Houston Burn Injury Lawyer

Suffered a Burn Injury in Houston, TX?

Burn injuries can cause severe damage to the skin, muscles, bones, and other tissues of the body. In some cases, they can even result in death. If you or a loved one has suffered from burn injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Robins Cloud LLP, our Houston burn injury lawyer is here to help you pursue the maximum compensation you are owed.

Our legal team is prepared to take on your case and help you secure the maximum amount of compensation you are owed. Our firm can evaluate your claim and help you recover the maximum amount of financial compensation you are owed. No matter what stage your burn injury case is in, we can help.

To learn more about your case, contact our Houston burn injury lawyer today.

What is Considered a Burn Injury?

A burn is an injury to the skin or other body tissue caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. Burns are classified into three categories: first degree, second degree, and third degree. The severity of a burn is determined by how much of the body is affected and how deep the burn goes.

A first degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis. It is the mildest form of burn and causes redness, pain, and swelling.

A second degree burn affects both the epidermis and the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. This type of burn causes blistering and pain.

A third degree burn affects all layers of the skin and can go down to the muscle, bone, and even organs. It can cause severe pain, shock, and even death.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in many different ways. The most common cause of burn injuries is fire, but other sources of heat, electricity, chemicals, and radiation can also cause burns.

Here are some common causes of burn injuries:

• Thermal burns: These are the most common type of burns and occur when the skin comes into contact with hot objects, liquids, or flames. Examples include touching hot stovetops, spilling boiling water, or being exposed to fire.
• Scald burns: Similar to thermal burns, scald burns specifically involve contact with hot liquids, such as boiling water, hot oil, or steam. Scald burns are often seen in kitchen accidents or spills.
• Electrical burns: These occur when an electric current passes through the body, causing injury to the tissues. Electrical burns can be caused by faulty electrical appliances, exposed wires, or lightning strikes.
• Chemical burns: Exposure to strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances can lead to chemical burns. These burns can happen at home, in laboratories, or industrial settings.
• Friction burns: These are caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface, generating heat that can damage the skin. Common examples include road rash from motorcycle or bicycle accidents.
• Radiation burns: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds can cause radiation burns.
• Flash burns: These occur when a person is briefly exposed to intense heat or flames, such as during an explosion or flash fire.
• Inhalation injuries: Inhaling hot air, smoke, or toxic fumes during a fire can cause burns to the respiratory tract, which can be life-threatening.
• Contact with hot objects: Touching hot surfaces like metal, glass, or cooking utensils can lead to burns.
• Overexposure to extreme temperatures: Prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures (frostbite) or extremely hot environments (heat stroke) can cause burns as well.

What to Do If You Suffered a Burn Injury

Experiencing a burn injury can be traumatic, but it's crucial to take immediate steps to minimize damage and begin the healing process. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to do after suffering a burn injury:

1. Assess the Situation: Evaluate the severity of the burn injury. Determine if it's a minor burn (first-degree) that can be treated at home or if it's a more severe burn (second or third-degree) requiring immediate medical attention.
2. Remove from the Source: If the burn was caused by a heat source, such as fire, hot liquid, or steam, move away from the source of heat to prevent further injury.
3. Stop the Burning Process: If clothing is on fire, stop, drop, and roll to smother the flames. For chemical burns, quickly remove any contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
4. Assess the Burn Severity: Determine the degree of the burn:
   • First-degree burns: Redness, minor swelling, and pain. Often treatable at home.
   • Second-degree burns: Blisters, severe pain, and redness. May require medical attention.
   • Third-degree burns: Deep tissue damage, white or charred skin, and numbness. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
5. Seek Medical Attention: For severe burns (second-degree or third-degree) or burns covering a large area of the body, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. Even minor burns should be evaluated by a healthcare professional if there's any doubt about the severity.
6. Cool the Burn: For minor burns, run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10-15 minutes or until the pain subsides. Avoid ice or ice-cold water, as it can further damage the skin.
7. Protect the Burned Area: Cover the burn with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth to protect it from further injury and reduce the risk of infection.
8. Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
9. Keep the Area Elevated: If possible, elevate the burned area above heart level to reduce swelling.
10. Do Not Pop Blisters: If blisters form, do not pop them, as this can increase the risk of infection. Leave them intact and let them heal naturally.
11. Avoid Home Remedies: Refrain from applying butter, oil, toothpaste, or other home remedies to the burn, as they can trap heat and worsen the injury.
12. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the burn. Seek medical attention if infection develops.
13. Follow Medical Advice: If you receive medical treatment, follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals for wound care, medications, and follow-up appointments.
14. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods: Adequate hydration and nutrition are essential for the healing process. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
15. Seek Support: Coping with a burn injury can be emotionally challenging. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance during the recovery process.

