According to the American Burn Association, nearly half a million people are treated for burn injuries in the United States and Canada every year, most of which are entirely preventable.
Burn injuries are common in many personal injury claims, and claimants may be able to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other losses. Experienced Texas personal injury attorneys gather the evidence needed to pursue such claims and help these victims.
Common Causes of Burns
Burns may occur in many different ways, including:
- Scalds (caused by hot liquids or steam)
- Exposure to flames
- Electrical burns (caused by electric shock)
- Thermal burns (caused by contact with a hot surface)
- Chemical burns (caused by hazardous substances)
Victims may suffer burn injuries in traffic accidents, in on-the-job accidents, or they may be caused by defective products. If another person or entity’s negligence has caused a serious burn, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.
Types of Burns
Burns range in severity—they may be first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns only impact the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Though the burn is painful, long-term damage rarely occurs. The burn may appear red and dry and does not form any blisters.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns reach the dermis, which is under the epidermis. The burn is red in color and forms blisters. Swelling may also occur.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns destroy both the epidermis and the dermis. In addition, the burn may reach the innermost layer of the skin, which is called the subcutaneous tissue. These burns often appear white in color and may also look charred.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most serious types of burns. These burns reach the bones, tendons, and muscles and destroy them. Nerve endings are also commonly destroyed in fourth-degree burns, which means that the victim experiences a loss of sensation in the affected area.
Serious burns may have long-lasting physical impacts on a victim. They may cause pain and a loss of range of motion. In addition, the scarring and disfigurement that often occurs causes emotional distress for many victims.
How Much Is My Burn Injury Claim Worth?
Burn injury claims range in value depending on the facts of the case. Some burn cases may be worth $10,000, whereas others may be worth $1,000,000 or more. The following costs and damages are taken into account when calculating the value of a burn injury claim:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and similar costs
- The cost of any future medical treatment that may be required
- The cost of medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, which may include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Other factors may also be taken into consideration. With the assistance of a Texas personal injury attorney, the value of a personal injury claim is maximized.
Possible Defendants in a Burn Injury Claim
There are a number of parties that may be liable in a burn injury claim, as burn injury claims may have complex fact patterns. Responsible parties may include:
- Product manufacturers and designers
- Product inspectors
- Retail stores
- Individuals (such as the individual responsible for causing a car accident)
- Employers
In some cases, multiple parties share liability for a burn injury. Texas personal injury attorneys identify and name all possible defendants in a legal claim to ensure the victim’s legal rights are protected throughout the case.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney early is key to a favorable outcome. The earlier your personal injury attorney is able to get started on your injury claim and gather evidence, the more likely it is that a good result will be obtained.
At Brooker Law, PLLC, Our Attorneys are Experienced in Burn Injuries
The Dallas, Texas personal injury attorneys at Brooker Law, PLLC understand the emotional and physical impact that burn injuries have on our clients. We fight to make sure our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. To schedule your free consultation with our firm, contact or call (214) 217-0277 today.