Injury & Accident Attorneys Serving Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman & All Of Oklahoma
Pain is often the outcome of any accident. Severe burns take an enormous toll on injury victims and their families, causing physical, mental, emotional, and financial stress and pain.
Attorneys at Johnson & Biscone, P.A. have more than 90 years of combined experience in personal injury law. If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, call 405-232-6490 for a free case review. Our law firm serves clients in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and nearby areas of Oklahoma.
Causes of Burn Injury
Burns can originate from several sources, from fires and hazardous chemicals to steam and electrocution. Most people suffer from some form of a minor burn injury in their lives, such as a sunburn or contact with a hot stove. Others sustain debilitating burns in incidents stemming from the negligence of another party.
Johnson & Biscone has experience representing clients who have sustained burn injuries stemming from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective products
- Workplace injury at a construction area, oilfield, or other job site
- Misuse of X-rays and other medical equipment that emits radiation (medical malpractice)
- Premises liability, specifically poor maintenance of a property that results in elevated risk of fire
Our attorneys will investigate all aspects of your case to determine the party or parties who are liable for your injuries. We will build a claim pursuing full compensation for burns and other serious injuries.
Compensation in Your Burn Injury Case
The amount of money you can recover in a burn injury claim will vary based on the type of burn you sustained and the amount of resulting damages.
Burns are classified according to severity:
- First-degree — Akin to the average sunburn, these burns affect only the outer layer of skin.
- Second-degree — Penetrates the skin's surface to affect the underlying tissue of the dermis.
- Third-degree — Sometimes called a “full-thickness burn,” this burn injury penetrates through the skin layers to the underlying fat tissues.
- Fourth-degree — The most severe burn, with damage extending to bones, soft tissue, and muscle.
The burn injury's severity will likely affect your case's recovery. Our attorneys will pursue compensation on your behalf for damages, including:
- Medical bills for emergency treatment, surgery, skin grafts, and more
- Lost income
- Future lost wages; many burn victims suffer loss of mobility and loss of sensation, compromising their ability to make a living
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Expenses for physical and vocational therapy, counseling, ongoing medical care, and other costs
Catastrophic burn injuries and explosions can be fatal. If your loved one died as a result of severe burns, Johnson & Biscone can build a wrongful death case on your family’s behalf and pursue full damages for your loss.
Burn Injuries That Qualify for Lawsuits
Various types of burn injuries may incur damages that you can recover in court in Oklahoma. These include:
- Burns that take place in the workplace, such as malfunctioning equipment, improper safety protocols, or employer negligence
- Burn injuries sustained during an accident
- Burn injuries inflicted by electrical malfunctions or faulty wiring
- Burn injuries caused by defective equipment or products, such as electronic cigarettes, portable heaters, and cooking appliances
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Burn Injury Claim?
A statute of limitations is when an individual files a claim and lawsuit. The statute of limitation for filing a burn injury claim depends on your jurisdiction. In Oklahoma, the time limit to file a personal injury claim is within two years following the incident.
The best way to determine whether you can file a lawsuit is to speak with a personal injury attorney in Oklahoma as soon as possible.
Can You Sue for a First-Degree Burn in Oklahoma?
Yes, you are legally eligible to recover damages from any type of burn, including first-degree burns. Although they are the least severe type of burn injury, the physical and emotional pain of a burn, along with the financial damages it can cause, can merit a lawsuit.
How Do I Determine Who Is at Fault for a Burn Injury?
Determining who is at fault depends on a variety of factors. The fault can lie with negligent employers, defective products, and property owners. You will need to compile the proper evidence to support your injury claim.
Evidence can include the following:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Testimonies
There are even cases where multiple parties are the cause of your burn injury.
Is It Possible to Sue if My Burn Injury Was Caused at Work?
Yes, you may be eligible to sue if your burn injury happened at work. However, most companies offer employee workers’ compensation. Workers' compensation is an insurance policy that covers employees for lost wages and medical expenses.
If you are eligible for the benefits of workers' compensation, you generally cannot sue your employer. There are a few exceptions, however, such as gross negligence.
Contact our legal offices to arrange a time to speak with an attorney about your burn injury.
What Damages Can I Recover In a Burn Injury Lawsuit?
You can recover various types of damages when you file a burn lawsuit.
These damages include the following:
- Medical damages
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages can be available when a defendant’s actions are egregious. When this occurs, you can be awarded punitive damages as a punishment to the defendant.
How Can I Prove Negligence for My Burn Injury Case?
You will need to demonstrate certain evidence to prove negligence as the reason for your burn injury.
This evidence can include the following:
- Duty of care — This is when the defendant is legally obligated to treat you a certain way.
- Breach of care — This is when the defendant did not meet this obligation.
- Causation — This is the defendant’s breach of duty.
You should also include any documentation of damages and losses as a result of the burn injury.
When documenting evidence, it is also important to provide any medical records and photographs to help strengthen your case. Doing so can help maximize your chances of receiving full compensation.
Call Johnson & Biscone, P.A. Today For Your Burn Injury Consultation!
Find out how our compassionate and experienced law firm can help with your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience in matters involving burn injury and other serious trauma.
For a free consultation, please call 405-232-6490 today. You can also fill out our appointment request form to book your personalized consultation.
