Nashville Burn Injury Lawyer

Fighting For Those Who Have Suffered Severe Burns Due to Negligence in Tennessee

Burn injuries can be life-threatening and cause severe disfigurement depending on the severity and location of the injury. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 450,000 people are hospitalized for burns in the United States every year, and 3,400 of those people end up dying from their injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even reports fires and burns as the third leading cause of death in homes – about three-quarters of all burn-related deaths are caused by residential fires.

No matter how or where you were burned, you have the right to seek compensation if it was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. At Kinnard Law, our Nashville burn injury lawyers are dedicated to providing the experienced and dedicated assistance you deserve in your time of need.

With more than a century of collective experience, you can rest assured that your burn injury case is in qualified hands when you choose our law firm to represent you. 

Call us today at (615) 933-2893 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our burn injury attorney in Nashville.

Understanding First, Second, Third & Fourth Degree Burns

Many types of accidents can cause burn injuries, from car fires after a crash to scalding water in a kitchen. No matter how they happen, burns fall into four severity levels:

• Fourth-Degree Burn: The most severe level of burn. It affects the outer layer of skin, the second layer of skin, the fat layer, the muscles, the tendons, and bone underneath it all. This level of burn is often completely black, and the affected area or limb may need to be removed entirely.
• Third-Degree Burn: This level of burn is more common than a fourth-degree burn, and still incredibly dangerous. It affects the outer layer of skin, the second layer of skin, and layer of fat directly underneath the skin. The nerves in the affected area may be destroyed as well, and the injured area may have a wet or charred black appearance.
• Second-Degree Burn: This level of burn affects both layers of skin, and can cause swelling, blisters, white or red splotchy skin, and severe pain in the affected area. The area may appear to be wet or moist, and can result in scarring.
• First-Degree Burn: The least severe level of burn. It affects the outer layer of skin, and the affected area is often swollen, painful, and red. With proper first-aid, a first-degree burn will generally heal within about a week.

What Complications Come From Severe Burns?

Not only is a serious burn incredibly dangerous and painful on its own, it can also lead to a variety of dangerous and potentially life-threatening complications.

• Problems Breathing: Depending on what caused your burn injuries, you may also be dealing with the negative effects of smoke inhalation like burned airways or lungs.
• Infection: Even a first-degree burn can leave your skin extremely vulnerable to a bacterial infection if not properly taken care of, and can lead to sepsis. If allowed to continue unchecked, sepsis will travel throughout your bloodstream and can cause you to go into shock or cause your organs to fail.
• Hypothermia: Because your skin plays a major role in controlling your body’s temperature, losing a significant portion of it could leave you at risk of developing an extremely low body temperature.
• Scarring: Burns can cause scar tissue to form as the injury heals, and depending on the severity of the initial injury can prevent sweat glands from re-forming, limit the movement of your joints and bones, and even permanently pull a joint out of position.

Chemical Burn Injuries from Construction Sites

While not as common as scaffold or ladder falls and faulty equipment injuries, chemical burn injuries do happen on construction sites with some frequency. Chemical burns can be as painful, sometimes more painful, than other burn injuries. In the extreme cases, they can result in the wrongful death.

If you have suffered severe chemical burns or lost a loved one to burn injuries in Tennessee, speak with a burn injury lawyer from our firm.

Common Causes Of Chemical Burns On Construction Sites

Construction sites pose many dangers. Along with falls and equipment malfunctions, chemical burns remain a common threat to workers. Some leading causes include:

• Chemical leaks
• Explosions at a worksite
• Improper labeling of chemicals
• Inexperienced workers
• Negligence in handling chemicals
• Improper storage of chemicals

If you have lost a loved one to chemical burns, we will bring a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have suffered injuries, we will bring a third-party liability claim to get you the compensation you need. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable for the injuries or losses you have suffered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a burn injury?

Seek medical attention immediately, even for burns that seem minor. Save records of all care received and report the injury to authorities or your employer if it happened on the job.

How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Tennessee?

Tennessee law gives you one year from your injury date to file a claim. If you miss this window, you may lose the right to seek compensation.

What costs can I recover in a burn injury lawsuit?

You may receive compensation for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and possible long-term care needs. Each case is different, and financial recovery depends on the severity and impact of your injuries.

Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyers in Nashville Today

Our Nashville burn injury attorneys at Kinnard Law are ready and waiting to represent you in your case. We’ve committed ourselves to providing the highest quality legal assistance for our clients for more than 40 years, and will continue to set the bar for excellence in the future.

Tell us more about your case by filling out our online form, or speak with one of our Nashville burn injury attorneys today by calling us at (615) 933-2893 for a free consultation.