Burn victims often face significant challenges due to the severity of their injuries and the long recovery process. If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A burn injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can assist you in pursuing the financial support you need and deserve.
At Winston Law, we have been advocating for accident victims to recover damages from those responsible for over 35 years. Our dedicated team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a free case consultation with a member of our legal staff.
Do I Need to Hire a Burn Injury Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
While you can technically seek compensation on your own after a burn injury, your chances of recovering the financial support you need will greatly improve if you enlist the help of an experienced attorney. A burn injury lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will understand the legal intricacies involved and can help prepare you for what lies ahead.
Your attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time. They will work tirelessly to build a strong case for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Burn injuries can cause lasting harm and result in significant expenses. Statistics show that individuals who hire an attorney typically recover much more than those who attempt to handle the legal process alone.
Available Damages Following a Burn Injury
If you’ve suffered a burn injury, you may be entitled to various types of damages. Accurately identifying the damages applicable to your case is crucial for receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to any losses that result in financial hardship. Common economic damages sought in burn injury cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages encompass all other losses stemming from your injury. These losses can vary widely but often have a profound impact on the lives of victims. Common non-economic damages sought in burn injury cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages differ significantly from compensatory damages. Instead of compensating the victim for their losses, punitive damages serve to punish the liable party.
Only a small number of cases qualify for punitive damages. For these damages to be applicable, the responsible party must have acted with intent to cause harm or exhibited gross negligence.
Settling Your Case vs. Going to Court
In most situations, it is generally in your best interest to negotiate terms and accept a settlement. The majority of burn injury cases do not end up going to trial, as settlements benefit both parties involved.
For the burn injury victim, accepting a settlement means a faster resolution, allowing you to receive the compensation you need much sooner than if the case proceeds to trial. For the at-fault party, settling can help them avoid unwanted public scrutiny that might arise from a court case.
Additionally, both parties maintain some control over the outcome rather than leaving it to an unpredictable jury. While settling is likely, it is still crucial to prepare for the possibility of a courtroom battle. This preparation will provide you with greater leverage in negotiations and could be vital if a settlement cannot be reached.
Submit Your Burn Injury Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations when filing a burn injury lawsuit. In Florida, the personal injury statute of limitations allows victims two years to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries. Failing to file within this timeframe could result in losing your right to seek compensation.
However, exceptions may apply that can extend the time you have to take legal action. Depending on your specific circumstances, you might be allowed to file a lawsuit well beyond the typical deadline. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced burn injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, even if you think you’ve missed your opportunity to file.
Conversely, certain details of your case could shorten the time available to take legal action. The best way to ensure you don’t miss your chance to claim compensation due to an unexpected deadline is to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
Reach Out to an Experienced Burn Injury Attorney in Fort Lauderdale Today
When seeking compensation after a burn injury, enlisting the help of an experienced burn injury lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale can greatly increase your chances of recovering damages. At Winston Law, our team has been assisting accident victims in pursuing damages for 30+ years. We have a track record of success in both settlement negotiations and courtroom proceedings.
As a small personal injury firm, we pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each case we take on. Contact us today by calling us or filling out our online form to schedule your free case review. Check out our client testimonials to better understand the level of service we provide.
