Burned by Hot Water at a Gas Station...

by J
(Gonzales, LA)

I was in a gas station waiting to make a purchase when one of the sales associates walked by with a bucket of boiling hot water from the coffee machine. The associate dropped the bucket of water all over my back and on my foot.

She asked if I was okay, I replied, "No my foot is burning badly." She said "Oh, okay" and then proceeded to walk off. Nothing else was done. Do I have a case against the employee or gas station since I was burned? What can I do?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Burned by Hot Water at a Gas Station...":

J (Gonzales, LA):

There are several issues to consider before taking any legal action...

First: Did you have an employee at the gas station make a report of the incident? If so, you will need to request a copy.

Second: Did you suffer an recognizable burns? If so did someone take any photos for you?

Third: Did you suffer any scarring? If so, have you seen a dermatologist or plastic surgeon? Will you require any plastic surgery to correct the scarring?

If the answer to most of these questions is no, especially if there is no permanent scarring, then you really don’t have much of a case. If the answer is yes you may have a case against the gas station.

To begin an investigation into your legal options you may want to see a Personal Injury Attorney. Most will not charge you for an initial office consultation. Once you see one you will have an idea of what it will take to pursue your case, and what you can expect as a result.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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