Experienced Burn Accident Lawyer in Houston

How much compensation do you get for a burn?

The compensation for burn injuries varies significantly based on several factors, including the severity of the burn, the extent of scarring, and the impact on your quality of life. Burn injury settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Some of the factors that will majorly influence the size of your burn injury settlement include:

• Severity of your burns. Third-degree burns that require extensive medical treatment and result in permanent disfigurement will result in higher compensation than first or second-degree burns.

• Cost of medical expenses. This includes immediate emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, skin grafts, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Many burn victims require multiple surgeries, which can be incredibly costly, over several years.

• Lost wages and earning capacity. If your burn injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning potential.

• Pain and suffering. Burn injuries are among the most painful injuries a person can experience. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological impact can warrant substantial compensation.

• Scarring and disfigurement. Permanent scarring, especially on visible areas like the face, hands, or arms, can significantly impact your personal and professional life.

• Disability and lifestyle changes. Severe burns may result in permanent disability, requiring home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing care.

While every case is unique, in general, the more your quality of life has been impacted by your injuries, the more you will receive. The most important thing you can do to advocate for your future is hire an experienced attorney who can properly evaluate your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I sue if I got burned at work?

You can likely sue if you were burned on the job, but your options may depend on the circumstances of your injury and whether or not your employer carries Workers’ Compensation insurance. 

In Texas, employers are not required to carry Workers' Compensation insurance. This major complicating factor puts most burn injuries at work into three categories:

Common workplace burn scenarios that may result in lawsuits include:

• Chemical burns from hazardous substances

• Electrical burns from faulty equipment

• Thermal burns from machinery or hot surfaces

• Explosion-related burns in industrial settings

• Restaurant kitchen accidents

Your circumstances will determine the road to your recovery. If you've been burned at work, it's essential that you consult a Houston work injury lawyer who can evaluate your specific situation and determine the best strategy for your case.

How burn injury attorneys prove fault in burn accidents

Proving fault in burn injury claims isn’t always straightforward — it often includes a thorough investigation and the analysis of third-party experts. Our experienced burn injury attorneys use a number of strategies to establish liability and build a strong case for our clients.

• Accident reconstruction. We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the scene, examine evidence, and determine how the burn injury occurred. 

• Expert witnesses. Medical experts can testify about the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life. 

• Documentation and evidence preservation. We immediately begin collecting central evidence, including photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records, and any relevant documentation. Time is always of the essence, as evidence can be lost or destroyed.

• Regulatory violations. In workplace burn cases, we examine whether safety regulations were violated. This includes OSHA standards, industry-specific safety requirements, and company safety policies.

• Maintenance records. For burn injuries involving equipment or machinery, we review maintenance logs, inspection records, and safety protocols to identify negligence.

• Product liability analysis. If a defective product caused your burn injury, we will investigate the design, manufacturing, and warning defects that may have contributed to the accident.

• Corporate negligence. We examine whether companies failed to provide proper training, maintain safe working conditions, or follow established safety protocols.

We leave no stone unturned when determining and proving fault, to help ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their role in your burn injury.

Common causes for burn injuries

Burn injuries can occur in various settings and result from numerous causes. Understanding these common scenarios helps us build stronger cases for our clients and pursue appropriate compensation.

• Workplace accidents: Many burn injuries occur in industrial settings, construction sites, restaurants, and other workplaces. These may involve hot surfaces, chemicals, electrical equipment, or open flames.

• Motor vehicle accidents: Truck accidents in Houston and other serious collisions can result in vehicle fires, fuel spills, and severe burn injuries. Rideshare accidents can also lead to burn injuries in dire circumstances.

• Defective products: Faulty appliances, electronics, toys, and other consumer products can cause burn injuries due to design flaws, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.

• Chemical exposure: Industrial chemicals, cleaning products, and other hazardous substances can cause severe chemical burns, especially in workplace settings.

• Electrical accidents: Faulty wiring, defective electrical equipment, or power line contact can result in serious electrical burns.

Explosion incidents: Industrial explosions, gas leaks, and other explosive events can cause devastating burn injuries. If you've been injured in such an incident, a Houston plant explosion lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

Are burn injuries considered catastrophic injuries in Texas?

Burn injuries are often classified as catastrophic injuries due to their profound and lasting impact on victims' lives. Severe burn injuries often result in permanent disability, disfigurement, and significant lifestyle changes.

Characteristics of catastrophic burn injuries include:

• Third-degree burns covering significant body surface area

• Burns to critical areas like the face, hands, feet, or genitals

• Inhalation injuries affecting respiratory function

• Burns requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

• Loss of mobility or function

Catastrophic burn injuries often lead to lifelong challenges, including chronic pain, limited mobility, psychological trauma, and social isolation. Victims may require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and support services for the rest of their lives.

