Burns can happen in a variety of contexts. People usually think about thermal burns, which are caused by fire, hot water, or touching a hot surface, like a stove. But burns commonly occur from other substances as well, such as chemical spills, electric shocks, or radiation.

Burns also happen in many different places, such as at home, while driving, or while at a restaurant. The context in which the burn occurs can have a big impact on who might be responsible and the type of lawsuit necessary for a person to recover compensation.

For example, a burn might occur if a stove malfunctions, or a pot with scalding water tips over due to a design defect. In these situations, the manufacturer of the defective product that caused the burn may be responsible in a product liability action. Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2800.54 states if the product is being used in its intended way, then the manufacturer is responsible for any characteristic of their product that makes it more dangerous than would reasonably be expected.

Similarly, R. S. 23:1031 provides for workers’ compensation claims. This means if a person suffers a burn at work while doing their job, they can seek compensation directly from their employer.

It is critical a person with a burn injury seeks help from a skilled New Orleans lawyer who could evaluate the specific facts of the case, identify the appropriate legal theory, and pursue compensation from the correct person.