Recovering from a burn injury poses unique challenges, with even the softest touch potentially causing intense pain. This heightened sensitivity turns everyday moments into hurdles, making the simple act of dressing or a gentle brush of fabric against the skin almost unbearable. It's a delicate balance, constantly navigating between remembering and yearning to forget, as the tenderness of the wound demands constant awareness.

Our burn injury lawyers recognize the complexity of this journey—not just the physical healing but the emotional resilience it demands. Our commitment goes beyond legal advocacy; we offer a partnership grounded in empathy and understanding. By shouldering some of your burdens, our attorneys aim to lighten the load, providing support that acknowledges the depth of your experience and champions your rights to healing and justice. In this vulnerable time, our goal is to offer support and strength, helping to guide you through the recovery process with compassion and dignity.

Common Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are not only painful but can also have lasting effects on an individual's health, well-being, and quality of life. In some instances, these injuries occur due to the negligence of others, making it crucial for victims to understand their rights under personal injury law. Here are some common types of burn injuries, including how they might occur due to negligence, and their relevance in personal injury cases:

1. Thermal Burns
Thermal burns can result from direct contact with open flames, hot liquids, steam, or other extreme heat sources. In the workplace, lack of proper safety protocols or faulty equipment maintenance can lead to thermal burns, constituting negligence. For example, a restaurant not enforcing protective gear or a factory with outdated machinery poses significant risks to employees.

2. Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur upon contact with corrosive substances. Negligence might be found in workplaces where chemicals are improperly labeled or safety training is inadequate. Additionally, landlords or public spaces with exposed, mismanaged chemicals can be liable for resulting injuries to occupants or visitors.

3. Electrical Burns
Exposure to electric currents can cause these burns, often due to faulty electrical systems or improper handling of electrical devices. Negligence can be attributed to employers who fail to ensure electrical safety or manufacturers of defective products that lead to electrical injuries at home or in public settings.

4. Radiation Burns
Typically associated with sunburn, radiation burns can also come from exposure to other radiation forms, including medical X-rays. Negligence may arise in medical settings where improper radiation doses are administered or in workplaces without adequate protective measures against radiation exposure.

5. Friction Burns
Friction burns result from skin abrasion combined with a heat burn and are common in car or motorcycle accidents. When an auto accident occurs due to the negligence of another driver, victims can suffer friction burns from being dragged across surfaces or through contact with vehicular interiors during the crash. Such burns can result from the combination of skin abrasion and heat generated by the rapid movement against materials like seat belts, clothing, or asphalt.

Levels of Burn Severity

Burn injuries vary significantly in severity, impacting the body in different ways and are categorized into three primary levels:

First-Degree Burns (Superficial Burns)

Characteristics: These burns affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. They typically cause redness, minor inflammation, and pain but do not result in blisters or permanent tissue damage.

Examples: Sunburn or brief contact with hot objects.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Generally manageable with home care unless it covers a large area of the body or is located on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

Second-Degree Burns (Partial Thickness Burns)

Characteristics: These burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis (the second layer of skin). They cause redness, swelling, pain, and often blistering. There is a risk of infection, and scarring may occur.

Examples: Scalding liquids, contact with flames, or chemical exposure.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation is recommended, especially for burns covering a significant body area or involving sensitive locations.

Third-Degree Burns (Full Thickness Burns)

Characteristics: The most severe form of burn, affecting all layers of the skin and possibly underlying tissues, muscles, or bones. These burns can appear charred, white, or leathery and may not initially be painful due to nerve damage.

Examples: Prolonged exposure to high-heat sources, electrical burns, or severe chemical burns.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Immediate emergency medical treatment is critical. A third-degree burn can be life-threatening and require specialized medical intervention to manage shock, infection, and potential complications.

If you've suffered a burn injury due to someone else's actions or negligence, contact an accident lawyer at Wettermark Keith today. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and discuss how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Let an experienced personal injury attorney guide you through every step of the legal process with the compassion and expertise you need during this challenging time.

