Burn Injury Lawyers in New Orleans
Burn injuries often cause severe pain, permanent damage, and lasting emotional trauma. As a result, these injuries affect not only victims, but also their families. When another party’s negligence causes a burn injury, Louisiana law allows victims to pursue compensation.
For this reason, the experienced burn injury lawyers at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers help burn victims fight for justice and financial recovery. If you suffered a burn injury in New Orleans or elsewhere in Louisiana, contact our legal team today.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries happen in many ways. Most often, they result from sudden and preventable accidents.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Electrical shock
- Chemical spills or exposure
- Scalding liquids or steam
- Fires and explosions
In addition, burn injuries frequently occur during:
- Car accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Residential fires
- Defective or dangerous products
Types of Burn Injuries
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns occur when heat, fire, or steam damages the skin. For example, car accidents may cause thermal burns when a vehicle catches fire or when hot metal or fluids come into contact with the body.
Typically, emergency responders begin treatment at the scene. However, more serious burns often require care at a burn center or Level I trauma center. Because of their severity, visible or extensive thermal burns frequently lead to lifelong medical needs. Therefore, many victims seek compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns occur when electrical current passes through the body. Although these injuries may not always appear severe on the surface, they often cause significant internal damage.
Electrical burns commonly fall into the following categories:
- Arc burns, which occur when electricity travels through the air
- Low-voltage burns, which usually affect the skin
- High-voltage burns, which can damage organs and tissue
- Flash burns, caused by electrical arcs on the skin
- Flame burns, which occur when electricity ignites clothing or surroundings
- Oral burns, most often affecting children who bite electrical cords
Because electrical injuries can remain dangerous, never touch a victim until the power source is off. Once the area is safe, lay the victim down to prevent injury from shock or seizures and seek medical care immediately.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when corrosive substances damage tissue through chemical reactions rather than heat. As a result, these burns often continue to worsen until treatment begins.
Common chemicals that cause severe chemical burns include:
- Sulfuric acid
- Lye
- Hydrochloric acid
- Silver nitrate
- Hydrofluoric acid
- Sulfur mustard
Victims may experience symptoms such as:
- Severe pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
To treat a chemical burn, remove the chemical as quickly as possible. First, brush off dry substances. Next, flush the affected area with room-temperature water for at least 30 minutes. Finally, remove contaminated clothing and seek emergency medical care. Do not, however, soak the burn or apply ointments.
Common Household Burn Injuries
Burn injuries frequently occur in the home. In fact, kitchens and bathrooms pose some of the greatest risks—especially for children.
Kitchen Burns
- Hot liquids and steam
- Grease fires
- Contact with ovens or stovetops
- Aerosols near open flames
Bathroom Burns
- Scalding bathwater
- Electrical appliances near sinks or tubs
- Unattended candles
Other Household Burns
- Barbecue grills
- Space heaters
- Flammable liquids near flames
- Smoking in bed
Degrees of Burns
Doctors classify burns by depth and severity. Understanding these differences helps determine proper treatment.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. In most cases, they heal within 7–10 days with minimal scarring. However, large burns or burns that do not heal properly may require medical attention.
If a burn does not improve after 20 days, seek professional care to prevent infection or complications.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin and often cause blisters, swelling, and intense pain. While some heal on their own, others require medical treatment or skin grafting.
These burns fall into two categories:
- Superficial second-degree burns, which affect the upper dermis
- Deep second-degree burns, which damage nerves, sweat glands, and blood vessels
Because these burns involve deeper tissue, prompt cooling, infection prevention, and medical evaluation are essential.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and often damage nerves. As a result, victims may feel less pain despite severe injury. Due to their seriousness, third-degree burns require immediate treatment at a certified burn center.
Louisiana burn centers include:
- Baton Rouge General Medical Center Burn Center
- The Grossman Burn Center at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
- Regional Burn Center at LSU Medical Center
- LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport Burn Center
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns extend into muscle, tendon, or bone. Typically, these injuries result from house fires or high-voltage electrical accidents. In many cases, they require amputation and long-term medical care.
Louisiana Burn Injury Lawyers Ready to Help
Burn injuries remain a serious issue throughout Louisiana. When negligence causes these injuries, victims have the right to pursue compensation.
Ultimately, Cueria Law Injury Lawyers stands ready to help burn injury victims recover damages for medical care, lost income, and long-term suffering.
Contact Our New Orleans Burn Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury, do not wait to seek legal help. Call today or complete our online form for a free case evaluation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
