Securing Justice for Burn Victims in Baton Rouge & Beyond
At Arnold & Itkin, we’ve represented individuals who have suffered catastrophic burn injuries, as well as workers who have been injured in some of Louisiana’s most notorious industrial incidents, including fires and explosions in Baton Rouge, Geismar, and the River Parishes. We’ve helped burn survivors in Ascension Parish, St. James Parish, Iberville Parish, and East Baton Rouge Parish recover compensation after catastrophic burn accidents. For example, we won two verdicts of $18.5 million and $15.4 million for victims of the tragic Geismar explosion.
Below is a sample of what we’ve been able to do for other clients with burn accident claims:
- $222 million verdict for the widow of a plant worker struck with fatal steam burns.
- $177.5 million settlement in a burn injury claim against multiple defendants.
- $125 million settlement for the widow of a dredge worker with fatal burns.
- $92.7 million settlement for a workplace accident victim that set a statewide record for burn injury claims.
- $87 million settlement for an individual who suffered life-threatening burns in a refinery accident.
- $49 million settlement for a plant worker who survived an explosion with severe and widespread burns.
In addition to monetary compensation, these cases set important precedents that hold negligent parties accountable and promote safer workplace standards across various industries. By consistently challenging large corporations, our burn injury attorneys in Baton Rouge send a strong message about the importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols to prevent future injuries. The dedication shown in each case helps not just the affected individual but potentially thousands of workers who benefit from these legal advances.
Our Louisiana trial team prepares every case with local court expectations in mind, often collaborating with regional experts familiar with refinery and pipeline operations. Doing this provides clients with the strongest possible injury claim, which is why we’ve broken multiple verdict and settlement records statewide and nationwide.
Cases We’re Pursuing for Burn Victims in Louisiana & Nationwide
Burn injuries often occur in Louisiana’s refineries, oilfields, and ports—from Geismar to Port Allen—due to chemical exposure, high-pressure systems, or electrical failures. Consequently, plant and refinery accidents are some of the most common sources of occupational burn injuries in Louisiana.
We’re investigating a number of explosions and fires that led to catastrophic burn injuries:
Each of these cases began with a free consultation. This consultation gives plaintiffs a chance to discuss their case with us confidentially and without obligation. We’ll answer your questions, lay out your legal options in as much detail as we can, and if you choose, we’ll get started with handling your case as soon as we’re off the phone.
What to Know About Burn Injury Claims in Louisiana
What Is Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for Burn Claims?
Recent changes to Louisiana law make it more important than ever to act quickly. As of July 1, 2024, the state extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from one year to two years. That means if your injury occurred on or after that date, you now have two years to file a lawsuit. For older cases, the one-year deadline still applies.
Where Are Burn Lawsuits Filed in Louisiana?
Burn cases are typically filed in the judicial district court of the parish where the incident occurred. For example:
- The 19th Judicial District Court handles cases in East Baton Rouge Parish.
- The 23rd Judicial District Court covers Ascension, Assumption, and St. James Parishes.
- The 29th Judicial District Court oversees claims from St. Charles Parish.
What Is Louisiana’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule?
Louisiana uses a pure comparative fault system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for your injuries. For instance, if you're awarded $1 million but found 30% at fault, you can still collect $700,000. This rule often applies in cases involving workplace safety lapses, multiple contractors, or defective equipment. Determining liability is especially complex in industrial accidents, which is why we work with local experts and engineers to reconstruct what happened and build the strongest case possible.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Burn Injury in Louisiana?
Nearly any individual or company may be held legally accountable, or liable, for a burn injury. Cases of this kind typically involve negligence and are filed as personal injury lawsuits against the defendant's in civil court.
The following are examples of parties that could be held accountable for a burn injury:
- The manufacturer of a defective or dangerous product.
- An employer for failing to maintain a safe worksite.
- A pipeline operator for failing to repair or replace aging gas lines.
- The owner of an apartment building for negligent fire safety practices.
- A trucking company for failing to properly maintain a tanker truck or hazmat truck.
This type of lawsuit allows a burn survivor the chance to recover financial compensation for what they have endured and will face in the future. A settlement or award may cover all medical treatment, reconstructive or plastic surgery, ongoing care, lost earnings, loss of future wages, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Although holding at-fault parties accountable cannot erase the pain and suffering you’ve already experienced, it can bring peace of mind and a better quality of life by having the treatment and support you need.
