A serious burn is a catastrophic injury in the truest sense -- both painful and life-threatening. The skin plays an essential role in regulating our bodies' temperatures and hydration levels and protecting us from infections. Burn victims often need intensive, specialized medical care right away to avoid death, and multiple surgeries later on to keep scars from robbing them of their ability to move. If the burns were over a visible area of the body, they may also be haunted for a lifetime by stares and rude questions from strangers.

According to the American Burn Association, about 40,000 people each year are burned badly enough to require hospitalization. That includes burns from chemicals, frostbite, heated objects and steam as well as direct contact with flames. The Association says most burns take place in the home, but occupational exposure to burns is also a serious problem for people who work in occupations like manufacturing or construction, which exposes them to high voltages, industrial equipment and sometimes toxic chemicals. The most frequent causes of serious burns include:

• Automobile accidents
• Cooking fires
• Accidents at work
• Defective electrical wiring in a home or in an appliance
• Accidents with smoking
• Missing or malfunctioning smoke detectors
• Exploding water heaters

Cohn, Smith & Cohn has more than 35 years of experience successfully representing severely injured clients in Florida. Our dedicated attorneys will work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to get you full compensation for your accident, including money for lost wages, hospital bills and other costs of the accident as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. If necessary, we will be fully prepared to prove your case in a court of law. And we offer free consultations, at which we can help you understand your rights and your legal options fully.

If you or someone you know has experienced a burn injury, contact Cohn, Smith & Cohn online or call us at 954.431.8100 or 305.624.9186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.