Florida Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries range from mild to severe, and are ranked by degrees based on the depth of injury.

• 1st Degree Burns: Mild, superficial burns resulting in redness but no blistering.
• 2nd Degree Burns: Partial dermis burns that damage the outer layer of skin but not the layers beneath it, resulting in blisters, pain, and swelling.
• 3rd Degree Burns: Damage to the first three layers of skin and fatty tissue with subsequent nerve damage; grafts often required.
• 4th Degree Burns: Deep tissue/bone burns that are often life-threatening and may lead to serious complications such as sepsis, amputation, or organ failure.

Serious burns happen in all sorts of settings, including at home, in the workplace, and in places of business. Whether you need to contact a Florida burn accident lawyer depends on a number of notable factors, including who was responsible for the injury and what damages occurred as a result.

Types of burn cases and causes we see frequently in Florida include:

• Apartment fires/landlord fires
• Product defect fires
• Workplace burns*
• Chemical/electrical/vehicle fires
• Hotel/cruise fires

*While workers’ compensation may cover medical bills, you may also have a third-party claim if another entity (such as a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner) contributed to the unsafe condition.

Liability Information

To be liable for damages, the individual(s) who caused your injury must have had a duty to keep you safe, breached that duty, and caused injury and damages as a result.

Examples of liable parties in a burn injury case include landlords, product manufacturers, and property owners. A burn injury lawyer in Florida can also help you seek compensation against an individual, such as a negligent driver or someone who recklessly started a fire. If your injury occurred at work, you could be entitled to compensation via workers’ comp or a third-party claim.

For Tourists Injured in Florida

Out-of-state visitors and international tourists can still file claims if they were injured in a Florida burn incident. The state’s negligence laws apply regardless of residency.

Florida’s statute of limitations (SOL) on burn injuries caused by negligence (HB 837) is two (2) years from the date of injury for injuries that occurred after March 24, 2023. This is an update from the previous SOL of four (4) years, which still applies to burn injuries that occurred prior to 3/24/2023.

As part of Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, you can only recover damages for a burn injury if you meet the 51% bar rule (Statute § 768.81), meaning you were no more than 50% responsible for what occurred. For example, you can seek damages if you were burned in a car accident you were 30% responsible for, but not one you were 70% responsible for. In cases of comparative negligence, compensation is reduced based on your personal liability percentage.

Our trial-tested attorneys have recovered more than $1 Billion in compensation for personal injury victims in Florida. With a statewide reach and several local offices, we’re confident we can handle your burn injury claim with the skills, resources, and dedication it deserves.

Gordon & Partners lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay a cent until you win. Call 24/7 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal options.

Your immediate health and safety are a first priority after a serious burn. From there, you need to ensure you take the proper steps to support your claim of negligence and get the compensation you are rightfully owed.

Step 1: Administer First Aid

Burns should be treated right away. Run the burn under cool water for at least 20 minutes then cover with a thin, sterile dressing. Call 911 or your local emergency number before doing so if you believe the burn to be moderate or severe.

Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment

Even minor burns caused by negligence should be evaluated by a medical professional. This ensures you get the proper level of care required and creates documented proof of your injury that will be necessary if you file a claim later on.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Keep incident reports, Fire Marshal investigations, OSHA findings, and witness statements whenever possible. Hold on to every piece of evidence you can, even if you’re not sure yet if it’s relevant, and write down the contact information for anyone you think may be valuable in proving your claim in the future.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney

A burn injury lawyer in Florida specializes in these types of cases and can help you get the maximum compensation available after your accident. Possible services include gathering evidence, collecting witness and expert testimonies, negotiating your claim with insurance, and, if necessary, filing a personal injury suit in court.

Florida’s deadline for burn injury claims is short, so it’s essential you act quickly. If you were injured in a fire or other burn incident in Florida, contact us now for your free case evaluation.

Can I sue if I was burned by a defective product in Florida?
Yes, if a burn injury was caused by a defective product, such as a lithium-ion e-bike battery, vape device, or household appliance, you may have a product liability claim. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible if they sold a product that was defectively designed, defectively manufactured, or sold without proper safety warnings.

What happens if I’m burned on a cruise ship or in a Florida hotel?
Hotels, resorts, and cruise lines have strict duties to maintain safe premises under both Florida law and (for cruises) maritime safety rules. If a fire or unsafe condition causes a burn injury, the business may be liable for damages such as medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Cruise ship claims also involve unique deadlines and federal regulations, so contact an attorney quickly if this occurred to you or a loved one.

Can tourists injured in Florida file burn injury claims?
Out-of-state visitors and international tourists have the same rights as Florida residents when injured in a burn incident here. Whether you were staying in a hotel, visiting a theme park, or injured in a rental property fire, Florida negligence law applies. You can file your claim in Florida courts, even if you return home after the accident.

What if I suffered a burn at work? Do I only get workers’ comp?
Not always. While workers’ compensation may cover immediate medical costs, you may also have a workers’ comp burn claim with a third-party lawsuit if another party contributed to the unsafe condition (for example, a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent property owner).

Can I file a claim for an electrical burn in Florida?
Yes, electrical burns are often severe and may involve deep tissue or organ damage. If unsafe wiring, defective equipment, or a negligent property owner caused your injuries, a Florida electrical burn lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf.