Recovery a Person May be Entitled to

Burn injuries could be severe, debilitating, and require months, if not years, of painful treatment. Skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and other medical treatments for burns may leave injured persons recovering for a long period of time. In some cases, these injuries may never fully heal and may result in permanent disfigurement and disability, or even death.

When individuals suffer burns over a large part of their body or when burns are so severe that they cause a permanent impairment, they may need to seek compensation from those responsible for their injuries. An experienced Alexandria burn injury lawyer could help determine whether a burn injury claim is compensable.

Under CC 3493.1, individuals who have suffered burn injuries may file claims for compensation no later than two years following the date of the accident that caused their injuries. Failing to meet this deadline, which is referred to as a prescriptive period, may result in individuals being unable to bring any legal claims against the parties who are responsible for the accident.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

person in hospital bed with IV attached

Types of Injuries

Doctors typically classify burns as being first through third degree, starting with the most minor and ending with the most severe. Some doctors also look at the depth of the burns and the total covered body area in further categorizing these burns.

Different kinds of burns may result from the various types of accidents that lead to them. A scalding burn might occur if a pot of boiling water on a stove overturns or if a child is immersed in bath water that is too hot.

Chemical burns may arise from handling bleach, fertilizer, and drain cleaner. Other types of burns may include electrical burns, which could result from damaged electric cords and contact with downed power lines. Burns also may originate from contact with sources of heat or flame, such as stoves and fireplaces.

Determining the Value Claims

There are a variety of factors that might impact the value of a burn injury claim. The severity of a burn injury may determine the extent of the necessary treatment and recovery time, which could have a direct effect on the total value of a claim.

Other factors that might affect the value of a burn injury claim for compensation may include:

  • Whether the burns caused permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • The level of mental and emotional trauma suffered by injury victims due to the accident
  • Whether the injured party was at fault in any way for the accident that led to their injuries

Louisiana law now follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, claimants can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. However, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. If the claimant is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.

Rapides Parish Burn Injury Lawyer Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries were responsible for 486,000 emergency hospital visits in 2016, according to the American Burn Association. With 40,000 hospital admissions and 5,000 burn-related deaths on an annual basis, burns are both common and dangerous – and if they were caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, they could serve as the foundation of a Rapides Parish burn injury lawsuit.

1

Depth and Total Body Surface Area

When assessing the gravity of a burn, medical professionals look at the depth of the injury and how much of the victim’s body was affected. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer. Second-degree burns reach the dermis, or lower skin layer, and can cause damage to nerves, hair follicles, blood vessels, connective tissues, and sweat glands. Third-degree burns are the most dangerous, as they can penetrate skin, fat, muscles, bones, and tendons. They often result in open wounds that can easily become infected.

Burns affecting less than ten percent of the total body surface area of adults or less than five percent for children and seniors are considered minor burns. Burns impacting between ten and 20 percent for adults and between five and ten percent for children and seniors are deemed moderate. Major burns are those covering more than 20 percent of adults and more than ten percent of children and seniors.

2

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns occur when an external source of heat, such as a flame, hot surface, or steam, comes into contact with the body. Thermal burns often cause blisters and may leave the skin looking either white or charred. They also can destroy skin, nerve endings, tissue, muscles, bones, and tendons.

3

Chemical Burns

Chemical, or caustic, burns can happen when acids, bases, or other irritants make contact with someone’s skin, eyes, or lungs. Chemical burns may lead to vision loss, charred skin, numbness and pain, headaches, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

4

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns can be deceiving – they may not look severe on the outside, but they can cause serious internal damage. Contact with live wires can leave a mark on the skin, and the currents running through the body can cause cardiac arrest, respiratory problems, seizures, and tissue and nerve destruction.

Recoverable Damages for Burn Victims

A Rapides Parish burn injury attorney could help burn victims recover different categories of damages, where appropriate.

  • Economic, or special, damages cover plaintiffs for economic losses, such as current and future medical expenses, home care, current and future lost earnings, and therapy
  • Non-economic, or general, damages compensate victims for non-economic losses that could include pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of consortium and enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages are designed to punish a defendant for misconduct and are available in very limited circumstances, such as motor vehicle accidents caused by intoxication
branded accent

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

H
Hazel G.

Trudy Dupuy is a wonderful asset to the team. She does an amazing job.

A
Annabelle D.

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

L
Lisa S.

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

k
kelly

Lake Charles

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you fo...

Jordan is a wonderful paralegal very sweet and helpful good job very professional hold on to her she is a asset to your firm hard worker. Thank you for all your hard work to all the people working on our case.

S
Sandi W.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

P
Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan C.

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Talking to an Alexandria Burn Injury Attorney

Burn injuries may be catastrophic in nature, depending on their severity and extent. They could result in permanent impairment and require ongoing medical treatment. If you suffered serious burn injuries in an accident caused by the wrongful actions of another, then an Alexandria burn injury lawyer may help you.

The cost of medical treatment can add up quickly. In some cases, your burn injuries may render you unable to return to your former job or career, leaving you without a source of income. A burn injury attorney can help you seek compensation for these financial losses.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(318) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.