What Compensation Is Available in Burn Injury Claims?
If your case is successful, you may be eligible for compensation that includes:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost income and diminished future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages, if the injury was fatal
Whether your burns occurred at a plant in Geismar, on a pipeline job in Ascension Parish, or in a fire in Baton Rouge, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
From Chemical to Flash Burns: Types of Burns in Louisiana Worksites
Fundamentally, burn injuries are the result of heat, combustion, or oxidation causing tissue damage (directly or otherwise). It's important to note that burn injuries can occur without direct exposure to heat, fire, or explosions. We've seen chemical burns leave workers with severe respiratory damage or fatal burns from superheated water.
Three most common types of burns we've encountered include:
- Thermal Burns: A common burn caused by contact with flames, steam, hot liquids, and metals.
- Chemical Burns: These burns occur when living tissue is exposed to a destructive substance.
- Flash Burns: Burns that result from being too close to an explosion.
While chemical burns and thermal burns are a serious threat in any workplace, flash burns are especially common in the oil and gas industry. Flash burns are especially common in Louisiana oilfields and along pipeline routes in parishes like Ascension and Calcasieu, where gas buildup can ignite with little warning. These gases require only a small ignition to combust; if there's enough fuel in the air, that ignition could lead to a catastrophic explosion.
Inhalation Injuries in Burn Accidents
Inhalation injuries often accompany serious burns, especially in fires, explosions, and chemical plant accidents. Victims may inhale hot gases, toxic fumes, or smoke, causing damage to the lungs, throat, and eyes.
Common symptoms for inhalation injuries include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Coughing up soot or phlegm
- Scratchy throat or hoarseness
- Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
- Eye irritation
There are three ways that inhalation injuries usually occur: heat inhalation, systemic toxins, and smoke inhalation. Heat inhalation occurs when a victim inhales incredibly hot air. Damage to the upper airways and burns to the interior of the lungs are associated with this injury. As materials burn in a fire, systemic toxins are often released into the air. Those who are near a fire may experience confusion or loss of consciousness resulting from breathing in poisonous substances. Smoke inhalation causes between 60 and 80% of burn fatalities.
Degrees of Burn Injuries
First-Degree Burns
Though these types of burns are less common than their more serious counterparts, they can still be very painful. Generally, first-degree burns result from quick contact with a hot item or from the friction caused by rubbing against a surface. When a first-degree burn occurs, running cool water over the area may assist with reducing pain. However, it is important not to use ice to cool a first-degree burn. Steps to healing this type of burn injury include keeping the wound clean and covering it with a bandage with no adhesive contacting the wound.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns differ from first-degree burns as they extend past the first layer of skin. Notably, second-degree burns require thorough assessment to determine if emergency care is needed. If a second-degree burn is large enough, it can require medical attention. As mentioned above, it is important not to give in to the temptation of using ice on the wound. Additionally, do not pop any blisters and avoid using any topical treatments until you see a doctor.
Third- & Fourth-Degree Burns
Third- and fourth-degree burns are considered very severe. This level of injury extends through multiple layers of skin and can reach bone and muscle, and may even cause nerve damage. As these types of burns are frequently associated with prolonged exposure to fire, smoke inhalation is not an uncommon occurrence with victims of these burn injuries. These injuries are incredibly serious and require immediate professional medical attention. Victims of this level of burn require intensive surgery for full recovery.
Third- and fourth-degree burn symptoms include:
- Charring
- White coloration
- Smooth, waxy appearance of skin
- Brown discoloration
- Conspicuous lack of blisters
- Raised and leathery skin texture
Medical Care & Long-Term Recovery for Burn Victims in Louisiana
Access to specialized medical care is essential for anyone recovering from serious burns. In Baton Rouge, facilities like the Baton Rouge General Regional Burn Center and LSU Health New Orleans play a critical role in stabilizing and treating burn patients, particularly those injured in industrial accidents, refinery explosions, or chemical fires.
