Burn injuries are amongst the most painful and severe injuries any person can experience. According to the American Burn Association, almost 500,000 people visited the emergency room due to burn injuries between 2010 and 2014 in the U.S. Furthermore, the Burn Association stated that in 2014 alone, more than 3,000 Americans lost their lives due to fire-related accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries due to another person’s negligent actions, we may be able to help. Call Miami burn injury lawyer Prosper Shaked today at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA. Our number is (305) 694-2676.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Miami
Burns involve serious damage to layers of the skin as a result of exposure to excess heat. This type of injury can happen for numerous reasons. Some of the common causes of burn injuries in Miami include the following:
Water Heaters
A hot shower can be soothing and relaxing. However, a sudden spike in the water temperature can lead to severe damage to the skin. Scalding injuries are usually caused by steam or hot water. Homeowners, landlords, and other property owners are supposed to set water at a safe temperature. However, many property owners set the water heater’s temperature dangerously high, putting tenants and guests at risk of suffering a scalding injury. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault parties could help you obtain compensation for medical bills and other expenses.
Hot Beverages
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, beverages should be no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit when served to a customer. However, many coffee shops and restaurants serve beverages far above the recommended temperature. This may lead to severe burn injuries that could take costly medical treatment and a long recovery period.
Defective Products
Manufacturers are responsible for launching safe products onto the market. Faulty products, manufacturing errors, and other product-related flaws may also cause lasting, catastrophic burn injuries. For instance, bursting valves on radiators can expose individuals to scalding steam. A defective factory steam pipe could explode, also exposing individuals to excess heat. Exploding lithium-ion batteries are also common causes of burns from defective products. If a defective product caused your injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer(s).
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals can cause irritation and burning of the skin. This type of chemical injury is common at construction sites and chemical plants. Chemical burn injuries can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. You may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses by filing a personal injury claim.
Residential Fires
Residential fires are a common cause of burn injuries throughout the nation. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were more than 350,000 recorded house fires in the U.S. Direct exposure to flame can lead to devastating injuries, such as second and third-degree burn injuries. The NFPA reported more than 2,700 fire-related deaths stemming from residential fires in 2016. Furthermore, the NFPA reported more than 10,700 injuries related to these fires. Residential fires can happen as the result of faulty electrical panels and wiring, gas lines, and other home utilities. If you were injured due to another person’s negligence, you could receive compensation for your injuries by filing a lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Burn Injuries in Miami
You may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties based on “negligence.” As the plaintiff, you have the burden of proving the defendant caused your injuries. As with most personal injury cases, you will need to show the following:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached the duty of care.
- The breach of duty caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages the court can compensate you for.
If you can show your injuries were caused by a third party’s negligence, you can receive compensation for current and future lost wages, medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Furthermore, Florida has no limits on the amount of damages a plaintiff can win in a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, in gross negligence cases, you could be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are granted as a means to punish the defendant(s) for their wrongdoing and deter others from taking similar actions in the future.
However, plaintiffs have a limited window of time in which to file their lawsuit. This legal time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Under Fla. Stat. Ann. § 95.11(3), plaintiffs have two years from the moment of the incident to file their claim. If you miss the chance to file your claim on time, you will be left out of legal options.
Miami Personal Injury Attorney Handling Burn Injury Claims
Burn injuries can be emotionally and physically devastating. That is why we have dedicated our legal practice to representing personal injury victims and their families. Miami burn injury lawyer Prosper Shaked will fight aggressively and strategically to obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your potential personal injury case, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676. We offer free, confidential initial consultations.