Atlanta Burn Injury Lawyer

Atlanta Burn Injury Attorney

Generally everyone has experienced a minor burn  during their lifetime resulting from touching a hot stove or pan. Unfortunately,  there are others who will suffer the injury of a major burn. Along with those  major burns come major complications including: permanent damage to the skin,  the loss of a limb and the need for skin grafts.

Every year burn injury victims are injured due to the negligence of others. Whether it be a defective household product, an unsafe premise, or outdated hardware, you have legal rights. If you are the victim of a serious burn you may be entitled to compensation from the accountable parties that lead to your injury, and our Atlanta burn injury lawyer team can help. Call us at 404-975-1775 to learn more about your legal rights.

Possible causes of burn injuries

Defective smoke detectors

Defective smoke detectors can significantly increase the risk of harm in the event of a fire. These devices may fail due to dead or missing batteries, improper placement that hinders their ability to detect smoke, contamination of sensors by dust or insects, or general malfunction due to age or manufacturing flaws. The resulting delay in the detection of a fire prolongs the occupants’ exposure to heat, flames, and toxic smoke, thereby escalating the likelihood and severity of burn and smoke inhalation injuries.

Locked fire exits

Locked fire exits present another serious hazard during an emergency. Accessible escape routes are crucial for the safe evacuation of buildings during a fire, and any obstruction, such as locked doors, can lead to entrapment, prolonged exposure to dangerous conditions, and potentially fatal outcomes. You’ve likely seen these scenes in television shows, but blocked escape routes happen in real life too and they inevitably mean more time spent within the burning building, increasing the risk of both direct burns from flames and heat, as well as the inhalation of toxic smoke and gases.

Unrepaired and frayed wires in electrical cords and old appliances

Damaged insulation on wires and cords exposes live electrical conductors, which can result in short circuits, electrical arcing, and resistance heating. This heat can ignite nearby flammable materials such as building insulation, carpets, or curtains, leading to structural fires. These are the types of fires that seem to happen in an instant. You turn around and all of a sudden there are flames.

Direct contact with exposed wires or faulty appliances can also cause electrical burns, which can range in severity from minor skin irritation to deep tissue damage and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. It is crucial that all individuals who sustain an electrical burn receive prompt and comprehensive medical evaluation to assess and treat any potential underlying injuries.

Scalding water and pots

Scalding water and hot pots are common causes of thermal burns, particularly in domestic environments. The severity of a scald burn is determined by the temperature of the liquid and the duration of contact with the skin. Notably, third-degree burns can occur in a matter of seconds at 140°F, within 10 seconds at 131°F, and in about five minutes at 122°F. At these temperatures, boiling water for pasta or tea can become dangerous.

Common scenarios leading to these injuries include spills while pouring hot beverages or cooking liquids, inadvertently touching hot pots and pans, children reaching for items on stoves, and unsafe bathwater temperatures, especially for infants and young children. Sometimes there is no legal recourse in these situations, but sometimes there is and our Atlanta burn injury lawyer team knows the difference.

Burns Can Result in Lifelong Damage that Enables You to Legal Rights

It is important to understand that many burn injuries  do not result in death. Many victims are left with lifetime physical and  psychological damage. That is why it is important for burn victims to consult  with an attorney who has experience in helping victims through this challenging  time.

Although many burn injuries occur in the home, the  workplace is still susceptible to being a place of danger. If you were injured  while at home or work, call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775. Your injuries could have possibly been prevented and may be the result  of the negligence of others.

By definition, a burn is damage to your body’s  tissue due to heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. A very  painful experience, burn injuries can result in nerve damage, loss of oxygen to  the brain, tissue damage, infection and organ failure. All of these symptoms  are permanent and will leave the victim with a lifelong journey of recovery.

Types of Burns

• 1st degree burns are  superficial involving only the uppermost layers of skin called the epidermis.  Symptoms include redness around the wound and minimal tissue damage
• 2nd degree burns permeate  deeper into the second layer of skin called the dermis. Symptoms of a 2nd  degree burn include redness and blisters
• 3rd degree burns penetrate  completely through the skin and may damage tendons, nerves and muscle or  bone.
• Heat  Burns (Thermal burns) are caused by fire, steam, or hot liquids. Scald burns  from hot liquids are the most common burn injuries to children and older  adults.
• Cold  temperature burns are caused by skin exposure to wet, windy or cold conditions.
• Electrical  burns are caused by contact with electrical sources or lightning.
• Chemical  burns are caused by contact with household or industrial chemicals in a liquid,  solid, or gas form. Some natural foods such as chili peppers, which contain a  substance irritating to the skin, can cause a burning sensation.
• Radiation  burns are caused by the sun, tanning booths, sunlamps, X-rays, or radiation  therapy for cancer patients.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we believe in  helping our clients throughout the entire process of healing. We understand the  damage caused by the negligence of others and will work hard to get you the financial compensation owed to you.

Serious Complications from Burn Injuries

Burn injuries, particularly those that are deep or widespread, can lead to a range of serious medical complications, both immediately following the injury and in the long term. Burn shock and significant fluid loss (hypovolemia) are critical immediate concerns resulting from damage to blood vessels, causing fluid shifts from the bloodstream into the burned tissues and evaporative losses from the damaged skin surface. 

The severity of burn shock is directly related to the extent of the burn, particularly in cases where more than 30% of the total body surface area is affected. The loss of the skin’s protective barrier in burn injuries creates a high risk of infection, both locally at the burn site and systemically throughout the body. These infections can range from localized skin infections to severe, life-threatening conditions such as cellulitis, pneumonia, tetanus, sepsis (blood poisoning), and toxic shock syndrome. The long-term complications for burn survivors can be extensive and have a lasting impact on their health and quality of life .

Where Do Fires and Explosions Happen?

Fires and explosions, the primary causes of many catastrophic burn injuries, tend to occur in specific locations and under predictable circumstances. In residential settings, the kitchen is by far the most common location for fires. Unattended cooking, particularly on stovetops, and grease fires are significant contributing factors. 

In commercial buildings, kitchens again represent a significant fire risk, with cooking being the most common cause we see leading to accidents. Electrical systems are another major concern in commercial properties, with fires often starting due to user errors like the improper use of extension cords or the continued use of damaged cables, as well as system malfunctions caused by faulty wiring and inadequate servicing. 

Explosions are also more likely to occur in specific environments like warehouses, construction sites and other industrial settings where flammable gases and liquids are prevalent. In these places, explosions due to equipment failure, chemical reactions, or accidents during processing pose a risk. Transportation incidents involving vehicles carrying flammable materials can also result in explosions. 

Speak with an Atlanta Burn Injury Lawyer Today

Here at Merritt & Merritt we pride ourselves on  having a strong relationship with our clients. When you call us, we will take  the time to listen to your case.

If you believe you  have been a victim of another person’s negligence, please call us at  404-975-1775 (93946) or contact us online for a free case review.