Whether they result from extreme heat, chemical exposure, electrical currents, or other sources, few injuries are more painful and more debilitating than severe burns. Even a seemingly minor burn can require immediate medical intervention and months of rehabilitation to avoid permanent damage.
If you sustained a widespread or high degree burn, you should review your legal options with a catastrophic injury attorney at Redondo Law. Beyond helping you collect evidence to prove fault, a Miramar burn injury lawyer can identify recoverable losses and demand appropriate compensation.
How burn severity impacts recoverable damages
Most people have experienced a first-degree burn at some point in their lives, often from a minor accident in the kitchen or from staying in the sun too long. While these burns can be uncomfortable and unsightly, they rarely warrant civil litigation since they usually do not require medical care beyond basic first aid.
Second-degree burns, on the other hand, penetrate multiple layers of skin and often necessitate emergency medical attention. These are characterized by blistering, skin discoloration, and substantial physical pain. Any injury of this severity or greater can serve as grounds for a personal injury claim if it stems directly from another party’s negligent or intentional conduct.
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the burn and the extent to which that burn negatively impacts an injured person’s life. A Miramar burn injury attorney at Redondo Law can help you determine what type of burns you suffered and evaluate whether civil action is advisable.
What could limit a civil recovery in Miramar?
There are various ways that state law can restrict you from receiving fair financial restitution from the person responsible for your burn injury.
Comparative fault
Florida Statutes §768.81 gives courts the authority to reduce your final damage award by the portion of total fault, if any, that you bear for causing or exacerbating your own injuries. For example, if a court finds someone to be 20 percent at fault and they are determined to have been damaged in the amount of $100,000, they will only receive $80,000 because of the comparative fault rule.
Statute of limitations
Fla. Stat. §95.11 sets a four-year statutory filing deadline on most personal injury claims, including those based on burns that cause permanent damage. If someone attempts to file a claim after this deadline has expired, they will typically not be able to receive compensation for any of their losses.
A knowledgeable burn accident attorney in Miramar can provide irreplaceable guidance and support when it comes to navigating potential roadblocks like these.
Seek help from a Miramar burn injury attorney now
Any burn that necessitates professional medical care may give rise to a civil claim. However, getting a positive outcome in a case like this is far from a simple process. Between restrictive state laws and the aggressive opposition from the defense team, you may have little chance of obtaining fair compensation without dedicated legal representation of your own.
A Miramar burn injury lawyer could protect your rights and advocate for your interests from start to finish of your lawsuit or settlement demand. Call Redondo Law today to schedule a free meeting to discuss your claim today.
