Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys

If you suffered a burn injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay your medical bills, make up for lost income, and more.

The skilled injury attorneys with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath are ready to help. We have more than 30 years of experience helping clients involved in cases similar to yours, and we’ll do everything we can to help you recover financially as you recover physically.

Schedule a free case review with one of our burn injury lawyers by calling (561) 665-1990 or using our online contact form.

Steps to take after being burned

Following these tips will be essential in helping you look after your health and obtain maximum compensation.

1. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room

Get the medical help you need immediately. A severe burn must receive treatment as soon as possible. Failure to see a doctor could lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.

Delaying medical help will also hurt your case, as the insurance company could easily argue you’re not injured nearly as seriously as you claim.

2. Treat the burn as you wait for paramedics to arrive

It’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to learn what to do for a burn injury. Never apply ice to the burn as that could damage the skin and possibly result in hypothermia. Instead, run some cool water over the area for about 20 minutes to reduce pain.

Cover the burn with a light dressing to reduce the risk of infection. But don’t try to remove any clothing stuck to the wound. If you see blisters, don’t pop them, because this could increase the chances of an infection.

3. Write down the names of all caregivers during your hospitalization who can testify on your behalf

Being in a hospital can be a hectic experience. So many professionals are tending to you that you could easily lose track of all your doctors and nurses. A good rule of thumb will be to ask everyone their full name the first time you see them and write those names down.

This could be important when it comes to your case. Your attorney may need to contact them so they can testify to the extent of your injuries.

4. Keep a detailed record as your burns heal

Write down everything you’re going through – all the pain you’re experiencing and all of the mental distress as well. This can help prove your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional trauma.

5. Speak with an attorney

You’ll also want to speak with Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys as quickly as possible. They’ll investigate the accident and gather the evidence needed for your case. The faster the investigation starts, the better the chances you’ll get the proof you need to maximize your compensation.

Types of burns

There are three levels, or degrees of burns: first-, second-, and third-degree. First-degree burns are minor (sunburn is considered a first-degree burn), while third-degree burns are the most severe, usually requiring skin grafts.

Below are the most common causes, or sources of first-, second-, and third-degree burns.

Thermal burns

Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames can all cause thermal burns.

Radiation burns

A radiation burn can occur on skin that has seen prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun, X-rays, or radiation therapy used to treat cancer, among other causes.

Chemical burns

Thousands of products contain strong or noxious acids, detergents, or solvents that can cause chemical burns to the skin and eyes.

Electrical burns

When electricity comes in contact with the body, energy can travel throughout the body and cause severe damage to tissues and organs.

Don’t miss the deadline to file your claim

The statute of limitations in Florida is two years. This means you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. But that doesn’t mean you should wait that long. You’ll need to take action immediately before important evidence fades away or disappears completely.

Possible damages you can claim

Damages are financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident that resulted in your injury. The two main categories are economic and non-economic damages. Here’s a quick look at both.

Economic damages

These are tangible losses, ones easily supported by documentation. For example, you may be compensated for your medical expenses, such as emergency care, prescriptions, doctor’s visits, surgeries, and more. You can also provide pay stubs to show how much money you make. Since you can’t work, pay stubs will also show how much money you’re losing.

Non-economic damages

It’s more difficult to prove your non-economic damages because it can be hard to put a dollar value on them. These include pain and suffering, mental trauma, loss of quality of life, and more. You’re going to need the help of skilled Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys.

How to find the right lawyer for your needs

You’ve probably seen TV ads for Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys, but that’s not always the best way to choose a lawyer. Read online reviews to find out what people are saying about their attorneys. If you happen to know someone who recently needed a lawyer, ask them if they’d recommend that legal representative.

We’ll fight the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation

One thing you’ll want in a lawyer is someone who’s not intimidated by huge insurance companies. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have a long track record of getting our clients what they deserve.

Parties who may be liable for your burn injury

There could be more than one person or entity that either caused the incident outright or contributed to it in some way. Take a car accident, for instance. The at-fault driver might have been speeding, but what if the brakes failed? You might not only be able to sue the driver but also the manufacturer that made the braking system.

How our attorneys prove liability

Experienced Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys know how to determine all the parties that played a role in causing your injury. Our lawyers are expert investigators and will find out who to pursue to get the compensation you deserve.

Burn injury lawsuit process

The following is a very quick rundown of what you can expect during your case.

1. Legal consultation

The first step will be speaking to an attorney to see if you have a case. You’ll explain how the accident occurred and how badly you were hurt. The lawyer will then let you know if it will be worth it for you to pursue legal action.

2. Accident investigation

Once you hire an attorney, they’ll investigate to get the facts of the case. They’ll find out all the parties that contributed to your injury and then get to work obtaining compensation on your behalf.

3. File demand for compensation

Part of this process is sending demand letters to the insurers that cover the liable parties. These documents will spell out their role in the accident and the amount of money they should pay you.

4. Negotiation

The demand letters will be the basis for negotiations between your Port St. Lucie burn injury attorneys and the insurance companies. It’s very likely your legal representatives will be able to convince the insurers to offer a fair settlement.

The reason is that insurers don’t like to take cases to court. It’s very expensive for them and eats into their profits. They’re also hesitant because they never know how a jury will decide. Going to trial could wind up costing them much more than settling.

5. Take the case to trial

However, there are instances where a personal injury case will find its way into a court of law. If so, you can rest assured that Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will be exceptionally well-prepared to argue on your behalf.

Why it’s important to visit the doctor

Seeing a doctor immediately ensures you receive the right treatment and may improve your recovery. It will also establish a record of your medical care so that your lawyer can prove your expenses.

Cost of hiring a burn injury lawyer

Some injured people fail to get legal help because they don’t think they can afford it. But when you turn to Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath it won’t cost you anything. We’ll pay for everything involved with your representation and only receive an agreed-upon portion of your compensation if we win.

Why hire Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath?

Our Port St. Lucie personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients for more than three decades. Insurance companies know us very well. They’ll be more inclined to settle than take their chances meeting us in a court of law.

Our Port St. Lucie burn injury lawyers are here to help

You can schedule a free evaluation of your case by giving us a call at (561) 665-1990 or contacting us online.