Burn injuries rank among the most catastrophic and life-altering injuries a person can suffer. At Odom Law Firm, we understand the profound physical, emotional, and financial devastation that follows a severe burn. Our team of experienced Fayetteville personal injury attorneys has spent over 40 years representing burn victims and their families throughout Arkansas and beyond. We focus exclusively on personal injury litigation, which means we bring deep knowledge to every catastrophic injury case we handle. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, we offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Odom Law Firm for Your Burn Injury Claim
Since 1982, Odom Law Firm has focused exclusively on helping clients throughout Northwest Arkansas recover from serious personal injuries, including major burn cases. Our team brings local expertise, deep legal experience, and individualized attention to every burn claim.
Here’s what sets our firm apart when handling burn injury cases:
- Decades representing victims of major accidents, defective products, and premises hazards that cause severe burns.
- National co-counsel network for cases involving complex burn injuries or multi-jurisdictional disputes.
- Clients pay nothing unless we secure compensation for their injuries.
- Full support and clear communication from intake to resolution.
We’re committed to maximizing your recovery so you can move forward after a life-changing burn injury.
Understanding Burn Injuries and Their Impact
Burn injuries are classified by severity according to American Burn Association standards. Each degree presents distinct medical challenges and long-term consequences. First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. They typically heal without permanent scarring. Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin. They cause blistering, severe pain, and potential scarring. Third-degree burns destroy the entire thickness of the skin and underlying tissue. These injuries require skin grafts and extensive surgical intervention.
The impact of severe burns extends far beyond the initial injury. Burn victims often endure multiple surgeries, prolonged hospitalization, and intensive rehabilitation. Many survivors face permanent scarring and disfigurement. This affects their appearance and self-image. Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, frequently accompanies physical recovery. Loss of function in burned areas can prevent victims from returning to their previous employment. Many cannot perform daily activities independently.
Medical costs accumulate rapidly. Emergency care, specialized burn treatment, skin grafts, infection management, and long-term wound care represent substantial financial burdens. These costs extend for years or even a lifetime. Victims often require long-term care and rehabilitation services to regain independence.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Arkansas
Burn injuries occur in various circumstances. Many involve negligence or failure to maintain safety standards. Our firm handles burn injury claims arising from:
Workplace accidents: Industrial burns from machinery, chemical exposure, or inadequate safety protocols. OSHA workplace burn prevention standards require employers to protect workers from thermal hazards. Workplace burn injuries require immediate legal attention to protect your rights. If your burn occurred at work, you may also qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Motor vehicle accidents: Vehicle fires resulting from collisions or defective fuel systems. Vehicle fires can cause severe thermal injuries requiring immediate medical intervention.
Product liability: Defective appliances, flammable materials, or products that fail to meet safety standards. Product liability claims hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products. Defective consumer products cause thousands of burn injuries annually.
Premises liability: Inadequate fire safety measures, code violations, or failure to maintain fire suppression systems. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. Premises liability claims address injuries caused by property owner negligence, including inadequate fire safety.
Construction site incidents: Explosions, electrical burns, or unsafe working conditions. Construction sites present elevated burn risks from welding, electrical work, and flammable materials.
Residential fires: Landlord negligence, faulty wiring, or failure to maintain smoke detectors. Landlords must comply with fire safety codes and maintain functional fire suppression systems.
Each scenario presents unique liability questions. We conduct thorough investigations to establish negligence and identify all responsible parties.
Proving Negligence in Burn Injury Cases
Successfully pursuing a burn injury claim requires establishing four essential elements of negligence. First, we must demonstrate that the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim. This duty varies depending on the relationship. Property owners owe duties to visitors. Employers owe duties to employees. Manufacturers owe duties to consumers.
Second, we must prove that the defendant breached this duty. This can happen through action or inaction. A property owner might breach their duty by failing to maintain fire suppression systems. An employer might breach their duty by ignoring OSHA safety violations. A manufacturer might breach their duty by producing a defective product.
Third, we establish causation. We show that the breach directly caused the burn injury. This requires connecting the defendant’s negligent conduct to the victim’s injuries. We use evidence and expert testimony to make this connection. Medical records from burn treatment centers provide critical documentation.
Fourth, we quantify damages. We demonstrate the financial and non-financial harm the victim suffered. Our attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners. Together, we document all losses. We calculate both past and future damages comprehensively.