Furthermore, severe burns often permanently affect your ability to work, especially if they involve your hands, face, or other areas critical to your profession. This can result in substantial lost earning capacity over your lifetime.

Types of burn injuries

The type of burn injury you suffered may actually determine your attorney’s approach to proving liability — it may also determine the amount of potential compensation you may receive. 

The severity of almost all burns follows the following classifications:

• First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain.

• Second-degree burns affect deeper layers of skin, causing blistering and more severe pain.

• Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and may affect underlying tissue, often requiring skin grafts.

• Fourth-degree burns extend through skin into muscle and bone, often requiring amputation.

Some of the different types of burn injuries include:

• Thermal burns: These result from contact with hot surfaces, flames, steam, or hot liquids. 

• Chemical burns: Caused by contact with acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. 

• Electrical burns: Result from contact with electrical current, including power lines, faulty wiring, or defective electrical equipment. 

• Radiation burns: Caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, X-rays, or other forms of radiation. 

• Friction burns: Result from skin rubbing against rough surfaces, often occurring in motor vehicle accidents or workplace incidents.

• Inhalation injuries: Often accompany burn injuries in fire or explosion incidents, causing damage to the respiratory system and potentially life-threatening complications.

• Combination injuries: Many burn victims suffer multiple types of burns simultaneously, complicating treatment and increasing the severity of their injuries.

Damages available to burn injury victims

Burn injury victims are often entitled to significant compensation, depending on the circumstances of their case and the extent of their injuries. The burn accident lawyers at Calderon Law Firm fight tirelessly to secure you maximum compensation for any of the following damages:

Economic damages, which include:

• Medical expenses: All costs related to your burn injury treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care

• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries

• Lost earning capacity: If your burns prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your earning potential

• Home modifications: Costs to modify your home to accommodate any disabilities resulting from your burn injury

• Assistive devices: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other equipment needed due to your injuries

Non-economic damages, which include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your burn injury

• Emotional distress: Mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects

• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed

• Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring and changes to your appearance

• Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse

Additionally, in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior, though these damages are more rare than economic and non-economic damages.

If your loved one died from burn injuries, you may also be entitled to wrongful death compensation, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

How do you file a personal injury claim for a burn injury?

If you’ve suffered burn injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you’ve got to work quickly. The steps that you take immediately following the accident can have a significant impact on your case, and working with an experienced attorney from the beginning can help make sure your rights are protected.

What to do immediately after a burn injury:

1. Seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical treatment, even if the burn seems minor initially.

2. Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any relevant conditions.

3. Report the incident. If the burn occurred at work or on someone else's property, report it to the appropriate authorities.

4. Preserve evidence. Keep damaged clothing, equipment, or other items that may be relevant to your case.

5. Avoid giving statements. Don't speak to insurance adjusters or sign any documents without legal representation.

What the legal process might look like after your injury:

1. Consultation. Meet with a burn injury attorney to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

2. Investigation. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all potentially liable parties.

3. Medical evaluation. Work with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and future needs.

4. Claim filing. Your attorney will file claims with relevant insurance companies and begin settlement negotiations.

5. Litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Whether you’re wondering when to get a lawyer for a work injury or are trying to determine if your injuries warrant contacting an attorney, the answer is always to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you’re injured. Without a skilled representative in your corner, you leave yourself vulnerable to liable parties and insurance companies minimizing your damages, and blocking you from getting what you deserve.

How a Houston injury lawyer from Calderon can help your burn injury case

At Calderon Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges burn injury victims face, and we're committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses every aspect of your case and gets you on the road to recovery. Our approach combines aggressive advocacy with compassionate support during your most difficult time.

Whether you need a Houston car accident lawyer for burn injuries sustained in a vehicle fire or representation for workplace burns, our team has the experience and resources to give you the support you need.

No matter how you’ve sustained your burns — whether you've been hit by a truck and suffered burn injuries, or if you work in the offshore industry and need an offshore injury law firm — Calderon Law Firm has the specialized knowledge to handle cases in these industries, protecting your interests from oil companies, trucking companies, and insurance companies alike. 

Injured in a burn accident? Let the Houston burn injury lawyers at Calderon Law Firm protect your future.

Burn injuries often devastate your health, emotional well-being, and financial security, which is why it’s essential to hire the best Houston burn accident lawyer you can to protect your future and get you on the road to recovery. You shouldn't have to face these challenges alone, or ever worry about how you'll pay for the care you need.

At Calderon Law Firm, we're committed to fighting for burn injury victims and their families. We understand the unique challenges you face, and we're here to provide the aggressive representation and compassionate support you need during this difficult time.

Don't let insurance companies take advantage of your vulnerability or accept inadequate settlement offers. The decisions you make now will impact your future for years to come.

Time is always of the essence in burn injury cases. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Call Calderon Law Firm today at (346) 999-5673 or contact us online for a free consultation. Your future depends on the decisions you make today — let us help you make the right ones.