In New Orleans, burn injuries can occur suddenly and have life-altering consequences. Causes such as faulty electrical wiring, inadequate building upkeep, and incorrect handling of hazardous chemicals can lead to severe burns. These injuries can result in enduring pain and require continuous medical treatment.
In Louisiana, there were 16.2 burn injuries per 1,000 fires in 2021. 75.4% of these injuries were due to structural fires, and another 9.8% were due to auto accidents. In 2023, there were 19 home fire fatalities in the state.
If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, get help from our New Orleans burn injury attorneys at Dudley DeBosier. We provide skilled legal guidance and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier for Your Burn Injury Case
When dealing with a burn injury caused by another party’s actions, you need experienced, qualified legal representation. Our firm has been helping injured people in New Orleans since 1996.
We have a successful track record helping personal injury victims win fair compensation to help pay for losses due to another’s careless actions. Our team has won up to 50 times the insurance company’s initial offer, with more than 60 settlements of over $1 million.
With Dudley DeBosier, you have a compassionate advocate who’s not afraid to fight for your rights. Our primary focus is client satisfaction. We have an average Google review score of 4.8 from former clients and were voted New Orleans’s #1 Best Law Firm by Gambit in 2023.
Types of Burn Injuries and Their Implications
Burn injuries often happen in homes and workplaces and can range from 1st to 4th degree wounds. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment. In one study, up to 92% of burn injuries required emergency room treatment in the U.S.
The following breaks down burn injury categories, what causes them, and the potential long-term complications for survivors:
| Degree of Burn | Severity | Potential Causes | Long-Term Effects |
| 1st Degree | Affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Minor pain and redness. | Hot surfaces in public or private facilitiesBrief contact with hot metals, plastics, or glassMinor electrical shocks | Usually heals within a week. Rarely causes serious complications. |
| 2nd Degree | Affects both the outer layer and the underlying layer of skin (dermis). Painful, red, swollen, and blistering. | Scalds from hot water systemsFaulty appliances overheatingSpills in restaurantsSteam burns from cooking or industrial equipment | Risk of infection, scarring, changes in skin color, prolonged healing. Could affect mobility and lead to chronic pain. |
| 3rd Degree | Extends through every layer of skin, causing extensive tissue damage. Skin may appear white, charred, or leathery. | Chemical exposures in workplaces or mishandled productsElectrical malfunctions from poorly maintained infrastructureOpen flames from uncontrolled fires or negligent handling of flammable materials | Severe scarring, loss of skin function, nerve damage, need for skin grafts or surgery. Electrical burns have a high mortality rate. |
| 4th Degree | Extends beyond the skin into muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Can initially be painless due to nerve damage. | Explosions from industrial accidents or improper storage of explosivesSevere electrical accidents from high-voltage equipmentProlonged exposure to fire, especially in enclosed spaces | Permanent tissue damage, amputation, functional impairment. High risk of complications that can lead to death, with a potential mortality rate of between 50% to 100%. |
Legal Recourse for Burn Injury Victims
If you suffer a burn injury in New Orleans because of someone else’s actions, you have the right to file a personal injury claim for damages. Our burn injury lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you take the following steps to hold the negligent party accountable and win you a settlement to help pay for your recovery:
- Get Appropriate Medical Treatment: Immediately seek treatment from a burn specialist who can provide the necessary care for your injuries. This helps you get the treatment needed for recovery and provides medical documentation for your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Compile evidence, including photographs of your injuries and the accident scene, video footage, and eyewitness accounts. Secure a copy of the police report if one was filed and relevant medical records that detail the nature and extent of your burn injuries.
- Determine Liability: Our attorneys conduct a detailed investigation to identify all parties responsible for your injuries. We scrutinize equipment usage, safety protocols at the site, and any product defects to clearly establish fault.
- Explore Options for Compensation: We assess the full scope of damages you’ve suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. Based on this evaluation, we advise you on the most strategic approach, whether negotiating a settlement or proceeding to trial, to help you reach a settlement that addresses your immediate and future needs.
Contact Our New Orleans Burn Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in New Orleans, securing the right legal representation is essential for obtaining a settlement that fully compensates for your losses.
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the devastating impact of burn injuries and are committed to supporting you through every step of your legal journey. We offer a free consultation to explore your case, provide our recommendations tailored to your situation, and outline your options clearly to help set you on the path to the financial support you deserve. Our compassionate team is ready to meet with you at your home, in the hospital, or at another convenient location to ensure your comfort and ease. Contact us today for your free case review, and let us advocate for your rights and interests with the dedication you need.