By following these steps after suffering a burn injury, you can promote healing, reduce complications, and improve outcomes for recovery. Remember, if in doubt about the severity of the burn, always seek medical attention promptly.

Recovering Compensation for Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can cause significant pain, disfigurement, scarring, and other permanent damage. They can also cause temporary damage, such as nerve damage and loss of function, which can also be permanent. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you may be eligible to file a burn injury claim and recover compensation.

In a burn injury claim, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and future loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Physical and emotional disability
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages

Burn injuries can cause extreme pain and disfigurement. They can also cause permanent damage, such as nerve damage and loss of function, which can also be permanent. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you may be eligible to file a burn injury claim and recover compensation.

Legal Challenges of Burn Injury Claims

Navigating burn injury claims can pose several legal challenges for both plaintiffs and defendants. Here are some common legal challenges encountered in burn injury claims:

• Proving Negligence: Establishing liability is crucial in burn injury cases. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused the burn injury. This can be challenging, especially if liability is disputed or if multiple parties may be responsible.
• Determining Damages: Calculating damages in burn injury cases can be complex. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, and future care costs. Quantifying non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be particularly challenging.
• Disputes Over Comparative Fault: Defendants may argue that the plaintiff's own negligence contributed to their burn injury. In jurisdictions with comparative fault laws, the plaintiff's compensation may be reduced based on their degree of fault. Proving or disproving comparative fault can be contentious.
• Insurance Coverage Issues: Insurance coverage may be insufficient to fully compensate the plaintiff for their burn injuries. Disputes over coverage limits, policy exclusions, or the scope of coverage may arise, complicating the claims process.
• Complex Medical Evidence: Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. Presenting and interpreting complex medical evidence to establish the extent of the injury, the necessity of treatment, and the long-term prognosis can be challenging.
• Statute of Limitations: Burn injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which limit the time within which a lawsuit must be filed. Failure to file within the prescribed time frame can result in the loss of the right to pursue compensation.
• Expert Testimony: Burn injury cases may rely heavily on expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, or other experts. Finding qualified experts and effectively presenting their testimony can be critical to the outcome of the case.
• Emotional Impact: Burn injuries can have significant emotional and psychological effects on the plaintiff and their family. Addressing the emotional impact of the injury and its aftermath, both in court and during settlement negotiations, requires sensitivity and understanding.
• Litigation Costs: Burn injury cases can be expensive to litigate due to the need for expert witnesses, medical records, depositions, and other evidence. Plaintiffs may face challenges in covering these costs, particularly if they are unable to work due to their injuries.
• Appeals and Post-Trial Proceedings: Even after a verdict is reached, burn injury cases may be subject to appeals and post-trial motions. Defendants may seek to overturn an unfavorable verdict or reduce the amount of damages awarded, prolonging the legal process for plaintiffs.

Addressing these legal challenges requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and experienced legal representation to advocate effectively for the rights and interests of burn injury victims.

Our firm is dedicated to helping burn injury victims and their loved ones. We know how traumatic and challenging these cases can be. Our legal team is here to help you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you recover the maximum amount of financial compensation you are owed. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our Houston burn injury lawyer can help you file a burn injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 691-2363 to schedule a free consultation.