At the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown, our burn injury attorney in Tuskegee, Alabama, represents victims seeking just compensation for their injuries and losses. Whether you suffered injuries in a car accident on I-85 or a chemical burn at work, these injuries often bring lasting pain, scarring, and high medical costs. If negligence caused your burns, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and other damages.
Our team brings over 30 years of experience in personal injury law and has recovered more than $100,000,000 in settlements and verdicts. When you come to us, we take the time to understand how the injury changed your life and outline a plan tailored to your needs. Call us today for your free consultation and learn how a Tuskegee personal injury lawyer can help your recovery.
What Counts as Negligence in an Alabama Burn Injury Case
Negligence means someone failed to use reasonable care and caused your injuries. Alabama law requires proof of four elements:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to ensure your safety.
- Breach of duty: The defendant failed in their duty.
- Causation: Their action led to an accident and your burns.
- Damages: You suffered losses in the form of medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain.
Injuries like burns could result from various acts of negligence, such as:
- Car accidents
- Construction and workplace hazards
- Defective products
- Premises liability
We build your claim with evidence that supports each element. Typically, the evidence we may use includes the following:
- Medical records with your prognosis
- Photos and video from the accident scene
- Incident reports and maintenance logs
- Witness statements
- Expert witness testimony from engineers, life-care planners, and economists
As we develop proof, we keep you updated, answer questions quickly, and adjust our strategy when your needs change.
Degrees of Burns and Their Long-Term Complications
Burn injuries can result from five types of sources: thermal, electrical, friction, radiation, and chemical. They are also typically classified into three degrees:
- First-degree burns damage only the outer skin. They usually heal but still cause pain and may leave minor scars.
- Second-degree burns reach deeper skin layers. Victims often need medical treatment for blisters, infection risks, and permanent scarring.
- Third-degree burns destroy skin and underlying tissue. These cases often require grafts, long hospital stays, and leave disfigurement or loss of mobility.
Complications may include nerve damage, chronic pain, limited range of motion, infections, and emotional trauma from scarring. The closest burn units to Tuskegee for treatment are UAB Hospital in Birmingham and the Arnold Luterman Regional Burn Center in Mobile.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Burn Injury
Every case differs, so we assess your case and compile a complete list of damages to reflect your medical needs and employment situation.
Economic losses in your case may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Mobility aids
- Home modifications
- Scar management treatments
- Transportation for appointments
Non-economic losses, or the impact on your quality of life, could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia
You may have additional losses not listed here. We can discuss them with you and seek compensation to make you whole again.
Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Burn Injury Lawsuits
Alabama law gives you two years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain exceptions can modify this timing, so contact us as soon as possible to review your deadline. If you miss it, the courts could bar your case, and you will be unable to seek any compensation through a trial.
When we accept a case, we calendar all key dates and move the claim forward so you do not lose your rights.
How We Work With Burn Survivors and Families
We structure our work around your recovery and provide the following to burn injury victims:
- We work on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- We serve a small number of clients at a time so we can stay responsive and thorough.
- We thoroughly investigate your accident, secure sensitive data and evidence, and identify all liable parties
- We determine all your damages and submit our demands to all insurers.
- We manage all communication between you and the insurance companies, negotiating on your behalf and proceeding to trial if negotiations fail.
- We ask about your physical and emotional health and adjust the legal plan when your needs change.
- We help you connect with treating physicians, specialists, and mental health providers. We also discuss second opinions when they may improve outcomes.
- We provide current updates, explain settlement offers, and prepare you for mediation or trial if needed.
Our success has earned us recognition from Super Lawyers, Lawyers of Distinction, and National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Plus, we invite you to review our testimonials and see what past clients have to say about us.
What You Should Do After a Burn Injury in Tuskegee
If you have suffered a burn, you should:
- Get medical care right away. Go to the nearest emergency department with East Alabama Health
- Document the scene. Take photos or video of the hazard, your injuries, and any safety equipment or labels.
- Preserve evidence. Save clothing, products, parts, and packaging. Do not repair or discard anything until we review it.
- Avoid recorded statements. Refer insurers or corporate investigators to us before you answer detailed questions.
Then, call us promptly. We can start our investigation while evidence and witnesses remain available.
Contact a Burn Injury Lawyer in Tuskegee Today
If someone’s negligence caused you to suffer a burn, call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown for a free consultation. Our legal team will listen to your story, review your medical needs, and outline a plan that fits your goals. When you hire our Tuskegee burn injury lawyer, we work in your best interests at every step.
Call today.
Tuskegee Burn Injury FAQs
What compensation can I recover for a burn injury?
Depending on the circumstances in your case, you can seek medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, costs for rehabilitation and counseling, and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and disfigurement.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Alabama?
Most adults have two years from the date of injury to file. Some exceptions may apply, including claims for minors or claims involving certain defendants.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurer already made an offer?
Settlement offers often arrive before you complete treatment and before you know your future costs. We evaluate the offer, compare it to your medical and wage losses, and negotiate from a full evidence record.
How much does it cost to hire the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown?
We work on a contingency fee. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee agreement, case costs, and your options during your free consultation so you can make an informed decision.