Pensacola House Fire & Burn Injuries Lawyer

Securing Justice for Burn Injury Victims in Pensacola

Burn injuries can result from house fires, bonfires, gas fires, and other fire-related events. Fire or burn injuries are extremely painful and often require significant medical treatment and rehabilitation. It may be possible to pursue a claim against homeowner’s, renters, or liability insurance.

Every case is unique, so it is a good idea to seek advice from a qualified Pensacola burn injury attorney. The Watson Firm represents people suffering from first to third-degree burns throughout Northwest Florida.

Get the advice you need by scheduling a free consultation. Call (850) 607-2929 today!

Compensation For Burn Injury Victims in Florida

The amount of compensation burn injury victims are entitled to depend on the nature and extent of the injuries sustained in the fire. This can only be determined by a thorough examination from a qualified doctor and appropriate medical testing. For this reason, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible for your burn injuries.

Victims of house fires and burn injuries may be entitled to damages that include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Inconvenience
• Punitive damages
• Loss of consortium, if the fire has resulted in the wrongful death of a spouse

The nature of your injuries, permanency of injuries, and current and future medical care needs contribute to the value of a claim. Other factors that determine the value of a claim include loss of enjoyment of life, ability to enjoy certain activities or hobbies, and mental anguish.

Immediate Steps After Suffering a Burn Injury

After a fire or burn injury, seek immediate medical treatment. It is important to document all injuries and scarring. Some burn injuries heal quickly, so it is best to have photographs showing the severity of your burns and photographs of different stages of the healing process. 

Once you have received the initial medical care you need, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with an experienced Burn injurie lawyer.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Pensacola

Burn injuries in Pensacola can occur for a variety of reasons, often due to accidents or hazardous conditions. Some common causes include:

• House Fires: House fires are one of the leading causes of burn injuries. In Pensacola, common causes of house fires include electrical malfunctions, such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, and issues with heating systems. Kitchen accidents, like grease fires or unattended stovetops, are also frequent culprits. Poorly maintained electrical appliances or improper use of space heaters can also increase fire risks. These fires can cause severe burns, property damage, and even loss of life.
• Bonfires and Campfires: Recreational fires, such as bonfires and campfires, can lead to burn injuries when mishandled. Common causes include improper fire starting, excessive flames, or not maintaining a safe distance from the fire. In Pensacola, outdoor gatherings often take place around campfires, and accidents can happen if safety precautions are ignored, like using flammable liquids to fuel the fire or leaving fires unattended.
• Gas Fires and Explosions: Gas leaks from appliances like stoves, water heaters, or faulty gas lines can lead to dangerous explosions and fires. In Pensacola, gas-related burns often happen when there is a failure to detect a gas leak before it ignites. Malfunctioning stoves or water heaters can also lead to sudden explosions, causing significant injuries.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns occur when a person comes into contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment. In Pensacola, incidents of electrical burns can happen due to exposed wiring, malfunctioning electrical outlets, or accidents involving power tools or appliances. These burns are often deep and severe, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns happen when corrosive substances, like household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or cleaning agents, come into contact with the skin. In Pensacola, these burns may be caused by spills during cleaning or mishandling industrial chemicals. Improper storage or failure to follow safety guidelines in workplaces can also result in chemical burn injuries.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can vary in severity, with different types affecting the skin and underlying tissue layers.

• First-Degree Burns: First-degree burns are the least severe type of burn injury. They affect only the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness, mild swelling, and pain. A common cause is sunburn or brief contact with hot surfaces. These burns generally heal within a few days with proper care, including cooling the burn under cold water and applying soothing ointments.
• Second-Degree Burns: Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, affecting both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). These burns cause blistering, swelling, and more intense pain. Second-degree burns are often the result of hot liquids, flames, or contact with hot objects. Healing can take several weeks and may leave scars. Treatment typically includes wound care, bandaging, and sometimes prescription pain relief.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin, and may extend into the underlying tissues, muscles, or bones. These burns often appear white, charred, or leathery and may not be as painful initially due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns can result from prolonged exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, or electrical burns. These injuries often require immediate medical intervention, including surgical procedures like skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. The consequences can include permanent scarring, loss of function, and psychological trauma, necessitating extensive therapy and support for recovery.

Understanding these causes and types of burn injuries can help individuals take precautions to prevent accidents and seek timely medical care if injuries do occur.

Burn injuries can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial hardship. If you’ve been injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain.

Contact a Burn injurie lawyer at The Watson Firm for a free consultation to discuss your personal injury case and get the justice you deserve. 

If you have questions or want to schedule a free initial consultation with our Pensacola burn injury attorney, call (850) 607-2929 for an appointment.