Burn injuries are among the most devastating types of personal injuries. Every year, nearly half a million people in the United States seek medical treatment for burn injuries, and tens of thousands require hospitalization. These injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and overwhelming medical expenses. A burn injuries lawyer in Owensboro, Kentucky, understands these challenges. 

If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced Owensboro personal injury attorney. The legal team at Rhoads & Rhoads has extensive experience handling personal injury cases and fighting for the maximum compensation burn victims deserve.

Our law firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and ensuring they receive the financial support necessary for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact Rhoads & Rhoads law firm in Owensboro, KY, today for a free initial consultation from one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. Call today: 888-709-9329.

Why You Could Need a Burn Injuries Lawyer in Owensboro, Kentucky

Burn injury cases are among the most complex personal injury cases due to the severe physical, emotional, and financial toll they take on victims. The costs associated with these treatments can quickly escalate, making it crucial to seek legal representation from a personal injury attorney who can fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

At Rhoads & Rhoads law firm, an experienced Owensboro personal injury lawyer can help you in multiple ways:

• Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your burn injury and identify all liable parties
• Gather evidence such as accident scene reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as emotional distress
• Represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement

Whether your injuries were caused by a car accident, faulty smoke detectors, workplace accident, or premises liability issue, our legal team is ready to fight for your right to receive appropriate compensation.

Burn victims should never have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence. Seeking legal representation ensures that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable. Our personal injury lawyers at Rhoads & Rhoads law firm are here to help.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Personal injuries can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries resulting in a personal injury case include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Defective products
• Premises liability accidents
• Chemical burns
• Construction accidents

If catastrophic injuries due to someone else’s negligence have impacted you or a loved one, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or even wrongful death. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Owensboro, KY, today.

How Burn Injuries Are Classified

First Degree

First-degree burns are the mildest types of burn, impacting only the top layer of skin. They typically cause redness, slight swelling, and minor discomfort but generally heal on their own within a few days without the need for extensive medical treatment.

Second Degree

Second-degree burns damage both the outer and underlying layers of skin. They often cause blistering, inflammation, and sharp, persistent pain. Treatment from medical professionals is usually needed, and there is a high risk of lasting scars as the skin heals.

Third Degree

Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and their functionality. Victims typically require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.

Fourth-Sixth Degree

Fourth to sixth degree burns are the most severe type of burns, extending beyond the skin into fat, muscles, bones, or internal organs. They are often fatal or result in permanent disabilities.

Severe burn injuries can lead to catastrophic injuries that significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover the financial support necessary for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and medical bills.

Why Car Accidents Cause More Severe Burns

A car accident is one of the most common causes of severe burn injuries. Burns sustained in a car crash can be particularly dangerous due to the presence of flammable fuel, hot metal surfaces, and battery acid.

The intense heat and smoke inhalation can cause additional injuries, making recovery even more challenging. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve in Owensboro, KY.

Complications That May Result From a Severe Burn Injury

Severe personal injuries can lead to life-threatening complications that require ongoing medical care. Third- and fourth-degree burns pose significant risks beyond the initial injury, including infections, nerve damage, and organ failure.

One of the most serious complications of severe burns is infection. Burned skin loses its ability to protect against bacteria, making victims highly susceptible to dangerous infections such as sepsis. Without proper wound care and antibiotics, infections can spread rapidly and become fatal.

Additionally, severe burns can cause long-term nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain, numbness, and loss of mobility in affected areas. Some burn victims may require years of rehabilitation and therapy to regain function and independence.

In extreme cases, catastrophic injuries can lead to organ failure, especially if a significant portion of the body has been affected. A personal injury claim can help burn victims recover compensation for punitive damages, lost income, and the ongoing medical care needed to manage these complications in Owensboro, KY.

Treatments You Could Need After a Burn Injury

Recovering from a catastrophic injury often requires a wide range of specialized treatments tailored to the location and severity of the burns. For example, IV fluids are typically administered to prevent dangerous complications like dehydration and shock, especially in cases involving large surface areas.

Skin grafting is another common procedure used to replace damaged or destroyed skin, helping to close wounds and reduce the risk of infection. In many cases, burn victims may also need plastic or reconstructive surgery to restore skin function and improve appearance, especially when burns affect joints, the face, or other sensitive areas.

These treatments not only require expert medical attention but may also continue for months or even years, depending on the extent of the injury. Because of ongoing recovery, securing compensation through a personal injury claim can be essential to cover these mounting financial challenges and ensure access to necessary treatment. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Owensboro, KY, today.

High Costs of Long-Term Care

Burn injuries often require extensive and ongoing medical treatment. These medical needs quickly add up, creating a significant financial burden for victims and their families. A personal injury claim can help burn victims recover compensation for both immediate and future medical expenses. This may include coverage for hospital bills, surgery costs, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care.

