Shreveport Burn Injury Lawyer

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States suffer burn injuries that require medical care, according to the American Burn Association.

Burn center treatment, while essential for healing, can be very expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. This can add significant financial strain to an already difficult situation for burn victims who are also coping with physical and emotional trauma.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury in Shreveport and it wasn’t your fault, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries. At our law firm, our Shreveport personal injury attorneys are committed to getting you the maximum amount you deserve. This way, you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track, while we handle the legal side of things.

Why Choose Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys?

Burn injuries in Shreveport can cause serious problems beyond the initial pain. These injuries can leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional, on you and your family. Dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the legal system after a burn injury can be incredibly stressful.

If you are in this position, you shouldn’t have to deal with a mountain of medical bills and deserve compensation to cover these costs. 

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our success speaks for itself: we’ve secured 200+ Personal Injury Million+ verdicts and settlements for our clients. This experience translates directly to burn injury cases. Our burn injury lawyers in Shreveport possess extensive experience handling complex burn cases and understand the intricacies of Louisiana law.

With us, you’ll have a team of relentless advocates fighting for the maximum compensation you need after a devastating burn accident.

Understanding Burn Injuries

Burn injuries vary significantly in their severity and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at the different types of burn injuries and their potential consequences:

Types of Burn Injuries

• Thermal Burns: Caused by contact with flames, hot liquids, or hot objects. These can range from mild first-degree burns to severe fourth-degree burns that damage muscle and bone.
  
  
• Chemical Burns: Result from exposure to harmful chemicals. Chemical burns can cause deep tissue damage and severe scarring.
  
  
• Electrical Burns: Occur when electrical current passes through the body. These burns can cause internal damage that may not be immediately apparent.
  
  
• Radiation Burns: Caused by exposure to radiation sources, such as X-rays or radioactive materials. Radiation burns can cause delayed injuries and long-term health problems.

Degrees of Burns

• First-Degree Burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness, pain, and swelling. These burns typically heal on their own within a few days.
  
  
• Second-Degree Burns: Involve both the epidermis and the underlying dermis, resulting in blistering, severe pain, and potential scarring. Healing times can vary depending on the severity of the burn.
  
  
• Third-Degree Burns: Destroy both the epidermis and dermis, and may extend into deeper tissues. These burns require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafting, and can lead to permanent scarring and disability.
  
  
• Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe type of burn, affecting all layers of skin, muscle, and bone. These burns can be life-threatening and often result in permanent disfigurement and disability.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of settings, some more common than others. Here are some frequent causes of burn injuries in Shreveport:

• On the Job: Industrial accidents, chemical spills, and electrical hazards are all dangers that can cause serious burns in the workplace.
  
  
• At Home: Faulty wiring, malfunctioning appliances, and improper use of flammable materials can all spark devastating house fires.
  
  
• On the Road: Exploding gas tanks from collisions, electrical fires caused by wiring issues, and even exposure to hot engine parts during repairs can all lead to burn injuries in car accidents.
  
  
• Dangerous Products: Sometimes, everyday items can become hazards. Faulty appliances, malfunctioning tools, and even certain types of clothing that lack proper safety features can cause burn injuries if not designed or manufactured correctly.
  
  
• Scalding Injuries: Be aware of the risk of scalding, especially for children and the elderly. Hot liquids like coffee, tea, or bathwater can cause serious burn injuries.

Understanding the cause of your burn injury is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation for your damages.

Legal Rights of Shreveport Burn Injury Victims

If you have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, Louisiana law allows you to seek compensation for your losses. Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights:

Statute of Limitations

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

Types of Compensation

Burn injury victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: This covers all the costs of treating your burn injuries, from the first hospital visit throughout your recovery. This includes things like surgery, skin grafts, rehab, medications, and physical therapy.
  
  
• Lost Wages: If you can’t work because of your burns, you can be compensated for the wages you’re missing out on. This also includes situations where your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn a living.
  
  
• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain you experience from your burns, as well as any emotional distress you go through.
  
  
• Emotional Distress: Burn injuries can be very emotionally upsetting, causing anxiety, depression, or even PTSD. Compensation can be awarded for this emotional suffering.
  
  
• Disfigurement: Severe burns can leave permanent scars. This compensation can help address the emotional and social difficulties that come with these changes to your appearance.
  
  
• Punitive Damages: In extreme cases where someone acted with gross negligence or intentionally caused your burns, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish them and deter others from similar behavior.

Steps to Take After a Burn Injury

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Shreveport, taking the following steps can help protect your health and legal rights:

1. Get Medical Help Right Away: This is the most crucial step. Your health comes first. See a doctor immediately so they can properly assess and treat your burns.
   
   
2. Take Pictures of Your Injuries: Take photos of your burns throughout the healing process. This will help document your injuries.
   
   
3. Keep Track of Everything: Save all medical records, bills, and receipts from your treatment. This will be important for any potential legal claims.
   
   
4. Talk to a Shreveport Burn Injury Attorney: A Shreveport lawyer specializing in burn injuries can explain your legal options, investigate how you got hurt, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Don’t wait to consult with a lawyer.

Our Approach to Burn Injury Cases

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the complexities of burn injury cases and are committed to helping you navigate the legal process with confidence.

Here’s how we approach your case:

• Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your burn injury in detail and answer your questions. This allows us to assess your situation and determine the best course of action.
  
  
• Thorough Investigation: Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your burn injury, identify all liable parties, and gather evidence to support your claim.
  
  
• Building a Strong Case: We will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf, consulting with medical experts, burn specialists, and other professionals as needed.
  
  
• Aggressive Negotiation: Our skilled legal team will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary.
  
  
• Compassionate Support: Our burn injury attorneys understand the physical and emotional toll of a burn injury. We will provide you with compassionate support throughout the legal process and keep you informed of every step.

Let Our Burn Injury Lawyers in Shreveport Help You

A burn injury can be a life-altering event, turning everyday tasks into struggles. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our Louisiana burn injury lawyers know the profound impact these injuries can have. We’re not just about legal battles; we’re about helping you reclaim your life in Shreveport.

We also know financial worries can add stress to an already difficult situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your burn injury – that’s the G Guarantee!

Don’t let pain define your future. Contact us today at 318.888.8888 for a free consultation with one of our Louisiana burn injury attorneys. Get Gordon and Get It Done!