Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are some of the most painful, disfiguring, and difficult to treat injuries that a person can sustain. If you or a loved one has been burned, you may be feeling scared, devastated, or angry. You may be wondering if your injuries could have been prevented, or if someone else is to blame for what happened to you. You may be wondering if you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, if it was caused by the negligent or intentional acts of another person.

Fort Lauderdale Burn Injury Attorneys

The attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A., are here to help you answer your questions. We are ready to listen to your story and help determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim. If you do have a claim, we are ready to fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We will give your case the attention it requires.

If you are located in Southeast Florida and have experienced a burn injury that you believe was due to another person’s negligence or intentional behavior, contact us today for a free consultation.

Burn Injuries Information Center

• What are some common causes of burns?
• What are the different types of burns?
• What kinds of injuries result from burning?
• What is first aid for burns?
• Where can I find further information on burns?
• How can Levine & Glassman, P.A., help me?

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Common Causes of Burns

Burns can be caused by many different events. These are some of the most common causes of burns.

• House or other structural fires
• Campfires or bonfires
• Electrical burns
• Scalding from water or steam
• Flash burns from bright light or intense heat
• Workplace accidents
• Chemical burns
• Sunburn
• Radiation
• Car, boat, or airplane accidents
• Intentional acts, such as assaults and battery

You should speak to your attorney regarding the circumstances of your burn injuries. Your attorney will be able to help you assess whether your burn was the result of someone else’s behavior, and whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

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Degrees of Burns

There are different degrees of burns that you may suffer. How the burn looks and feels, how long it will take to heal, and how dangerous the burn is to your life all depends on what kind of burn it is.

• First degree burns: only the first layer of skin is burned. The burn will look red. Pain will be minimal and limited to the site of the burn.

• Second degree burns: the deeper layers of tissue are burned. The burn will look red and be blistered. The pain may be very severe, or similar to a first degree burn, depending on how damaged the tissue is. Burns of this type require medical attention and may cause scarring.

• Third degree burns: the damage goes down to the subcutaneous tissue. These burns may look red or white and are not painful, since the nerves are damaged. These burns will usually scar and might require skin grafting.

• Fourth degree burns: burning occurs down to the muscle. These burns are not painful, since the nerves have been destroyed. These burns usually require skin grafting.

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Common Burn Injuries

These are the most common burn injuries that might occur; your injuries may be different.

It is a good idea to document all of your injuries, as well as the circumstances or where and how you were burned. Take pictures of your injuries, both when they are fresh and as they are healing. Write down, if you can, what the healing process is like for you; what kind of pain you are in; and how your injuries affect your daily functioning. These records will be helpful down the road at trial.

• Blistering of the skin
• Nerve damage
• Loss of hair
• Damage and loss of skin, resulting in scarring
• Damage to the vascular system
• Blood loss
• Infection
• Shock
• Death

Aside from pain and suffering and medical bills, most burn victims incur expenses that are not easily measured in dollars. Many burn victims are unable to work or perform their daily activities of living, at least temporarily, due to their injuries. Some people are permanently disabled or disfigured. Many victims are left with permanent scars, which might affect their self-image and emotional well-being. You should speak to your attorney about all of these factors, as you may be entitled to compensation.

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First Aid for Burning

First aid for burning varies depending on the type of the burning the victim has suffered.

Most first degree burns and second degree burns can be classified as “minor burns” and treated at home. However, even minor burns require medical attention if they affect large areas of the groin, buttocks, hands, feet, or face, or if the second degree burn is greater than 3” long or located on a joint.

For minor burns, you should do the following:

• Cool the burned area with lukewarm water. You may run water over the burn for 15-20 minutes, immerse the burn in water, or apply a damp compress. NEVER put ice, butter, or thick creams on a burn, as these can make the injury worse.

• Cover the burn. Use a loose-fitting, clean gauze bandage. Do not use fluffy cotton, as this can leave lint in the wound. Change the dressing every 12 hours or as necessary. Check for signs of infection, such as fever, swelling or oozing. If you see any of those signs, seek medical attention immediately.

• Treat the pain with over-the-counter pain medicines. Do not break the blisters on the skin or scratch the burn.

For third degree or higher burns, medical attention should be sought at once. Call 911 immediately, and as you wait for the ambulance, take the following steps:

• Make sure that the victim in no longer in contact with anything that is hot or burning. However, do not remove the victim’s clothing, as it might stick to the burn and cause further skin damage.

• Do not place the burns in water, as that could result in hypothermia.

• Make sure the victim is breathing. If the victim stops breathing, start CPR.

• Raise the burned areas above the heart, if possible, and cover them with moist towels or a sterile bandage.

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Burn Injury Resources:

Survivor’s Hope – Online support group for victims of burning

Burn Survivor Resource Center – A list of burn units and rehabs in Florida

Burn Camp – Summer camp for children and teens who have been burned

University of Miami Jackson Memorial Burn Center – Provides patients with superb comprehensive, multidisciplinary burn care ranging from the resuscitation phase through long-term rehabilitation

Ryder Trauma Center
1611 NW 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136

American Burn Association – The ABA is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by serious burn injuries through patient care, education, research, and advocacy.

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How We Can Help

If you have been injured as the result of another person’s actions, the attorneys at Levine & Glassman P.A. are ready to fight for you. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. We will do what it takes to get your life as close to normal again as possible. We understand the devastating effects a burn injury can have on the victim and the victim’s family, and we will answer all of your questions with sensitivity and respect.

You have a limited amount of time to file your personal injury claim. If you have suffered a burn in the Southeast Florida area, including the cities of Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, you should contact us today. Simply call (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to advocate for you.