By pursuing a claim, victims can secure the financial support they need to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. Rhoads & Rhoads law firm is here to fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

How Negligent Driving Increases the Risk of Burn Injuries for Motorcyclists 

Motorcyclists face an increased risk of burn injury due to their exposure on the road. When a negligent driver causes an accident, a motorcyclist may suffer burns from hot surfaces, friction burns (road rash), or even from fires caused by fuel leaks.

One major risk factor is road rash, which occurs when a motorcyclist slides across the pavement after being thrown from their bike. Road rash can range from mild to severe, with extreme cases causing deep tissue damage similar to second- or third-degree burns.

Additionally, explosions and fires from motorcycle crashes can cause severe burns. Fuel tanks can rupture in high-impact collisions, igniting and engulfing the rider. Motorcyclists face an increased risk of catastrophic injury due to negligent drivers who engage in reckless behavior. Common negligent driving behaviors that put motorcyclists at risk include:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Reckless driving

In cases where a negligent driver caused the accident, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible party. Compensation can cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and damages for pain and suffering. If you have suffered personal injuries in a motorcycle accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue just compensation.

Damages You May Be Entitled to After Suffering a Burn Injury Accident

Victims of burn injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation based under Kentucky law regarding the severity of their injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. One of the primary damages that burn victims can recover is medical costs, which include emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment. These costs can be overwhelming, and seeking compensation ensures that victims do not bear the financial burden alone.

Burn victims may also be entitled to lost wages and loss of future earning capacity if their injuries prevent them from returning to work. Many burn survivors face prolonged recovery periods and may experience permanent disabilities that impact their ability to earn a living. Compensation for lost earnings helps ensure financial stability during and after recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to economic damages, burn victims can receive fair compensation for impacts to their mental and emotional health. Severe burns often cause permanent scarring, extreme physical pain, and disfigurement, leading to psychological trauma and diminished quality of life. Courts recognize the emotional and physical toll of serious injuries and allow victims to recover damages that reflect their suffering and hardship. Contact a personal injury attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads law firm today.

Burn Injury FAQs

When it comes to burn injuries, people often have many questions about the cause, severity, legal options, and next steps in filing a personal injury claim. Below, we answer some of the most common questions regarding burn injury cases.

How Are Chemical Burns Different?

Chemical burns are different from thermal burns because they result from exposure to hazardous substances rather than direct heat. These burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive chemicals.

Unlike thermal burns, which primarily affect the surface of the skin, chemical burns can penetrate deeper layers of tissue and cause long-term damage to muscles, nerves, and even bones, prolonging physical recovery.

In cases where a chemical burn occurs due to workplace negligence, defective products, or exposure to hazardous materials, victims may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Speak with a personal injury attorney in Owensboro, KY, now.

How Do Semi-Truck Cargo Loads Increase Burn Risk in an Accident?

Semi-trucks often transport flammable materials, hazardous chemicals, and explosive cargo. When these vehicles are involved in accidents, the risk of fires, explosions, and chemical exposure significantly increases.

A minor collision with a semi-truck carrying hazardous cargo can quickly escalate into a catastrophic event, causing catastrophic injuries to drivers, passengers, and even nearby pedestrians. Burns caused by truck accidents can include thermal burns from vehicle fires, chemical burns from hazardous substances, and inhalation injuries from toxic fumes.

If you have suffered serious injuries in a semi-truck accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you investigate the cause of the accident, determine liability, and seek maximum compensation for your injuries even if they aren’t immediately apparent.

Is Road Rash After a Motorcycle Accident a Type of Burn?

Yes, road rash is considered a type of friction burn that occurs when a motorcyclist’s skin scrapes against the pavement during an accident, unlike traditional burns caused by heat or chemicals, road rash results from the severe abrasion of the skin due to high-speed contact with a rough surface.

How Do I File a Burn Injury Claim?

In Kentucky, filing a claim involves several factors, and working with an experienced personal injury attorney can make the process smoother. The first step is to seek immediate medical attention and document your injuries.

Medical records, photographs of the burns, and detailed accounts of the accident are crucial pieces of evidence that support your claim. The next step is to identify the responsible party such as a negligent driver, an employer, a property owner, an industrial facility, or a product manufacturer.

Once liability is established, your attorney will help you file a personal injury lawsuit or negotiate with insurance companies. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can take the case to court to fight for your legal rights.

The sooner you start the legal process, the better your chances of securing maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Contact an Owensboro personal injury lawyer today, so we can secure the financial security you deserve.

Don’t Wait, Contact a Burn Injury Lawyer in Owensboro, Kentucky Today

At Rhoads & Rhoads, we represent clients in Owensboro, KY, and other practice areas throughout Western Kentucky. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of securing fair settlements for our clients.

We are dedicated to helping personal injury victims seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges that burn victims face and work diligently to ensure they receive the financial support needed for recovery.

Call our Owensboro office today at 888-709-9329 for a free case evaluation with no upfront fees. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best outcome for your burn injury case.