Dallas Burn Injury Lawyer

Minor burns caused by touching a hot surface are typically classified as first-degree burns, as this type of burn only damages the outer layer of the skin. Deeper damage to the inner layers of the skin is classified as second or third-degree burns, which often require immediate medical attention. Fourth-degree burns are the most severe, as they involve damage to the ligaments and tendons.

The main types of burns include:

• Temperature burns. Temperature burns occur when either excessive heat or cold temperatures lead to skin damage. Two of the most common subcategories of temperature burns include scalding and vehicular burns. Scalding burns are the result of extremely hot steam or water. Some examples of scalding injuries include hot oil splatters or boiling hot water spills that can harm cooks, chefs, or restaurant patrons. One of the more well-known burn injury cases, Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants, involved McDonald’s hot coffee spilling on a customer, which resulted in second and third-degree burn injuries. The jury awarded the customer close to $3 million in punitive damages. Vehicular burns involve fires linked to cars, trucks, and other automobiles. If a vehicle is not properly maintained or has a defective component, these complex machines can catch on fire, especially in the aftermath of a collision.
• Chemical burns. Chemical burns are caused by exposure to corrosive substances, which can damage skin tissue upon contact. These burns can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, laboratories, or even at home. The severity of a chemical burn depends on the type of chemical involved, the concentration, the site of contact, and the duration of exposure. Symptoms of chemical burns may include redness, irritation, pain, blistering, and in severe cases, necrosis of the skin.
• Electrical burns. Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, causing damage to skin tissues and internal organs. These burns can vary in severity, from minor surface burns to deep tissue damage that affects muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The extent of an electrical burn depends on factors such as the voltage of the current, the duration of contact, and the path the electricity takes through the body. Electrical burns are frequently the result of workplace accidents or faulty appliances.
• Radiation burns. Radiation burns are injuries caused by exposure to various forms of radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays, X-rays, or radioactive materials. These burns can occur in medical settings, during treatments like radiation therapy for cancer, or from prolonged exposure to natural or artificial sources of UV radiation. The severity of radiation burns depends on factors such as the intensity and duration of exposure, as well as the individual's skin sensitivity. Symptoms can range from mild redness and peeling to severe blistering and ulceration. In cases of exposure to high levels of radiation, there may be additional concerns, such as radiation sickness or increased cancer risk.

Effectively treating burn injuries involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the burn's severity, depth, and overall patient health. The costs associated with these treatments can often overwhelm victims, underlining the importance of seeking compensation to cover these essential medical expenses.

For minor burns, over-the-counter pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, and sterile dressings can suffice. Keeping the burn clean and covered to prevent infection is critical. Hydrocortisone creams might be used to reduce inflammation and itchiness during the healing process.

Moderate to severe burns require more intensive medical treatment. This may involve intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain blood pressure, as fluid loss is a significant risk with extensive burns. Pain management is also crucial, often necessitating stronger analgesics or sedatives. In some cases, doctors might apply specialized dressings and topical antibacterial agents like silver sulfadiazine to prevent infections and promote healing.

Severe burns often require surgical interventions. Skin grafts, where healthy skin is transplanted from another part of the patient's body or from a donor, may be necessary to cover large burn areas. This helps to promote regeneration and reduces the risk of infection. In addition, reconstructive surgery might be needed to repair joint functionality or aesthetic appearance, especially if burn scars cause significant disfigurement.

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, particularly in severe cases. Exercise and stretching help to maintain or improve mobility and strength, reducing the risk of long-term impairment due to scarring and contractures. Psychological support is also important, as burn injuries can have profound emotional and psychological impacts.

If you suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you should not have to worry about how you will manage these costs. You have the right to take legal action and seek compensation for these damages, and our Dallas burn injury attorneys are prepared to fight to enforce that right and secure what you need to move forward.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those involving burn injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that you have a two-year window within which to take legal action against the responsible party. Failing to file within this period typically results in your giving up your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Note that if you were injured at work, you need to report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident or the date you realized you may have suffered a work-related burn injury. You then usually have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim.

The bottom line: Get legal advice as soon as possible. Our Dallas burn injury lawyers understand how to navigate these proceedings and can get to work on your case.

Recovering compensation for burn injuries requires establishing that another party’s negligence or wrongful actions directly led to your injury or proving that your injuries are work-related. Our team at MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys can help gather evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness testimonies, incident reports, and expert opinions, to support your claim.

To win a personal injury case in Texas, you must prove four key elements:

• Duty of care. This means you must show that the party that caused your burn injuries had a legal duty to act (or not act) toward you in a certain way. For example, property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises, and manufacturers must ensure their products are reasonably safe for use.
• Breach of duty. You must establish that the responsible party breached that duty by acting negligently or failing to act. This might involve ignoring safety regulations, failing to provide protective gear, or not warning you about known hazards.
• Causation. You must demonstrate that the responsible party’s breach of duty directly caused your burn injuries. This means showing a clear link between the responsible party’s actions (or inactions) and the harm you suffered.
• Damages. You must show you suffered actual damages due to your burn injuries. Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

If you can demonstrate these elements, you may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible costs like medical bills and lost earnings, while non-economic damages cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Workers’ compensation claims work a bit differently. Unlike personal injury claims, workers' compensation does not require proving employer negligence. Instead, you must show that the injury occurred while performing job-related duties within the scope of your employment. Workers' compensation typically covers medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for any permanent disability.