Depending on its severity, a burn injury could leave a victim permanently scarred or disfigured. When such a serious condition is caused by the negligence of another person, the experience can be even more frustrating and stressful. However, if the victim can prove that their injury stemmed from the fault of another person, they may be able to recover compensation.
If you suffered a burn injury due to the carelessness of another person, you should reach out to an experienced injury attorney to discover your options for pursuing restitution for damages sustained. Get in touch with a Pinellas County burn injury lawyer to start working on your case.
Differentiating Between Types of Burn Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, burns are generally categorized by degree. First-degree burns affect the top layer of the skin, while second-degree burns go deeper, causing blistering and sometimes permanent skin damage. The worst type, third-degree burns, penetrate every layer of the skin and would likely permanently destroy the tissue.
In Pinellas County, some burn injuries are considered catastrophic injuries. As such, the courts may grant greater remedies for more extensive burns, especially those with long-term or permanent consequences.
Under Florida Statutes §960.03, second-degree burns that cover more than 25 percent of the body are deemed catastrophic, as are third-degree burns covering 5 percent of the body. A burn injury attorney in Pinellas County could work to apply this distinction to individual lawsuits.
Fire Safety in Buildings
Chapter 633 of the Florida Statutes governs fire prevention and control. Landlords, homeowners, and businesses may be held responsible for accidents caused by a failure to comply with these regulations.
By the authority of the State Fire Marshal, certain structures in Pinellas County are mandated to have fire alarm systems. Under Fla. Stat. §633.348, fire alarm equipment must meet the standards of the National Fire Protection Association.
If a claimant has been burned because a fire alarm system failed, they may have a cause of action against the building owner. A skilled Pinellas County burn injury lawyer could investigate whether there was a failure to comply with fire code leading up to the burn injury.
Recreational Fires
In Pinellas County, it is a violation of Fla. Stat. §590.11 to light a campfire or bonfire and leave it unattended. Moreover, under Fla. Stat. §590.10, it is a first-degree misdemeanor to toss a lighted match, cigarette, or cigar in an area that may cause a wildfire. Noncompliance with these statutes may be asserted against a defendant in a lawsuit in which the cause of the burn injury was an unattended fire or a wildfire.
Workplace Hazards
When a Pinellas County resident is burned while working in a dangerous profession, the employer may try to use an “assumption of risk” defense. In other words, they may argue that the employee knew that the work was precarious but chose to do it anyway.
In Pinellas County, however, individuals are protected from this response by Fla. Stat. §769.04. If an employer or their agent was negligent in a way that caused their worker to be burned, the business may be liable for the harm done.
Call a Pinellas County Burn Injury Attorney
When trying to obtain compensation for injuries, it is recommended to retain the services of a skilled attorney in order to increase the likelihood of filing a successful compensation claim. Once hired, a Pinellas County burn injury lawyer could act as an advocate on your behalf while you focus on healing from your injuries. For more information about getting started on filing a claim, get in touch today.
