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What Are the Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

March 27, 2026

By the Law Firm of Brandt & Sherman

Key Takeaways

  • Burn injuries are commonly caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, and radiation
  • Many burns occur due to preventable accidents or unsafe conditions
  • Severe burns often require long-term medical care and recovery
  • Victims may be entitled to compensation if negligence is involved
  • An experienced attorney can help you pursue a burn injury claim

Burn injuries are a serious concern in Louisiana and can lead to long-term physical and emotional damage. Many of these injuries are preventable and occur because of unsafe conditions, defective products, or someone else’s negligence.

If you’ve been injured, understanding the cause of your burn is an important first step in determining whether you may have a valid personal injury claim.

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury. They occur when the skin comes into contact with heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces.

Common causes include:

  • Kitchen accidents involving boiling water or hot oil
  • House fires
  • Workplace incidents involving high-temperature equipment

These injuries can range from minor to severe and often require immediate medical attention to prevent complications like infection or permanent scarring.

In serious cases, such as fires caused by vehicle collisions, thermal burns may occur in car accidents or even truck accidents.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are caused by exposure to corrosive substances such as acids, cleaning products, or industrial chemicals.

These burns can happen:

  • In workplaces handling hazardous materials
  • At home when using strong cleaning agents
  • Due to defective or improperly labeled products

The severity depends on the strength of the chemical and how long it remains in contact with the skin.

If a chemical burn occurs because of unsafe working conditions or negligence, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, causing both internal and external damage. These injuries can be especially dangerous because the internal damage is not always immediately visible.

Common causes include:

  • Contact with exposed wiring
  • Faulty electrical equipment
  • Workplace accidents involving electrical systems

Electrical burns can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage or cardiac issues. When these injuries result from unsafe environments or negligence, legal action may be necessary to recover compensation.

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns are typically caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or other forms of radiation.

Examples include:

  • Severe sunburn from overexposure to UV rays
  • Burns caused by radiation therapy
  • Occupational exposure to radiation

While some radiation burns are unavoidable, others may result from lack of proper safety precautions or warnings.

When Burn Injuries Lead to Legal Claims

Burn injuries often involve significant medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation.

This may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term or permanent disability

In the most severe cases, burn injuries can be fatal. Families may need to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their loss.

If the injury was caused by reckless behavior, such as impaired driving, it may also be connected to drunk driving accidents.

How Brandt & Sherman Can Help

Burn injury cases can be complex, especially when determining liability and the full extent of damages. At Brandt & Sherman, we work closely with clients to understand how the injury occurred and who may be responsible.

In cases involving serious burn injuries, we focus on building strong claims that reflect the true impact on your life.

Speak With a Louisiana Burn Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to understand your rights and legal options.

The team at Brandt & Sherman is here to help you through every step of the process. You can get started by reaching out through our contact page for a free consultation.

Contact
Lafayette, LA
111 Mercury St. Lafayette, LA 70503

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