BURNS

Mississippi Burn Injury Attorney

 

Burn injuries are perhaps the most painful type of injury you can experience. The pain comes not only from the injury itself, but from the treatment you must suffer through as well. The personal injury lawyers at The Guthrie Firm, PLLC represent victims of burn injuries, and we will help you seek fair and just compensation for burn injuries cause by the negligence of others. We have a statewide practice in Mississippi, and our technology allows us to be on call 24/7 to meet with clients anywhere in the state.

What is a burn injury?

A burn injury can obviously be caused by contact with intense heat, such as a flame, hot liquid, steam, etc., but it can also be cause by exposure to sunlight, acids, chemicals, radiation, and even something extremely cold. Burn injuries are classified by a system of “degrees,” depending on the depth of injury to your skin and other parts of your body.

  • First-degree burn - involves only the first layer of your skin. Usually only redness.
  • Second-degree burn - Extends into superficial (papillary) dermis (the second layer of skin. Severe redness and probably blisters.
  • Third-degree burn - All layers of skin and underlying tissue are damaged. Might be relatively painless (because nerves are damaged), but will result in serious scarring, possible amputation, and disability.
  • Fourth-degree burn - Extends through skin, tissue and deep into underlying muscle and bone. These are catastrophic injuries that significantly affect the rest of your life.

Treatment for victims of burn injuries ranges from skin grafts, skin replacement, physical therapy, possible amputation, and reconstructive surgery.

Types of Burn Injuries

  • Thermal burns – this is the most common type of burn injury, and is typically caused by exposure to extreme heat, hot liquids, steam, or electricity.
  • Cold burns – this burn results from exposure to frigid objects (dry ice, liquid helium, liquid nitrogen, etc.) or from prolonged exposure to moderately cold objects.
  • Electrical burns – these result from electrocution. As electric current travels through your body, the energy is converted to heat, which can cause extensive damage to blood vessels, nerves, tissue, and bone. Electricity can also cause electrical contact burns where electrical current enters and exits your body. Finally, electricity can cause flash burns from arcing electrical current, and thermal burns from electricity igniting flammable objects around you (clothing, car seats, etc.).
  • Chemical burns – these burns are caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals (household substances, mislabeled MSDS sheets at work, mishandled chemicals, etc.) that burn the skin.
  • Flash burns – these burns result from explosions, such as gas tanks, propane tanks, and other pressurized gases, or from mishandled explosives. Problems that can lead to flash burns at work include improper training, failure to comply with OSHA regulations, and defective containers.
  • Industrial fires – caused by defective machinery, mislabeled chemicals, etc., these tragic fires often engulf an entire workplace, and everyone injured may have a claim against those responsible.
  • Car fires – a fire in your car may be the result of a wreck, a defective part, or a part that was not installed properly.
  • Smoke inhalation – smoke inhalation injuries often accompany burn injuries, but are often overlooked. Smoke inhalation can cause serious injuries to the lungs and other internal organs, and these injuries may not be immediately noticeable.
  • Heat inhalation – these injuries occur when a victim inhales extremely hot air, damaging the upper airway, trachea, esophagus, and in severe cases, the interior portions of the lungs. Many victims who die in fires die of smoke and heat inhalation.

What we can do for burn injury victims

If you are burned due to the intentional or negligent acts of another, you have a legal right to compensation. Burn injuries are typically catastrophic, and expensive. People understand and sympathize with your pain and suffering, and settlements and jury awards are sometimes significant. We will fight to ensure those who caused you harm are held accountable for their actions. You deserve the best care, support, hope for your future, so call The Guthrie Firm, PLLC at             601-991-1099       or toll-free at            866-991-1055       to schedule an appointment for a free consultation. Feel free to contact us by email as well at clarence@guthriefirm.com. We are here to help.