How Does A Burn Accident Happen?

Burn accidents that lead to personal injury lawsuits often occur due to negligence or unsafe conditions in various settings outside the home. Understanding these scenarios is crucial for recognizing when legal assistance might be necessary to seek compensation for injuries sustained. Here are some common situations where burn injuries can lead to personal injury lawsuits:

1. Workplace Incidents

Industrial Settings: Burns from hot machinery, steam, or fires, especially when due to inadequate safety measures or equipment, can lead to lawsuits.
Chemical Exposures: Workers suffering burns from handling or being exposed to dangerous chemicals without proper protective gear or safety training.
Electrical Burns: Injuries from electrical accidents due to poorly maintained equipment or unsafe work environments.

2. Public Spaces and Commercial Properties

Restaurants and Cafés: Scalding from hot beverages or food due to staff negligence or improper serving practices.
Retail Spaces: Chemical burns from spillages or fires caused by neglected safety protocols.
Leisure Venues: Burns from faulty equipment or lack of safety measures in places like gyms, spas, or amusement parks.

3. Vehicle Accidents

Collisions Leading to Fires: Accidents resulting in vehicle fires where another driver’s negligence is at fault.
Faulty Vehicle Components: Burns due to defects in vehicle manufacturing, leading to fires or explosions.

4. Construction Sites

Thermal and Chemical Burns: Due to unsafe handling of materials or lack of protective measures.
Electrical Burns: From unsafe wiring or power tools, often due to negligence in following safety protocols or defective equipment.

5. Burn Injuries with Children

Daycare and School Settings: Lack of adequate supervision or failure to adhere to safety protocols can result in children coming into contact with hot surfaces, boiling liquids, or dangerous chemicals.
Public Places: Negligently maintained playground equipment that becomes excessively hot in the sun, or exposed electrical wiring, can cause burn injuries to children.
Product Liability: Children can also suffer burn injuries from defective products such as toys, clothing, or electrical appliances that overheat, catch fire, or leak hazardous chemicals.

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Legal Services Our Personal Injury Lawyers Offer

At Wettermark Keith, our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers specializes in providing comprehensive legal services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. With a commitment to justice and a passion for advocating on behalf of those injured due to the negligence of others, we offer a wide range of legal services, including:

Case Evaluation

Examples: Prolonged exposure to high-heat sources, electrical burns, or severe chemical burns.

Representation in Various Personal Injury Claims Where Burn Injuries Can Happen

Burn Injuries: Specializing in cases involving severe burns from workplace accidents, defective products, and other negligence-based incidents.

Vehicle Accidents: Representing victims of car, motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers or defective vehicle parts.

Workplace Accidents: Advocating for workers injured on the job due to unsafe work environments, lack of proper safety measures, or employer negligence.

Medical Malpractice: Assisting clients who have suffered due to surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, and other forms of medical negligence.

Product Liability Claims: Representing individuals injured by defective or dangerous products, we challenge manufacturers and distributors to secure compensation for our clients.

Wrongful Death Claims: Providing compassionate legal assistance to families grieving the loss of a loved one due to negligence, aiming to secure financial support for their future

Comprehensive Support and Litigation

Personalized Legal Strategy: Tailoring our approach to each client’s circumstances, we develop strategic legal plans aimed at achieving the best outcomes, whether through negotiation or trial.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Skilled in negotiations, our attorneys work to secure fair settlements from insurance providers, ensuring clients are adequately compensated without the need for prolonged litigation.

Trial Representation: When settlements cannot be reached, an experienced Birmingham burn injury lawyer is ready to represent our clients in court, advocating fiercely for their rights and the compensation they are owed.

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Our 3-Step Process

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Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Birmingham legal team.

We Assess Your Case

In our initial review, our experienced Birmingham team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.

We Defend Your Rights

As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated Birmingham attorneys seek justice on your behalf.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is personal injury law?

