Burn Injuries

Severe burns can set life on a new and challenging course. The pain is intense, the care is complex, and the costs arrive fast. Many Florida burn injuries are preventable. They often result from unsafe properties, defective products, workplace hazards, or careless decisions that should never have occurred. If you or someone you love suffered a burn injury, you deserve clear answers, trusted medical support, and a legal team that treats you with respect and urgency. We handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. You trusted us. We are honored to fight for you.

Types of burn injuries

First-degree burns

These affect only the outer layer of skin. They usually cause redness, tenderness, and mild swelling. Pain can be significant, but scarring is uncommon. Sunburn is a typical example. Even with a first-degree burn, vulnerable body areas such as the face, hands, feet, groin, or airway require careful evaluation.

Second-degree burns

These reach deeper skin layers. They often cause blisters, wet or shiny skin, severe pain, and a higher risk of infection. These injuries may require specialized dressings, meticulous wound care, and occasionally surgery to promote healing and minimize scarring.

Third-degree burns

These destroy the full thickness of the skin and may damage fat, muscle, and even bone in the most severe cases. The burned area can look white, brown, leathery, or charred. Because nerve endings can be destroyed, the area itself may be less painful even while the surrounding tissue is very painful. Third-degree burns usually require advanced care such as skin grafts, fluid resuscitation, and staged reconstruction.

Burns are commonly grouped by depth. A doctor will confirm the true severity, but the overview below can help you understand what the care team may be looking for.

Common causes of burn injuries in Florida

House and apartment fires

Old wiring, overloaded circuits, unattended cooking, faulty space heaters, missing or nonworking smoke alarms, blocked exits, and gas leaks all raise the risk of fire and inhalation injuries. Landlords have legal duties to keep rental property reasonably safe and to follow fire safety codes. Failures can create liability when tenants are harmed.

Workplace accidents

Construction, restaurant kitchens, manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance all involve heat, electricity, chemicals, or pressurized systems. Employers must provide training, equipment, and a safe work environment. When they fall short, workers are at risk for thermal, electrical, chemical, and inhalation injuries.

Car and truck crashes with fire

High-energy impacts can rupture fuel systems and ignite vehicles. Hot metals and explosions increase the chance of severe burns. Liability can involve negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or repair facilities that performed unsafe work.

Defective products

Appliances that overheat, lithium-ion batteries that explode, flammable furniture and textiles, and even food or beverages served at unsafe temperatures can cause burn injuries. Product cases often focus on defective design, manufacturing defects, or failure to provide adequate warnings.

Negligent property maintenance

Hotels, stores, stadiums, and rental properties owe visitors a duty to keep premises reasonably safe. Examples include unprotected hot surfaces, noncompliant electrical work, blocked fire exits, or failure to maintain alarms and sprinklers.

Treatment and recovery for burn victims

Emergency stabilization and airway support for inhalation injury or smoke exposure
Fluid resuscitation to protect organs and promote healing
Wound care with sterile dressings and infection prevention
Skin grafts or other surgical reconstruction for deep or extensive burns
Physical and occupational therapy to restore range of motion, reduce contractures, and support independence
Scar management with pressure garments, massage, silicone therapy, and later revision procedures if needed
Psychological counseling to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and body image concerns
Social work and case management to coordinate home health, durable medical equipment, and caregiver support

Long-term effects of burn injuries

Scarring and disfigurement that can limit movement and affect confidence
Contractures where scar tissue tightens over joints and restricts function
Chronic pain, neuropathic pain, or altered sensation in the affected area
Heat intolerance and sweating problems due to damaged skin function
Sleep disturbance, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression
Occupational limits, job retraining needs, and life care needs for the future

Determining liability in burn injury cases

Landlords and property owners

They must maintain reasonably safe premises, follow building and fire codes, and correct hazards they are aware of or should have identified. Examples include failure to maintain smoke alarms, negligent electrical work, and blocked exits.

Employers and contractors

Florida workers' compensation provides benefits for on-the-job injuries. In many case,s you cannot sue your employer, but you can pursue a separate claim against negligent third parties such as property owners, contractors, or equipment manufacturers who contributed to the event.

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers

Product liability covers defective design, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn of hidden dangers. A company can be responsible when a product is unreasonably dangerous and causes a burn during everyday use.

Other third parties

Gas utilities, maintenance vendors, event operators, and property managers may share liability based on their specific duties and the facts of the incident.

Compensation for burn injury victims

The value of a case depends on the severity of the injuries, the strength of the liability evidence, available insurance, and any allocation of fault.
Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, therapy, and assistive devices
Future medical and life care needs, including reconstruction and scar management
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Home and vehicle modifications, in-home care, and vocational retraining
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement and loss of consortium
Punitive damages when the conduct is reckless or intentional, and a judge allows the claim to proceed

Burn injury cases that involve negligence

Improperly maintained smoke detectors

If a landlord fails to install required detectors or allows detectors to remain nonfunctional, a fire can spread without warning and cause severe burns and inhalation injuries. In many cases, this is a clear breach of legal duties.

Poorly designed or defective products

Space heaters that tip easily, batteries with thermal runaway risk, or food served at unsafe temperatures can cause serious burns. Juries in Florida have held companies accountable when a product is unreasonably dangerous and warnings are inadequate.

