Experiencing a burn injury can be a devastating and life-altering event. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that follow can be overwhelming.
At The Ward Law Group, we understand the complexities of burn injury cases and are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Kissimmee, contact us at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation with a burn injury attorney.
Holding Liable Parties Accountable for Burn Injuries in Kissimmee.
You can seek compensation when a burn injury occurs due to someone else's negligence. At The Ward Law Group, we recognize the significant impact these injuries can have on your life, from mounting medical bills to lost income due to time away from work.
Our team is here to handle your case on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Recovering Damages After a Burn Injury in Kissimmee
There are two primary avenues for seeking financial compensation after a burn injury: negotiating a fair settlement with the responsible party's insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek a court award. Both approaches require building a robust case, including documentation of your injuries, losses, and expenses. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical care and treatment costs
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Reduced earning capacity from long-term or permanent injuries
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages as outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 768 §21
How Can Our Burn Injury Lawyers Assist You?
After a burn injury, you deserve the time and space to recover. When we take on your case, we manage every aspect of your claim or lawsuit. Our legal services include:
Proving Liability
To secure compensation, we must prove that another party's negligence caused your injury. This involves demonstrating four key elements:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care.
- They breached this duty by failing to act responsibly.
- Their breach directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered actual damages as a result.
Our team will gather evidence to establish negligence and seek the maximum payout for your losses. Let us review the details of your Kissimmee burn injury case today.
Negotiating with Insurers
We will prevent you from accepting settlement offers that do not adequately cover your losses. We present evidence of your damages by filing a claim with the liable party's insurer and negotiating for fair compensation. We will take your case to trial to secure the justice you deserve.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge or jury. Sometimes, the mere act of filing a lawsuit prompts insurers to offer a more reasonable settlement. We aim to ensure you do not suffer further losses from your Kissimmee accident.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We assist clients who have been wrongfully injured in various scenarios, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Premises liability injuries
- Product liability injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace injuries
- Wrongful death cases
Time Limits for Taking Legal Action
In Florida, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit for a personal injury case. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Our lawyers can evaluate your case to determine the specific deadline and ensure you take action within the required timeframe.
Contacting The Ward Law Group promptly will help protect your right to seek compensation.
Talk to a Kissimmee Burn Injury Lawyer Today
At The Ward Law Group, our initial consultations are free and carry no obligation. We help you understand your case and explore your legal options. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Kissimmee, call us at 855-DOLOR-55 to get started on your path to recovery and justice.
Fires can occur suddenly and spread rapidly, leaving little time to think or act. The primary concern is always saving lives, but what comes next? Rebuilding, repairing, and replacing personal items require significant financial resources.
Homeowner's insurance is designed to cover fire-related damages, but insurance companies may only sometimes pay the total amount you're entitled to. If you've experienced a fire on your property and the insurance company is unresponsive or offering inadequate compensation, contact The Ward Law Group for a free consultation.
Our Kissimmee fire damage attorneys are dedicated to helping you and your family recover from this tragic event.
Types of Damage Caused by Fires in Kissimmee
Fire damage can result from various sources, including the fire itself, smoke, heat, or soot.
Additionally, sprinklers and water used by firefighters can cause steam and water damage. Even a small fire can be overwhelming due to the combined effects of these elements. Common damages include:
- Structural damage or destruction of the building
- Destruction of personal items and furniture due to burning or smoke damage
- Smoke damage to the interior of the home
- Soot and burn holes on upholstery and other surfaces
- Toxic substance contamination
- Electrical damage
- Flooding damage
- Mold damage
Initial Steps to Take After a Fire
Once the fire department has deemed it safe to enter your property, take the following steps:
- Inventory Damaged Items: Make a list of everything that was damaged. Taking photographs or videos can help document the extent of the damage.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance agency and, if applicable, your mortgage lender.
- Replace Vital Documents: Begin the process of replacing any crucial documents lost in the fire.
Making Repairs or Relocating
If you need to make temporary repairs before your insurance claim is settled, keep all receipts and records of bids for the work. If your home is uninhabitable, track all additional expenses incurred while finding a new residence. Properly cleaning and restoring your home after fire and water damage is crucial for your family's health and the structure's integrity.
This process, recommended by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, can be very costly.