Evidence in burn injury cases includes:
- Medical records documenting the injury severity and treatment
- Photographs of the burn and scarring
- Fire investigation reports
- Witness statements from those present at the incident
- Expert testimony from burn specialists and engineers
- Documentation of safety violations
- Product defect analysis when applicable
Odom Law Firm maintains relationships with experienced experts. Their testimony strengthens our cases through credible, persuasive evidence. We coordinate with burn center specialists to ensure comprehensive medical documentation.
Compensation Available for Burn Injury Victims
Arkansas law allows burn injury victims to recover comprehensive damages. These damages reflect the full scope of their losses. Medical expenses form the foundation of recovery. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, skin grafts, infection treatment, and ongoing medical management. We pursue reimbursement for all past medical costs. We also project future medical expenses based on expert testimony.
Lost wages and lost earning capacity represent another critical component. If the burn prevents the victim from returning to their previous job, we calculate the difference. We compare their pre-injury earning capacity to their post-injury earning potential. We calculate this over their remaining work life. Permanent disability significantly impacts these calculations.
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain endured during treatment and recovery. They also cover ongoing discomfort from scarring and nerve damage. Permanent disfigurement and scarring damage address the psychological impact of visible injuries. They account for any social stigma the victim experiences.
Psychological trauma damages cover treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. These conditions result from the burn injury. Home modifications and assistive devices necessary for the victim’s independence and safety are fully recoverable. Long-term care and rehabilitation costs, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, are included in comprehensive damage calculations.
Importantly, Arkansas imposes no caps on personal injury damages. This means burn injury victims can recover the full extent of their losses. There are no statutory limitations. Our firm’s experience with catastrophic injury cases has resulted in settlements and verdicts reflecting the true value of severe burn injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Arkansas?
Arkansas law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This includes burn injuries. You have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, acting quickly is essential. Evidence deteriorates over time. Witnesses’ memories fade. Prompt investigation preserves critical details. If your burn injury occurred at work, workers’ compensation claims follow different timelines and procedures. We recommend contacting our office immediately after a burn injury. This protects your legal rights.
What is the average settlement for a burn injury case?
Burn injury settlements vary widely based on multiple factors. The severity of the burn significantly impacts value, with first, second, or third-degree burns affecting outcomes differently. The victim’s age, occupation, and pre-injury earning capacity influence lost wage calculations. The extent of scarring and disfigurement, the number of surgeries required, and the overall recovery trajectory also affect settlement amounts. Liability strength is important—clear negligence supports higher settlements than cases where liability is disputed. Severe burns often result in the highest levels of compensation. Our firm’s experience with catastrophic injury cases positions us to recover the maximum amount in your specific situation.
Can I recover compensation if the burn was partially my fault?
Arkansas follows a comparative negligence standard. Even if you bear partial responsibility for the incident that caused your burn, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and the defendant is 80% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. However, if you are found 50% or more at fault, Arkansas law completely bars you from recovering any damages.
Do I need an attorney for my burn injury claim?
Burn injury cases are complex and require specialized knowledge. Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters and defense attorneys. They work to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you face significant disadvantages in negotiations. Attorneys coordinate with medical experts, engineers, and economists. We build comprehensive cases. We handle all legal procedures, evidence collection, and settlement negotiations. This allows you to focus on recovery. Our contingency fee model means you incur no upfront costs. We succeed only when you do.
What evidence is needed to prove a burn injury claim?
Critical evidence includes comprehensive medical records. These documents the injury severity, treatment provided, and prognosis. Photographs of the burn immediately after the injury and throughout recovery visually demonstrate the harm. Fire investigation reports establish how the fire started. They show whether negligence contributed. Witness statements from people present at the incident provide independent accounts. Expert testimony from burn specialists, engineers, or product safety experts strengthens liability and damages arguments. Documentation of safety violations or code breaches proves negligence. Product defect analysis, when applicable, demonstrates manufacturer liability. Odom Law Firm handles evidence collection and expert coordination. We ensure your case presents the strongest possible foundation for recovery.
Contact Odom Law Firm Today
If you have suffered a burn injury in Fayetteville or anywhere in Arkansas, contact Odom Law Firm for a free consultation. Call our Fayetteville catastrophic injury attorneys at 479-442-7575 or complete our online contact form. We represent burn injury victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let our experienced team fight for the full compensation you deserve.
