Pasadena Burn Injury Lawyer

Severe burns can occur in multiple contexts, often as the result of someone else’s negligence. People who sustain burn injuries in incidents that were not their fault can sue the negligent party for damages. An injured person could receive reimbursement for their present and future economic losses, plus compensation for all the non-economic consequences of the burn.

You could work with a catastrophic injury attorney who understands the physical, psychological, financial, and social impact of burns. Contact a Pasadena burn injury lawyer for help as soon as possible after the incident.

How Severe Burn Injuries Happen

Burns result from contact between the body and either a flame, steam or hot water, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. Inhaling hot gases can cause burns to the airways and lungs, which are often fatal.

Various accidents can cause burns. Residential and vehicle fires cause most burns that require medical attention, according to the American Burn Association. Many burns are also the result of accidents at work, or due to:

• Defective appliances
• Water heater temperature set too high
• Downed power lines
• Bonfires or wildfires
• Explosions
• Fireworks

Some medical procedures using targeted radiation could also potentially result in accidental burns.

When someone seeks compensation for burn injuries in Deer Park, they must prove another party’s failure to use reasonable care caused the situation that led to the losses. A Pasadena attorney could review the circumstances surrounding a burn injury and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Medical Consequences of Severe Burns

Medical professionals categorize burns by severity. First- and second-degree burns often heal without much medical treatment. Third-degree burns penetrate all skin layers and could require skin grafts. Fourth-degree burns involve the subcutaneous fat layer, fifth-degree burns damage the muscle, and sixth-degree burns damage tissue down to the bone.

The depth of the burn and the percentage of the body involved will determine the likelihood of recovery, but fifth- and sixth-degree burns are usually fatal. As a National Institutes of General Medical Sciences fact sheet explains, burns cause the body to mount an inflammatory response that can be fatal, as it could deprive the vital organs of oxygen and fluids.

Burns can require extensive medical intervention over an extended time, sometimes requiring multiple surgeries over years. Severe cases can cause disfiguring scars, loss of function in the affected area, and have a significant psychological impact that requires substantial adjustment. When a Pasadena attorney seeks compensation for a burn injury, they claim damages for all the economic and non-economic losses the burn caused.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable for Burn Injuries

Anyone whose negligence caused the situation that led to the burn could be liable for an injured person’s damages. Because severe burn injuries are so complicated medically, a Pasadena attorney tries to bring a claim against more than one party if possible. Each potentially responsible party usually has insurance coverage, which helps ensure the injured person recovers an amount adequate to compensate for their losses.

For example, if the burns resulted from a vehicle fire after a collision, the at-fault driver could be liable, but so could the vehicle manufacturer. If the injured person was burned in a house fire sparked by faulty wiring, the property owner, building inspector, and electrician could be liable. If the accident happened on the job, the burn victim could sue their employer in some cases and can always claim damages from third parties like manufacturers and other contractors.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.003 requires judges and juries to determine how much blame each party to a lawsuit has for the claimant’s injuries. If the claimant is partially responsible, the judge will reduce the damages they collect by a percentage equal to their portion of the blame. A claimant who is more than 50 percent responsible cannot claim any damages, so having an experienced attorney is critical to avoid this harsh result.

Pursue Compensation for a Severe Burn with a Pasadena Attorney

Burn injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating and have a significant impact on your well-being and quality of life. When another party’s negligence had a role in your injury, you could force them to pay financial compensation.

These cases can be complex, but a Pasadena burn injury lawyer has the knowledge and skills to achieve a favorable result. Call today to discuss your legal options with a seasoned attorney who represents South Houston.