A study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research found that statewide emergency routing protocols for burn patients in Louisiana significantly reduced both hospital stays and mortality rates—reinforcing the importance of rapid access to specialized treatment for seere burns. In addition to acute care, long-term recovery remains a major challenge for survivors. Research published in the Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters shows that major burns can lead to lasting complications, including skin contractures, muscle weakness, chronic pain, and psychological trauma. Rehabilitation often requires months, or even years, of therapy, reconstructive surgery, and emotional support.
At Arnold & Itkin, we work closely with local medical providers to ensure that our clients’ current and future care needs are fully accounted for when we build their legal claim.
Advanced Burn Treatment & Recovery in Louisiana
Immediate medical care is critical after a serious burn. These are among the most painful and life-altering injuries a person can endure—often requiring weeks in intensive care, multiple surgeries, and months or years of rehabilitation.
For many survivors, recovery is not just physical but emotional and financial as well.
Fortunately, Baton Rouge is home to one of the Gulf South’s few verified burn centers: the Baton Rouge General Regional Burn Center. This facility provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care for burn survivors, including emergency stabilization, wound management, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Their experienced team plays a vital role in helping patients heal and reclaim independence after devastating injuries.
The treatment path for burn injuries depends on the type and severity of the burn, as well as the area of the body affected. Burn care isn’t one-size-fits-all. The following sections outline the most common medical treatments used in Louisiana for serious burns—from emergency wound care and skin grafts to long-term rehabilitation and reconstructive surgery.
Emergency Stabilization
The first priority in severe burn cases is stabilizing the patient. This often includes IV fluid resuscitation to prevent shock, pain management, and airway support—especially for those with inhalation injuries. In cases where burns cover large areas of the body, patients may be placed in intensive care for close monitoring and wound intervention.
Wound Cleaning & Infection Control
Preventing infection is critical. Burn wounds are carefully cleaned through debridement and hydrotherapy, followed by the application of antimicrobial dressings. Common topical treatments include silver sulfadiazine and silver-impregnated dressings that promote healing and reduce bacterial risk.
Skin Grafting Procedures
When burns are too deep to heal on their own, surgeons may perform a skin graft, using healthy skin from the patient or a donor. Some of the most common types of skin grafts include the following:
- Split-thickness grafts cover large areas
- Full-thickness grafts are used for cosmetic or high-stress areas
- Pinch grafts and pedicle grafts may be used for smaller or complex cases
Reconstructive Surgery
For severe scarring or tissue loss, reconstructive surgery may be needed well after the initial injury. This could involve flap surgery, scar revision, or tissue expansion to restore function or improve appearance.
Compression Therapy
Patients recovering from burns may wear custom compression garments for several months to minimize scarring, improve circulation, and support healing tissue. This is especially common for second- and third-degree burns.
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation often starts early to preserve movement and function.
- Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion, flexibility, and strength.
- Occupational therapy helps patients relearn everyday tasks and adapt to long-term limitations.
Psychological & Emotional Support
Survivors frequently face post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. Access to mental health counseling, support groups, and peer programs is a vital part of long-term recovery.
Nutritional Support
Burn patients require significantly more calories to heal. Registered dietitians often manage high-protein, high-calorie nutrition plans or tube feeding during recovery to support tissue repair and immune function.
Scar & Skin Management
Ongoing care may include laser therapy, silicone gel sheets, or steroid injections to reduce scarring. In some cases, patients undergo cosmetic procedures to restore appearance or comfort.
Why Burn Injury Lawsuits Are So Complex in Louisiana
Burn injury claims in Louisiana often involve multiple layers of liability—employers, contractors, property owners, and global manufacturers may all be partially at fault. Add in state-specific laws, insurance negotiations, and evidence challenges, and it becomes clear why having an experienced trial team is essential. Our attorneys don’t just file claims—we investigate refinery maintenance records, bring in chemical process engineers, and prepare every case for trial from day one. That’s how we’ve won some of the largest burn verdicts and settlements in state history.
What Causes Burn Injuries in Louisiana?
Baton Rouge is an industrial powerhouse, home to some of the nation’s largest petrochemical facilities, multiple oil refineries, and nonstop commercial trucking along the I‑10 corridor. While this provides thousands of jobs, it also increases the risk of catastrophic burn injuries. Understanding where and how severe burns occur can help victims, families, and a Baton Rouge burn injury lawyer identify liable parties and pursue full compensation.
