Burn Injury Cases in Georgia: Identifying the Liable Parties
Burn injuries can be among the most painful and life-altering injuries a person can experience. Whether caused by fires, chemicals, electrical malfunctions, or scalding liquids, burn injuries often result in long-term physical and emotional trauma. In Georgia, burn injury victims have the right to seek compensation if their injuries were caused by another party’s negligence. Identifying the liable parties in a burn injury case is crucial for building a strong claim and recovering damages, and that is what The Spizman Firm is here for.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in a variety of settings, including workplaces, homes, and public spaces. Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Workplace accidents, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing
- Car accidents, where fires or explosions may result in burns
- Defective products, such as malfunctioning electrical appliances or chemical-containing items
- Premises liability cases, including burns from exposed wiring, scalding water, or restaurant accidents
- Apartment or hotel fires caused by landlord negligence
- Chemical burns from exposure to hazardous substances
Determining the exact cause of a burn injury helps establish who is responsible for the damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Burn Injury Case?
Property Owners
If a burn injury occurs due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable under Georgia’s premises liability laws. This applies to landlords, hotel operators, and business owners who fail to maintain safe conditions or neglect fire safety measures.
Employers
Work-related burn injuries are common, particularly in industries where workers are exposed to open flames, chemicals, or high-voltage equipment. While Georgia’s workers’ compensation system generally covers workplace injuries, in some cases, an employer may be liable for additional damages if they failed to follow safety regulations or provided defective equipment.
Manufacturers of Defective Products
If a defective product causes a burn injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held responsible under Georgia’s product liability laws. Defective wiring, malfunctioning kitchen appliances, faulty space heaters, or unsafe chemical products can all contribute to serious burns.
Negligent Drivers
Car accidents that result in fires or explosions can lead to severe burn injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, they could be held liable for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Utility Companies and Contractors
In cases involving electrical burns, liability may fall on utility companies or contractors responsible for electrical maintenance. If faulty wiring, gas leaks, or power line failures led to the burn injury, these entities may be held accountable.
Proving Negligence in a Burn Injury Case
To successfully pursue a burn injury claim in Georgia, the victim must prove:
- The responsible party had a duty of care
- They breached that duty through negligence or misconduct
- The breach directly caused the burn injury
- The victim suffered damages as a result
Evidence such as medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and witness statements can help build a strong case.
Compensation Available in Burn Injury Cases
Burn injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and disfigurement
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Contact The Spizman Firm for Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve legal representation that will fight for your rights. The attorneys at The Spizman Firm serve clients throughout Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact our Atlanta Personal Injury Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
