Houston Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including thermal heat, electricity, chemicals, and radiation. In addition to the cause of the burn, the severity will determine what treatment is needed and what the long-term prognosis will be.

Burns are classified into the following four categories:

• First-degree burns: These burns are the least severe and only affect the outer layer of the skin. They usually heal on their own within a few days, but they can be painful. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.
• Second-degree burns: These burns affect both the outer layer of the skin and the layer underneath. They are usually red, swollen, and blistered. Second-degree burns can be quite painful and may require medical treatment to prevent infection.
• Third-degree burns: These burns are extremely severe and affect all layers of the skin. They can damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. The skin may appear black, white, or charred. Third-degree burns can destroy nerve endings, making them painless. However, they are usually surrounded by second-degree burns that can be painful.
• Fourth-degree burns: These burns are the most severe and can be life-threatening. They extend through the skin and underlying tissue to damage the muscles, tendons, and bones. The skin may appear black or white, and the area may be numb. Fourth-degree burns always require medical treatment.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Severe burns can be caused by a variety of factors, including fires, explosions, and electrical malfunctions. They can also be caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals, radiation, and hot liquids.

Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:

• House fires
• Electrical accidents
• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Defective products
• Chemical spills

Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries

Severe burns can cause long-term and even permanent damage. In addition to scarring and disfigurement, burn victims often face mobility issues and loss of sensation. They may be unable to move certain parts of their body or may have difficulty with everyday tasks. In more serious cases, they may experience a loss of limb function or may even require amputation.

Burn victims often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. They may also need to undergo physical therapy to help them regain strength and mobility. 

Severe burns can also cause significant psychological damage. Many burn victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. They may be unable to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Our burn injury attorneys in Houston understand the long-term consequences of these injuries. When you choose us to represent you, we will take the time to get to know you and understand how your injuries have affected your life. We will also consult with medical experts to determine what your future medical needs will be.

What Compensation Is Available for Burn Victims?

If you have been severely burned due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. In Texas, you can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Compensation for burn injuries can include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, you may also be entitled to wrongful death damages if you have lost a loved one to a burn injury. A wrongful death claim can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of companionship.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit?

If you have been severely burned, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. In Texas, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

It is also important to keep in mind that burn injury cases can be complex. They often require a thorough investigation and consultation with medical experts. The sooner you contact our burn injury lawyers in Houston, the sooner we can get to work on your case.