Below are the most common causes of serious burn injuries in Louisiana:
Petrochemical & Refinery Accidents
ExxonMobil, Shell, and other major operators run high‑temperature distillation units, hydrocrackers, and storage farms that handle millions of barrels of flammable chemicals. Equipment failure, corroded piping, or a single spark in these facilities can trigger flash fires and massive explosions, inflicting third‑degree thermal and chemical burns on workers and nearby residents. For example, in 2020, the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery experienced a massive fire that sent smoke billowing across the city and hospitalized multiple workers. Just 7 years earlier, the Williams Olefins explosion in Geismar injured over 160 people and killed two—one of the worst plant disasters in Louisiana history.
Chemical Plant Releases
Baton Rouge’s chemical corridor produces ammonia, chlorine, and other caustic substances. Valve failures, tank over‑pressurizations, or transportation mishaps can expose employees to corrosive liquids that burn skin and airway tissue, leading to lifelong disfigurement and respiratory complications.
Oilfield & Pipeline Explosions
Louisiana’s pipeline network crisscrosses East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Poorly maintained lines or excavation strikes create gas leaks that ignite without warning. Workers and first responders often suffer flame and inhalation burns before they can evacuate.
Commercial Trucking Crashes
Interstate 10 sees some of the heaviest hazmat traffic in the Gulf South. Tanker trucks carrying diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, or industrial acids can rupture in collisions, causing fuel‑fed fires or chemical clouds that scorch skin and lungs. Even non‑hazardous cargo crashes can spark vehicle fires, trapping motorists in burning wreckage.
Power Plant & Electrical Failures
Electrical arc flashes at industrial sites or utility substations release temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun within milliseconds. Blasts at power plants and similar industrial worksites can melt protective clothing and inflict deep tissue burns on linemen, maintenance crews, and bystanders.
Residential & Apartment Fires
Faulty wiring, space heaters, or defective smoke alarms routinely spark house and apartment fires in Baton Rouge’s older neighborhoods. Tenants may face severe burns and smoke inhalation if landlords ignore code violations or fail to install working fire‑safety systems.
Whether the source is an industrial explosion along the River Road chemical corridor or from a power plant incident, victims have the right to pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A burn injury attorney in Baton Rouge can investigate the cause, identify negligent parties, and fight to secure the resources needed for a lifetime of recovery and care.
Baton Rouge: Industry, Injury Risk & Medical Resources
Baton Rouge is more than Louisiana’s capital—it’s one of the state’s most important industrial, medical, and legal hubs. Located on the Mississippi River in East Baton Rouge Parish, the city is home to major petrochemical facilities, including the ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery, one of the largest in the country. This concentration of high-risk industries makes the region one of the most common places in the Gulf South for burn injuries and refinery accidents.
The local economy is driven by oil and gas, shipping, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Companies like Raising Cane’s are headquartered here, alongside one of the country’s largest ports: the Port of Greater Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge is also home to Louisiana State University and a network of medical institutions that play a key role in trauma recovery, including:
These facilities support patients throughout every phase of recovery—from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. For survivors of burns, the medical and legal resources in Baton Rouge can make a life-changing difference.
Reviews of Our Baton Rouge Burn Law Firm
“Arnold & Itkin is hands down the best law firm in town. If you or any of your loved ones have been hurt in an accident, you should call them. The staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. The attorneys won’t stop until they get you what you deserve.”
- Ivan Marin
See for yourself what people in Louisiana have to say about working with our firm! Check out our Google reviews.
Our Louisiana Burn Injury Lawyers Are Prepared to Fight for You
At Arnold & Itkin, our clients have secured billions of dollars thanks to our resources and investigations. When a mother of two needed help after losing mobility below the neck, we were there to make sure she received the single largest personal injury settlement in Louisiana history. Since then, nothing has changed—our Louisiana burn injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation in every case.
Absolutely no one should be forced to suffer due to the carelessness of others. Our firm understands the hardships that those who have burn injuries experience, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Whether you were injured on the job or in a car accident, we have the experience that delivers results.
Contact us online or call (888) 493-1629 today to see how we can help.
