Burn Injury Lawyer – Dallas Fort Worth
Most people have sustained a minor burn at some point in their lifetime, but severe burns are in a class all their own. The level of devastation and despair for this type of injury is unimaginable, indescribable. We’re talking about permanent scarring, disfigurement, and even wrongful death.
If you or a loved one suffered a severe burn injury due to another person or corporation’s negligence, you are likely entitled to substantial monetary compensation. At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to hold each and every entity and individual accountable.
Burn Injury Lawyer, Serving All of Texas
In this article, our Texas burn injury lawyer will explain these types of injuries, the process for recovering compensation, and how our law firm can help. Most importantly, hiring our team will not cost anything upfront or out-of-pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis which means we don’t get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or jury award.
Who is Responsible for Injuries after a Fire?
Depending on the circumstances of the fire that caused the burns, any number of people or entities might be responsible:
- Property owners: If a fire starts on a property due to the property owner’s negligence, such as failure to maintain electrical wiring or not properly storing flammable materials, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Product manufacturers: If a fire is caused by a defective product, such as a faulty appliance or electrical device, the manufacturer of that product may be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Contractors: If a fire is caused by the negligent actions of a contractor, such as improper installation of electrical wiring or a gas line, the contractor may be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
- Landlords: If a tenant is injured or killed in a fire caused by a landlord’s negligence, such as failure to provide working smoke detectors or maintain the property’s fire safety features, the landlord may be held liable.
- Individuals: If a fire is caused by an individual’s negligence, such as carelessly discarding a cigarette or starting a fire while cooking, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or deaths.
Does Insurance Cover Burn Injuries?
Whether or not insurance covers burn injuries depends on the type of insurance and the specific policy. Here are a few types of insurance that may provide coverage for burn injuries:
- Health insurance:Â Health insurance policies typically cover medical expenses associated with treating burn injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: If a burn injury occurs in the workplace, workers’ compensation insurance may provide coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
- Auto insurance: If a burn injury occurs in a car accident, the injured party’s auto insurance may provide coverage for medical expenses and other damages, depending on the policy.
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance: If a burn injury occurs on a property covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, the policy may provide coverage for medical expenses and liability if the homeowner or renter is found to be at fault.
How Common Are Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are common across the U.S. and the Lone Star State. According to the American Burn Association, more than 450,000 burn injuries occur each year in the U.S. that require medical treatment. At Parkland Burn Center in Dallas – one of the largest civilian and most prestigious burn units in the nation – more than 2,000 burn victims are treated annually.
High-risk groups for burn injuries include:
- Young children
- Elderly
- Workers in certain industries and trades who are exposed to heat and flames
What are Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are a type of injury that occurs when the skin and other tissues of the body, including muscles and tendons, are exposed to flames, heat, steam, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns can range from mild to severe to fatal, depending on the depth and extent of the tissue damage.
Burn injuries are classified according to their severity.
- First-degree (superficial) burns:Â These are the least serious and most common type of burns, causing damage to only the outer or top layers of skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, and mild swelling but no blisters. An example would be a sunburn.
- Second-degree burns:Â These burns go deeper into the second layer of skin resulting in blisters and more intense pain. Symptoms include redness, pain, severe swelling, and blistering.
- Third-degree burns: These burns are extremely severe and destroy the layers of the skin and may also damage bones, muscles, and tendons. The burns aren’t painful at first because the nerves are also damaged. These burns are white and leathery and may be considered life-threatening.
- Fourth-Degree burns:Â These are the highest level of burns. They affect all layers of the skin, muscles, tendons, and bones and may be fatal. Survivors face long-term recovery.
What are the Common Causes of Burn Injuries in North Texas?
Many different scenarios can lead to serious burn injuries. Some of the most common causes include:
- Construction site accidents
- House or building fires
- Electrocution accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective products
- Electrical accidents
- Abuse
- Medical Procedures
What is the Diagnosis and Treatment of Burn Injuries?
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. First-degree and second-degree burns can often be treated with over-the-counter pain medication and topical ointments.
Third-degree burns and four-degree burns may require life-saving intervention, including surgery, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
Complications are also common with severe burns and can include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Loss of sensation
- Amputation
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Limited joint movement
- Heart problems
- Permanent disabilities
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
If you or a loved one has suffered third or fourth-degree burns, the road to recovery is going to be long, hard and costly. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced North Texas burn injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How Can a North Texas Burn Injury Lawyer Help?
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical bills, continued treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled North Texas burn injury lawyer will:
- Launch a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your burn injuries;
- Determine who is liable for the accident that caused the burns;
- Document your treatment journey;
- Build a solid case against all liable parties;
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf;
- File a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that burn injuries can take on individuals and their families. We are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they need to move forward – not just in the short term, but long-term. We walk with you on this journey.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Burn Injury Accident?
Depending on the cause of the burn and the severity of the injury, you could be entitled to several types of damages including:
- Economic:Â These damages are based on documented expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic damages: These damages compensate for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages:Â In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish an individual or corporation(s) responsible for causing the burn injury, usually due to gross negligence.
A North Texas burn injury lawyer at Varghese Summersett will work with a team of experts to evaluate and determine the value of your claim. We will then go after the maximum compensation you deserve. If we can achieve that through aggressive negotiations with insurance companies, then that is what we will do. If it requires a trial, then we are ready to go the distance and fight for you.
How Long do You Have to File a Burn Injury Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. After that time period expires, you may not be able to recover damages for your injuries. So, it’s important to contact an experienced North Texas burn injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and meet the deadlines
What if I Can’t Afford a Fort Worth Burn Injury Lawyer?
Most people who have suffered burn injuries are also struggling financially. After all, they can’t work, and the bills are piling up. We never want to compound the situation. That is why we work on contingency. This fee structure means that you don’t pay any legal fees unless and until we win your case.
Speak to a North Texas Burn Injury Lawyer Today.
Burns are some of the most severe and life-altering injuries that someone can suffer. You need someone in your corner who you can trust to fight for you while you focus on recovery.
The experienced North Texas burn injury lawyers at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group have the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to get the compensation victims or their survivors deserve. Contact us today at 817-207-4878 (HURT) for a free consultation with a North Texas burn injury lawyer.