Were you or a loved one injured in a devastating burn or explosion accident in Minnetonka? Such incidents can change your life, and pursuing justice and compensation may be the only path to recovery.
At Fields Injury Law, we understand the immense physical and emotional toll that burn and explosion accidents can have on victims and their families. Our team of experienced Minnetonka burn and explosion accident attorneys is here to support you during this difficult time. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries or death in a burn or explosion accident in Minnetonka, don't face the challenges ahead alone. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation with our experienced attorneys.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law for Your Minnetonka Burn and Explosion Accident Claim
Experienced personal injury attorney Steve Fields founded our law firm right here in Minnetonka more than 20 years ago to provide the highest level of representation possible to injured clients throughout our area and across Minnesota.
During our history, we have recovered substantial compensation through insurance settlements and court verdicts for clients dealing with burn and explosion injuries and other catastrophic harm caused by someone else’s negligence.
We know how insurance companies operate and can anticipate the defense tactics they will try to use to reduce or deny your claim. You can rely on us to assert your rights and work diligently to collect the necessary evidence to support your claim and establish liability.
Our attorneys have gained reputations as fierce and tenacious legal advocates who fight hard for our clients at each turn. Whether during settlement negotiations or at trial, we have your best interests at heart and will do all we can to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation available.
Do not delay in contacting Fields Injury Law and speaking with one of our attorneys at no cost. The sooner you get started, the better to ensure you don’t lose important evidence and meet any prescribed deadlines for submitting your claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
How Do Burns and Explosions Occur in Minnetonka?
Although many burns and explosions happen in workplace and industrial accidents, you can suffer a burn from virtually any type of mishap, including car accidents and household accidents.
Burns and explosions can occur in various ways, and they are typically classified based on the cause or source. Here are common causes and scenarios for burns and explosions:
Thermal Burns
Flames and Open Fires: Burns can result from contact with open flames or uncontrolled fires. This can happen in house fires, industrial accidents, or wildfires.
- Hot Surfaces: Contact with hot objects or surfaces, such as stovetops, ovens, or heated metal, can cause thermal burns.
- Scalds: Burns from hot liquids, steam, or boiling water are common, often occurring in accidents involving cooking, hot water, or coffee spills.
Chemical Burns
- Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals: Accidental exposure to corrosive or caustic chemicals can lead to chemical burns. This can occur in industrial settings, laboratories, or during household accidents with cleaning products.
- Spills and Leaks: Spills of hazardous chemicals, such as acids or bases, can result in chemical burns if they come into contact with the skin.
Electrical Burns
- Contact with Live Electrical Current: Accidents involving exposed wiring, electrical appliances, or direct contact with live electrical sources can result in electrical burns. These injuries can be severe, affecting not only the skin but also internal tissues.
Radiation Burns
- Medical Radiation Treatment: Exposure to ionizing radiation during medical treatments, such as radiation therapy, can cause radiation burns.
- Nuclear Accidents: Accidents in nuclear facilities or exposure to radioactive materials can result in radiation burns.
Friction Burns
- Road Rash: Friction burns, also known as "road rash," can occur when skin rubs against a rough surface during accidents like motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, or falls.
Gas Explosions
- Gas Leaks: Gas explosions can happen when flammable gasses (e.g., natural gas or propane) leak and are ignited by a spark or open flame.
- Industrial Accidents: Explosions can occur in industrial settings, such as chemical plants, refineries, or manufacturing facilities, due to various factors like equipment malfunctions or hazardous material mishandling.
Dust Explosions
- Combustible Dust: In certain industries, fine particles of combustible dust can accumulate and, when ignited, lead to explosions.
Chemical Explosions
- Chemical Reactions: Some chemical reactions can lead to explosive events if not properly controlled. These can occur in laboratories, chemical manufacturing, or storage facilities.
Electrical Explosions
- Overloading and Short Circuits: Electrical explosions can occur due to overloaded circuits, short circuits, or electrical equipment failures.
Burns and explosions can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor burns to severe burns, blast injuries, and damage to internal organs. The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the source of the burn or explosion, the proximity to the source, and the duration of exposure.
Victims of burns and explosions often require immediate medical attention and may face long-term physical and emotional challenges.
What Are the Different Classifications of Burns?
Burns are classified into different degrees based on their severity and the depth of skin tissue damage. The four common classifications of burns are:
- First-degree Burns (Superficial Burns): These are the least severe burns that affect the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Symptoms include redness, mild swelling, and pain.
- Second-degree Burns (Partial-Thickness Burns): Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, the dermis. They fall into into two categories:
- Superficial second-degree burns: Affect the upper part of the dermis. Symptoms include blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling.
- Deep second-degree burns: Extend deeper into the dermis. They may appear white or pale and can be less painful due to nerve damage.
Healing may take weeks to months, and scarring is possible, especially with deep second-degree burns.
- Third-degree Burns (Full-Thickness Burns): Third-degree burns extend through the entire thickness of the skin, including the dermis and often underlying tissues. The affected area may appear white, charred, or leathery, and it may not be painful due to nerve damage. These burns do not heal on their own and typically require surgical treatment, including skin grafts. Severe scarring is common.
- Fourth-degree Burns (Deep Full-Thickness Burns): Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type. They extend through the skin and underlying tissues and can damage muscles, tendons, and bones. The affected area may appear charred and nonviable. Extensive medical intervention, including surgeries, is needed for treatment. Scarring and permanent disability are almost certain with these burns.
Burns can vary in severity even within these classifications, and other factors such as the location of the burn, the age and overall health of the individual, and the cause of the burn can impact the outcome and treatment.
The treatment of burns often requires immediate medical attention, and severe burns may necessitate expensive, painful long-term care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
What Medical Conditions Can Burn Injuries Cause?