Preventing Fires at Home and in the Workplace
Preventing fires is crucial to ensuring the safety of your home and workplace. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of a fire breaking out and causing devastating damage. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent fires in both environments.
Fire Prevention at Home
Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Maintain Electrical Systems: Regularly inspect your home's electrical system. Replace or repair damaged or frayed wires, and avoid overloading circuits. Hire a qualified electrician to check for any potential hazards.
Safe Cooking Practices: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items like dish towels and wooden utensils away from the stove. Install a smoke detector in or near the kitchen, and have a fire extinguisher within easy reach.
Heating Equipment Safety: Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as furniture, curtains, and bedding. Ensure fireplaces have sturdy screens to stop sparks from flying into the room and have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
Proper Storage of Flammable Materials: Store flammable substances like gasoline, kerosene, and propane in their original containers, away from the house, and out of reach of children. Ensure these items are kept in well-ventilated areas.
Fire Prevention in the Workplace
Conduct Regular Fire Drills: Regular fire drills ensure that employees know the evacuation routes and procedures in the event of a fire. They also ensure that all employees understand the location of fire exits, extinguishers, and assembly points.
Maintain Electrical Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain all electrical equipment to prevent fires. Ensure all equipment is used according to the manufacturer's instructions and is not overloaded.
Proper Storage of Hazardous Materials: Store chemicals and other hazardous materials in designated areas away from potential ignition sources. Ensure that all storage areas are well-ventilated and that materials are correctly labeled and stored in appropriate containers.
Implement a Fire Safety Plan: Develop a comprehensive fire safety plan that includes evacuation procedures, fire prevention measures, and employees' responsibilities during a fire. Train all employees on the plan and conduct regular reviews.
Install and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment: Ensure fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and alarm systems are installed and regularly maintained. Also, ensure fire exits are marked and always free from obstructions.
Following these fire prevention tips can significantly reduce fire risk in your home or workplace.
Fire and Burn Injuries in Florida Statistics
In 2022, fire incidents in Florida resulted in an average of 1.6 deaths and 8.9 injuries per 1,000 fires. This is compared to the national average of 2.1 deaths and 6.4 injuries per 1,000 fires.
Residential Structure Fire Casualties: Residential fires are particularly deadly, with 4.5 deaths and 31.0 injuries per 1,000 fires reported in Florida for the same year. The national averages were 6.1 deaths and 19.8 injuries per 1,000 fires.
Annual Burn Injuries: Each year, approximately 450,000 individuals in the United States suffer burn injuries that require medical treatment. This staggering number emphasizes the need for awareness and prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of severe burns.
Fire Incidents in 2021: In 2021, there were 1.35 million fire incidents across the country, resulting in 3,800 fatalities and 14,700 injuries. These fires caused an estimated $15.9 billion in property damage, illustrating the widespread impact of fire-related accidents.
Home Cooking Fires: Ranges or cooktops were involved in 61% of reported home cooking fires, 87% of cooking fire deaths, and 79% of cooking fire injuries. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, highlighting the need for vigilance and safety precautions in the kitchen.
Response to Fire Emergencies: On average, fire departments respond to a structure fire every 23 seconds in the United States. This frequent occurrence underscores the importance of fire safety education and preparedness to minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities.
Vehicle Fires: Vehicle fires contributed to 15% of all fire-related deaths, demonstrating the hazards associated with automobile fires and the need for safety measures in and around vehicles.
Grill-Related Fires: Approximately 10,600 home fires are caused by grills each year, indicating the necessity of safe grilling practices to prevent fire accidents and injuries.
Types of Burns: Thermal injuries account for about 86% of burns, while electrical burns comprise 4%, chemical burns 3%, and the remaining 7% are classified as other types. Burns from hot tap water also lead to a substantial number of fatalities and hospitalizations.
Fire-Related Deaths: Burns and fires result in nearly 4,500 deaths annually, making them the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
Contact a Kissimmee Burn Injury Attorney Today
Recovering from a fire and securing the appropriate financial compensation from your homeowner's insurance can be challenging.
Our experienced Kissimmee fire damage lawyers understand the intricacies of these claims and will fight to ensure you receive full coverage for the fire damage. At The Ward Law Group, we have the expertise to represent homeowners against insurance companies prioritizing their profit margins.
Contact us at 855-DOLOR-55 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time and secure the compensation you need to rebuild and recover.