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Mississippi Burn Injury Lawyers
Compassionate Legal Support for Burn Injury Victims
A severe burn can cause a considerable amount of physical trauma, pain, and suffering. It can render a victim unable to work for some time and can even cause a permanent disability. It can forever change a victim’s life.
Fortunately, there is hope. If your injuries occurred at work or were caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and even emotional trauma. ‘MAGGIO LAW represents clients in Jackson and across Mississippi who have experienced severe burn injuries and can offer insight regarding your legal options if you or someone you love has been burned in any type of accident.
Call 'MAGGIO LAW today at (601) 265-6869 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our burn injury attorney in Jackson!
Burn Injury Claims We Handle
Our lawyers at 'MAGGIO LAW handle burn injury lawsuits related to a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to:
- Apartment building fires
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Scalding water and pipes
- Locked fire exits
- Flammable liquids or gases
- Dangerous products
- Workplace accidents
- Fires and explosions
Understanding Liability in Mississippi Burn Injury Lawsuits
In a burn injury lawsuit, the liable party may be one or more persons or companies contributing to the victim’s injuries. This party is referred to as the defendant, and the victim is referred to as the plaintiff.
Generally, there are four elements to such a case:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff;
- This duty of care was breached in some way;
- The plaintiff suffered quantifiable injuries and
- The breach of care was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
Let’s look at these elements in action using a hypothetical example. Joe goes to AB Coffee, his favorite coffee shop, to get a cappuccino. When Susan, the employee at AB Coffee, hands Joe his cappuccino, the lid is not secured correctly. The boiling cappuccino spills all over Joe’s hand, causing second-degree burns. In this case, Joe may be able to sue AB Coffee for money for his medical bills, any lost earnings, and other losses he suffered as a result of his severe burns.
However, in a case involving a workplace burn injury, the victim does not need to prove cause. Workers’ compensation is provided on a no-fault basis for all work-related injuries.
Degrees of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified into different "degrees" based on severity. They are as follows:
- First-degree burns: First-degree burns are mostly superficial and only affect the top layer of skin, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling. These burns are considered minor and rarely cause lasting damage.
- Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin, resulting in pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. Also called "partial thickness burns," second-degree burns can sometimes result in scarring and are generally considered serious if they are more than 2 to 3 inches wide or if they are on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or over a major joint.
- Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns, also known as "full-thickness buns," penetrate into the deep layers of skin and cause it to turn black, brown, white, or yellow. They often involve damage to nerve endings, resulting in numbness and permanent scarring.
- Fourth degree: Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type of burns and are often life-threatening, penetrating through all layers of skin and damaging the muscles, tendons, and bones.
Recoverable Damages in Mississippi Burn Injury Cases
Victims of burn injuries can pursue compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and other income
- Permanent disfigurement
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (if a loved one dies due to severe burns)
Since every case is different and will vary in value depending on the unique circumstances, you should speak to an attorney to get a more accurate estimate of your recoverable damages. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and help you pursue a settlement or verdict that considers the long-term impact of your injuries.
The Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Claims in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including burn injury cases, is typically three years from the incident date. This statute of limitations is critical, as it sets a deadline for victims to seek compensation for their injuries.
It’s crucial to be aware of this timeline, as failing to file your claim within the three years can result in the court dismissing your case. This could leave you without the compensation you may deserve. This timeframe allows for gathering evidence, consulting with legal professionals, and preparing a solid case.
Exceptions to this rule could affect the timeline, such as cases involving minors or situations where the injured party was unaware of the injury until later. Therefore, consulting with an experienced attorney at 'MAGGIO LAW as soon as possible after your injury is advisable. They can provide guidance specific to your situation, securing that all necessary legal actions are taken promptly.
Knowing the statute of limitations is important for your potential to obtain compensation for your injuries. Taking timely action and consulting with a legal professional can significantly improve your likelihood of securing the financial support you need.
Contact Our Burn Injury Attorneys in Jackson Today
Understanding your rights and options is an excellent start to pursuing fair compensation for your burn injuries, and at ‘MAGGIO LAW, we offer a free consultation to help you get on the right path. When you involve our firm, you can count on our honesty and commitment to putting your best interests first. If we take on your case, our attorneys will be accessible. You won’t be passed off to an inexperienced staff member who can’t help. You can contact us 24/7 for help at any point during your case.
Contact 'MAGGIO LAW today to meet with our burn injury lawyer in Jackson!