosions, electrical or chemical exposure, or scalding liquids
• Residential and commercial fires caused by faulty wiring, missing smoke detectors, blocked exits, or fire code violations
• Apartment, condo, kitchen, restaurant, and industrial workplace incidents
• Motor vehicle crashes on roads like I-275 and I-4 that involve fuel or flammable materials
• Workplace exposure to defective machinery, hazardous chemicals, or high-voltage electrical equipment
• Defective or overheating products such as space heaters, lithium-ion batteries, and household appliances
• Scald injuries, especially to children, from hot water, beverages, or unsafe bathwater temperatures

Key Elements the Plaintiff Must Prove

To secure a settlement or verdict, a burn injury attorney in Tampa must establish four critical elements of negligence by a preponderance of the evidence:

• Duty of Care: We must show that the defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care (e.g., a landlord maintaining safe electrical wiring or a manufacturer ensuring a heater doesn't overheat).
• Breach of Duty: We provide evidence that the defendant failed to meet that obligation through action or inaction.
• Causation: We must prove a direct link between the defendant's breach and your burn injury. This often involves expert testimony to rule out other causes.
• Damages: We must document the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Compensation In Florida Burn Injury Claims

When we evaluate your case, we look beyond your current bills to understand how the burn will affect you over the course of your life. This may include the cost of future medical treatment, medications, assistive devices, home modifications, and any need for in-home care. 

We also consider lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the impact on your ability to participate in family activities, hobbies, and community life in Tampa area and surrounding areas. By assembling records, consulting with medical professionals when appropriate, and listening carefully to your story, we work to present a full and accurate picture of your damages.

In a burn case, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are often significant. Scarring and disfigurement can affect how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you, which may lead to anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. 

While no dollar amount can truly make up for these losses, holding the responsible party financially accountable can provide resources that support your recovery and future security. Our role is to guide you through the claims process, explain your options, and pursue a fair outcome under Florida law.

The Florida Civil Litigation Process for Burn Injuries

Navigating a personal injury lawsuit in the Florida court system requires a strategic timeline. When you hire a burn injury attorney in Tampa, we manage the following stages:

• Initial Investigation: We immediately dispatch investigators to the scene to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and secure photos of the hazardous condition before it is repaired.
• Filing the Complaint: We initiate the lawsuit in the appropriate Florida circuit court, outlining the facts of the negligence.
• The Discovery Phase: This is an intensive exchange of information. We depose the defendants and their employees, while also preparing you for your own deposition.
• Expert Consultation: We work with accident reconstructionists, fire marshals, and medical specialists to build a bulletproof case for trial.
• Mediation: Florida judges typically require parties to attend mediation to attempt a settlement before a trial date is set.
• Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our team presents your case to a jury. Our proven trial success ensures that we are never intimidated by the prospect of a courtroom battle.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Burn Injury Advocacy

At Burnett Law, we don't just process files; we manage lives. Our approach to burn injury cases is rooted in medical-legal excellence. We understand the "Rule of Nines" used by doctors to determine the percentage of the body burned and use this medical data to demonstrate the severity of your case to a jury.

As your Tampa burn injury lawyers, we handle all communications with insurance adjusters who often try to minimize the long-term costs of skin grafts and psychological counseling. We also coordinate with life-care planners to create a comprehensive roadmap of every medical need you will have for the rest of your life.

We believe that high-quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone. That is why we offer a free consultation to review the facts of your accident and explain your rights under Florida law. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

If you have suffered a serious burn, there are several important ways a burn injury lawyer Tampa victims trust can assist you:

• Evaluating your claim so you understand whether Florida law allows you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Handling insurance communications by dealing directly with adjusters so you are not pressured into quick or unfair settlements.
• Coordinating with your medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries, treatment needs, and long-term prognosis.
• Gathering and preserving evidence such as fire reports, witness statements, and photographs that can help prove how your injury occurred.
• Preparing your case for negotiation or trial so you are positioned to pursue a fair financial recovery for what you have endured.

Secure Help For Your Serious Burn Injury Case in Tampa

At Burnett Law, P.A., our lawyers are familiar with the devastating consequences that can accompany a serious burn injury. Intense pain, prolonged periods of recovery, painful skin grafts, and disability and disfigurement are but a few of the effects you may be experiencing. 

You do not have to go through this ordeal alone. While you focus on your health and recovery, we at Burnett Law, P.A., will investigate the cause of your burn injury accident and fight vigorously on your behalf to obtain monetary damages for you.

Learn how we can help you by contacting us today at (813) 491-8272 and scheduling a free consultation to discuss your case with our experienced legal team.