Personal injury law, often referred to as tort law, allows an injured person to go to civil court and get a legal remedy (damages) for all losses stemming from an accident or other incident. The purpose of the personal injury system is to allow the injured individual to be compensated financially after they have suffered harm due to someone else's carelessness or intentional conduct.

In the context of burn injuries, personal injury law is particularly relevant. Burns can occur in various settings, including the workplace, public spaces, and as a result of vehicle accidents or defective products. When these injuries are the result of someone else's negligence—such as a lack of safety measures, failure to comply with regulations, or the distribution of a harmful product—the injured party may have the right to compensation. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

How long do I have to file an injury claim in Birmingham, Alabama?

In Birmingham, Alabama, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those for burn injuries, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This deadline is crucial, as failing to file within this period typically results in the loss of the right to seek compensation. However, the law provides exceptions, notably for minors. When the injured party is a minor, the two-year countdown to file a claim does not begin until they reach the age of majority, which is 18 in Alabama. This extension allows individuals injured as children more time to seek justice and compensation for their injuries.

What types of compensation can I receive for a burn injury?

For a burn injury, compensation can cover a range of damages, including medical expenses for both immediate and future care, lost wages during recovery and potential loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Additionally, victims might receive compensation for disfigurement and scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, costs of rehabilitation, necessary modifications to homes and vehicles, and in cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages to punish and deter similar future conduct. The specifics of compensation depend on the injury's impact on the victim's life and the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting the importance of a tailored legal approach to ensure comprehensive coverage of all losses.

Can I sue if a family member died from burn injuries?

Yes, if a family member died from burn injuries due to the negligence of another individual, you may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal action can seek compensation for medical expenses incurred before the death, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased's future earnings, and loss of companionship, among other damages. Navigating a wrongful death claim can be complex and emotionally taxing, requiring a sensitive yet assertive legal approach.

If you find yourself in this heartrending situation, reaching out to the experienced attorneys at Wettermark Keith can help you understand your rights and options. Our dedicated team is committed to seeking justice for your loved one and providing the compassionate support your family deserves during this difficult time. Call Wettermark Keith today to discuss how we can assist you in pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Does a personal injury lawyer accept a burn injury case?

Yes, a personal injury lawyer typically accepts burn injury cases, especially when the injury results from someone else's negligence or a hazardous condition that should have been addressed. Burn injuries can have profound implications, requiring extensive medical care and potentially affecting every aspect of a victim's life.

The experienced injury lawyers at Wettermark Keith are adept at handling the complexities of burn injury claims. They are committed to thorough investigation and evaluation of both the physical and emotional damages incurred, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive compensation. This includes coverage for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more.

If you've suffered a burn injury due to someone else's actions or negligence, Wettermark Keith's attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights and guide you through the legal process to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee!

We firmly believe that access to high-quality legal representation should not be contingent upon one’s ability to pay upfront fees. You will not be required to pay any upfront costs or attorney fees when you choose our personal injury law firm to represent your injury case. Our payment is contingent upon the successful recovery of compensation on your behalf. Simply put, if we don't secure an offer for your case, you owe us nothing.

This arrangement ensures that our interests are perfectly aligned with yours. We are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case because our compensation depends on it. This creates a partnership based on trust and a shared goal: securing the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Call Wettermark Keith’s Birmingham Burn Injury Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Birmingham, the path to healing and justice begins with the right legal team by your side. At Wettermark Keith, our dedicated burn injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can inflict. With our profound commitment to justice and an unwavering passion for advocating for those harmed due to negligence, we’re here to guide you through every step of your legal journey.

Wettermark Keith™, with offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. Wettermark Keith’s reach is not only regional, but it also includes a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, auto wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security disability, and veterans’ disability claims, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our client’s stories and make their voices heard. We do this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust. Winning cases isn’t our goal - caring for you is. Winning is just how we show it. As we say, It’s more to us, it’s personal.

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Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.

- Juanita

Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!

- Alexa

My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.

- Dallas

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!

- Rose

I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.