Burns are frightening. Exposure to fire, extremely hot surfaces, steam, electricity, or hazardous chemicals can cause extensive damage to a person’s skin, muscle tissue, and more. Severe burns can leave body parts and organs limited or entirely useless.
At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., our passionate and effective burn injury attorneys have years of experience fighting for the damages that our injured clients are owed. We do not rest until our clients get the recovery they deserve, whether that compensation comes from negligent defendants, employers, or insurance companies. Let us shoulder the burden of the legal side of things so that you can focus on your recovery and getting your life and the lives of your loved ones back on track after a burn-related accident.
Degrees and Severity of Burns
Burns range in type and severity. More severe burns have more debilitating and long-lasting effects, although even minor burns can cause significant pain and discomfort. The types of burn injuries are generally categorized as follows:
First degree. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. Minor sunburns or rugburns, for example, or brief exposure to high heat typically cause first degree burns. Long-term damage is unlikely.
Second degree. Second-degree burns involve damage to the outer layer of the skin as well as the dermis, the next layer underneath the epidermis. These burns can be superficial or deep. The skin will be bright red, swollen, may appear shiny and wet, and can often blister. Burns such as these hurt to touch.
Superficial. Superficial burns involve only partial damage to the dermis and are unlikely to leave a permanent scar.
Deep partial-thickness. Deep burns are more severe. They may be dry and whitish and will not produce red spots when pressed. They can leave a thick scar or otherwise cause a permanent change in the color of the skin.
Third degree. These are the most severe burns. Third-degree burns destroy the epidermal and dermal layer of the skin and extend into the subcutaneous tissue. The skin will appear charred and leathery. Fluid loss from such injuries can be a serious medical emergency. Surprisingly, third-degree burns may not be as immediately painful because they involve significant nerve damage. Third-degree burns leave scars and can limit the functionality of a limb or other body part. They require skin grafts or other surgery for even the possibility of full recovery.
Types of Accidents that Cause Serious Burns
Burns are a common result of a variety of negligence-based incidents. The seasoned burn injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. help clients recover damages after burns resulting from a variety of accidents, including incidents involving:
Car or truck accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Exposure to hazardous chemicals
Auto manufacturing defects
Radiation exposure
Electrocution by consumer products or in factories
Burn by steam
Frequently Asked Questions
Your first priority should always be medical care, even if the burn initially appears minor. Burns can worsen over time or lead to complications like infection. If possible, document how the injury occurred and report the incident if it happened at work, on someone else’s property, or in a vehicle. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and what steps may be appropriate moving forward.
Burn injuries are typically classified as first, second, or third degree, depending on how deeply the skin and underlying tissue are affected. First-degree burns impact only the outer layer, while second-degree burns extend deeper and may cause blistering and swelling. Third-degree burns are the most severe and can damage multiple layers of tissue, sometimes affecting nerves and mobility. The severity of the burn often influences both treatment and recovery.
If your burn injury was caused by another party’s negligence—such as unsafe conditions, defective products, or careless actions—you may have the right to pursue a claim. These cases often involve determining how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Each situation is different, and a careful evaluation is needed to understand your legal options.
Both minor and severe burns can have lasting physical and emotional effects, but more serious burns often involve long-term treatment, scarring, or loss of function. Whether a case may be pursued depends on how the injury occurred and the impact it has on your life. Even burns that seem manageable at first may still warrant a closer look if they affect your health or ability to work.
Serious burns can result from a variety of incidents, including car and truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, exposure to hazardous chemicals, electrical accidents, and defective products. Burns may also occur in workplace environments or due to unsafe equipment. Understanding how the injury happened is an important step in identifying potential liability.
A burn injury claim may include medical expenses, lost income, and costs associated with ongoing care or rehabilitation. It may also consider non-economic impacts such as pain, emotional distress, and changes to quality of life. In more serious cases, long-term or permanent effects may be evaluated. Each claim is assessed based on its specific facts and circumstances.
Our firm has experience handling complex injury cases, including those involving serious burns. We focus on building strong cases while providing clear communication and personal support throughout the process. As a firm that is big enough to handle serious cases but small enough to care, we aim to guide clients with both professionalism and compassion during difficult times.
Call for Help With Your Fort Myers Burn Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn in Fort Myers, Orlando, or throughout Florida, reach out to a dedicated and knowledgeable Florida burn injury lawyer for help. Call the passionate and effective burn injury legal team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., at 239-900-3255 today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the recovery you are owed after your burn-related accident.
Serving Clients All Across Florida
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