Burns can lead to a wide range of medical conditions and complications, depending on the severity of the burn, the location of the burn, and the adequacy of initial treatment.
Some common conditions and complications that can result from burns include:
- Infection: Burns damage the skin's protective barrier, making it easier for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens to enter the body. Infection can lead to cellulitis, abscesses, or systemic infections like sepsis.
- Scarring: All burns can cause scarring, but severe burns, such as third- and fourth-degree burns, are more likely to result in extensive scarring that can be disfiguring and functionally limiting.
- Loss of Function: Burns may cause a loss of function in the affected area, particularly if the burn damages underlying muscles, tendons, or nerves.
- Nerve Damage: Burns can result in nerve damage, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the burned area.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation burns from exposure to smoke or toxic fumes can damage the airways and lungs, potentially leading to respiratory problems, pneumonia, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Cardiovascular Issues: Severe burns can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
- Amputation: In cases of severe burns, particularly those that affect extremities, amputation may be necessary due to the loss of blood flow, severe tissue damage, or intractable infection.
- Organ Failure: Severe burns can cause shock, kidney failure, and other organ failures, which can be life-threatening.
- Psychological Impact: The physical and emotional trauma of burn injuries can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions.
Get prompt and appropriate medical care for burn injuries to minimize the risk of complications and improve the chances of a successful recovery. The specific complications can vary depending on the type and extent of the burn, and treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs.
Long-term care, including physical therapy and scar management, may be necessary to address and mitigate the effects of burn injuries.
What Types of Compensation Can I Get for a Burn or Explosion Injury?
If you've suffered a burn or explosion injury, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case and the parties at fault.
Common types of compensation for burn or explosion injuries include:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your injury. This includes hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost income: If your injury has resulted in missed work days or an inability to return to work, you may recover compensation for your lost wages, including past and future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering is often included in personal injury claims. The amount can vary depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Severe burns can cause disfigurement and scarring that can have a long-lasting impact on your appearance and self-esteem. You may recover compensation for these changes in your physical appearance.
- Emotional Distress: The emotional trauma associated with burn or explosion injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, may entitle you to compensation.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have had a significant impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may seek compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
- Property Damage: If personal property was damaged in an explosion or fire, such as your vehicle or personal belongings, you may recover compensation for those losses.
- Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: Compensation can cover the costs of rehabilitation and assistive devices, such as prosthetics or mobility aids, that you need for your recovery and daily life.
- Wrongful Death Benefits: In cases of fatal burn or explosion injuries, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of the loss.
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
The specific compensation you can receive will depend on your injury, who is liable, and applicable state laws. To navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for burn or explosion injuries, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Minnetonka who can assess your case, represent your interests, and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation for a Burn or Explosion Injury in Minnetonka?
Obtaining compensation for a burn or explosion injury in Minnetonka typically involves a legal process that varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Here's a general overview of the steps involved:
- Seek Medical Treatment: Your health and safety are paramount. Seek immediate medical attention for your burn or explosion injuries. Ensure that all injuries are properly documented by healthcare professionals. Follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan.
- Document the Incident: If it is safe to do so, document the circumstances of the incident. Take photographs, gather witness information, and make a written record of what happened.
- Report the Incident: Notify your employer, supervisor, or property owner (if applicable) about the incident. Ensure that the incident is documented in an accident or injury report. This is especially important in workplace incidents.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the incident, such as damaged equipment, faulty machinery, or hazardous conditions. This evidence may be crucial in proving liability.
- Consult an Attorney: Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in burn and explosion cases. They can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and guide you through the legal process.
- Determine Liability: Your attorney will help determine who you can hold liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include employers, property owners, product manufacturers, or other third parties.
- Workers' Compensation Claim: If you were injured at work, you may be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim. This can provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. Your attorney can assist with this process.
- Negotiation: Your attorney will engage in negotiations with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies to reach a settlement that compensates you for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses.
- Lawsuit (if necessary): If the insurance company or at-fault party’s legal counsel refuses to negotiate a fair settlement, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit. The legal process may involve discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.
- Recovery: If your lawyer is successful in your claim or lawsuit, you will receive compensation for your burn or explosion injuries. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Ongoing Care: In many burn and explosion cases, ongoing medical care and rehabilitation may be necessary. Your attorney can ensure that you receive the necessary care and hold the responsible party accountable for those costs.
The specific steps in your case may vary depending on the details of your injury and the parties involved. An experienced Minnetonka burn and explosion injury attorney from Fields Injury Law can provide tailored guidance, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your burn or explosion injuries in Minnetonka.
How Long Do I Have to File a Burn or Explosion Accident Lawsuit in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, you have six years from your injury to file a burn or explosion lawsuit in civil court. If you don’t have an attorney file suit within that time, you will forfeit your rights to pursue compensation and have virtually no legal recourse to get the money you need.
Certain exceptions can extend the time you have to file, such as cases involving minors. Also, keep in mind that claims against government entities typically have far shorter deadlines and a lot of requirements for filing a claim.
Contact an experienced Minnetonka burn and explosion accident attorney as soon as you can following your accident to learn of your options and file your claim within any prescribed deadlines.
Contact an Experienced Minnetonka Burn and Explosion Accident Lawyer Today
Burn and explosion injuries are among the most painful and debilitating types of injuries. They typically require extensive medical treatment and a long road to recovery. In fact, many burn and explosion victims never regain the quality of life they had before the accident.
At Fields Injury Law, we understand the devastating effects a burn or explosion injury can have on you, your family, and your future. We are committed to helping you obtain maximum financial recovery so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Contact us today at (612) 206-3495 for your free, no-obligation review of your case and learn how our personal injury lawyers in Minnesota can help you get the full and fair compensation you need and the justice you feel you deserve.