Unsafe working conditions

Examples include a lack of guards around hot surfaces, the absence of protective equipment, improper handling of flammables, and missing training for chemical use. Employers must follow safety rules and contractors must coordinate to prevent foreseeable harm.

Legal challenges in burn injury claims

A focused team brings medical experts, fire and product engineers, economists, and life care planners to present the full truth.

Proving negligence with expert testimony about fire origin, product defects, electrical faults, or code violations
Linking the event to all injuries including inhalation damage or deep tissue electrical injury that is not obvious at first
Measuring lifetime costs for surgeries, therapy, and support services with a detailed life care plan
Managing comparative fault arguments where a defendant claims the injured person contributed to the event
Dealing with insurance carriers that minimize long term harm or rely on limited data to discount future needs
Meeting legal deadlines and preserving evidence before it disappears

Special considerations for chemical and electrical burns

Chemical burns

Acids and alkalis can continue to damage tissue until they are neutralized or diluted, which is why immediate irrigation is so important. Some chemicals cause deep penetration with delayed injury and can lead to systemic toxicity. Eye exposure is an emergency. Labels and safety data sheets often become evidence in litigation.

Electrical burns

An electrical current can injure tissue along its path even when the skin looks less severe. Risks include cardiac arrhythmias, muscle breakdown with kidney strain, nerve damage, and hidden compartment injuries that worsen in the hours after the event. These cases frequently require electrical engineering analysis and careful medical monitoring.

Florida laws that shape your claim

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible so your investigation and filings stay on time.
The general negligence deadline is two years from the date of injury. Waiting can forfeit your rights.
Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are more than fifty percent at fault you cannot recover. If you are fifty percent or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage.
Workers compensation is usually the exclusive remedy against your employer for on the job injuries. You can still bring a separate claim against negligent third parties.
Product liability claims in Florida can be limited by a statute of repose that may bar claims after twelve years for many consumer products, with exceptions based on the product’s expected life and other factors.
Landlords and property owners must follow building and fire codes. Violations that lead to injuries can support liability.

Resources for burn victims

If you need help connecting with any resource, our team can point you in the right direction.
Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors offers peer support, survivor programs, and education
The American Burn Association provides resources and a directory of verified burn centers
Local burn centers in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Gainesville provide specialized care and survivor support groups
The American Red Cross can assist with emergency needs after a home fire
Florida victim services programs may help with certain costs and counseling
Hospital based rehabilitation programs offer physical and occupational therapy, mental health services, and social work support

What to do immediately after a burn

Call emergency services and get medical care right away. Inhalation injury, electrical injury, and chemical exposure are medical emergencies.
Follow treatment instructions and keep every medical record and bill.
Preserve evidence. Photograph the scene, the product, and your injuries. Save labels, receipts, and damaged items.
Report the incident to the appropriate party such as your employer, property manager, or police.
Do not give recorded statements or sign releases without legal advice.
Contact a burn injury attorney. Early investigation can secure evidence, witness statements, and expert analysis.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common causes of burn injuries in Florida

House and apartment fires, workplace incidents, vehicle fires after crashes, defective consumer products, and negligent property maintenance are among the leading causes.

How can I prove negligence in a burn injury case

Your lawyer will gather photos, physical evidence, and witness statements and will work with experts in fire origin, product engineering, code compliance, and medicine. The goal is to show a duty of care, a breach of that duty, and that the breach caused your injuries and losses.

What types of compensation can I recover for a burn injury

You may pursue medical expenses, future care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, home and vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and when allowed punitive damages.

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury

Get medical help, protect your airway if smoke was involved, follow treatment instructions, save evidence, report the event, and call an attorney as soon as you are able.

Can landlords be held liable for burn injuries caused by faulty smoke detectors

Yes. Florida landlords must comply with building and fire codes. Failure to install or maintain required smoke detection devices and other safety measures can result in liability when tenants are harmed.

What are the long-term effects of severe burn injuries

Common long-term effects include scarring and contractures, disfigurement, chronic or neuropathic pain, heat intolerance, sleep problems, and emotional trauma such as anxiety and depression. Many survivors need ongoing therapy and future surgeries.

How is liability determined in cases that involve chemical or electrical burns

The core legal test is the same. Experts evaluate the scene, the product or equipment involved, and compliance with safety rules. Chemical cases often focus on hazard communication and handling protocols. Electrical cases often require engineering analysis of current flow, grounding, and equipment condition.

Can I file a lawsuit if a defective product caused my burn injury

Yes. Florida law allows claims for defective design, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn. A timely investigation and preservation of the product are essential.

How long do I have to file a claim for a burn injury in Florida

In most negligence cases, you have a two-year deadline from the date of injury. Product claims can also be limited by a statute of repose that may bar older products. There are exceptions, so speak with a lawyer promptly.

What role do expert witnesses play in burn injury lawsuits

Experts translate complex facts into clear evidence. Fire origin experts explain how the event started. Engineers analyze products and electrical systems. Physicians and life care planners explain injuries, long-term needs, and future costs. Their testimony often makes the difference in settlement and trial.

Why choose The Nation Law Firm

You did not cause this. You deserve answers and a team that will stand with you. We investigate quickly, secure evidence before it is lost, work with medical and engineering experts, and build the strongest possible case for full and fair compensation. We handle negotiations and litigation so you can focus on recovery. You trusted us. We are honored to fight for you.

Free case evaluation

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