If you’ve suffered a burn injury in Houston, you need an experienced Houston burn injury lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. Each year in the United States, approximately 1.4 million individuals sustain burn injuries requiring medical attention, with an estimated 54,000 to 108,000 hospitalizations.
These injuries not only cause severe physical pain but also emotional trauma and financial hardship. Victims often face extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and permanent disfigurement or disability.
In Houston, burn injuries can occur in numerous ways—residential fires, workplace accidents, car crashes, and more. No matter the cause, one fact remains: if your burn injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to get in touch with an experienced burn injury lawyer to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Daly & Black, we understand the profound impact burn injuries can have on victims and their families. That’s why we’re committed to fighting relentlessly on behalf of burn injury victims, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
The U.S. Fire administration estimates that roughly 33 000 unintentional and residential fires resulted in 665 deaths and 1375 injuries in just one year. Here are some of the most common causes of these and other types of burn injuries:
- Residential Fires: Negligent landlords failing to maintain fire-safe properties, faulty wiring, or defective smoke detectors.
- Workplace Accidents: Chemical burns, explosions, or contact with hazardous materials due to improper training or equipment.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Fires resulting from fuel tank ruptures or electrical issues.
- Defective Products: Appliances or devices that overheat or malfunction, leading to burns.
- Electrical Accidents: Exposure to live wires or high-voltage currents due to safety lapses.
If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to any of these causes, Daly & Black can help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are categorized based on their cause and severity. Understanding the type of burn injury you or your loved one has sustained is crucial in building a strong case:
Thermal Burns
These types of burns are caused by exposure to flames, hot liquids, or steam.
Chemical Burns
Caustic or acidic substances, such as strong cleaning agents or industrial chemicals, can cause chemical burns by damaging the skin and underlying tissues. Depending on the chemical and the duration of exposure, the damage can extend to internal tissues, potentially affecting organs if the substance is ingested or inhaled.
Electrical Burns
Electrical currents can cause burns at the point of contact, which may initially appear as a simple skin burn. However, the greater danger lies beneath the surface, as the electrical current can damage internal tissues and organs. The severity of the injury depends on factors such as voltage, duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body. In some cases, the shock can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to complications like cardiac arrest, nerve damage, or organ failure.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns occur from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or other sources of radiation, such as X-rays or radioactive materials.
These burns can range from mild redness and irritation to severe skin damage, depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. Over time, repeated or high levels of radiation exposure can also increase the risk of long-term effects, including premature aging of the skin, DNA damage, and a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Adjacent to physical burns, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in fires. The most recent data from the U.S. Fire administration asserts that 35% of all fatalities associated with residential fires are due to smoke inhalation.
If a fire caused by the negligence of another party resulted in the passing of a loved one, consult a wrongful death lawyer to help you find justice and the closure you need for you and your family.
Severity of Burns
Burns are classified into three main categories based on their severity:
First-Degree Burns
Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). These burns are painful but usually heal without scarring.
Second-Degree Burns
Damage the outer layer and the dermis (second layer of skin), often resulting in blisters and potential scarring.
Third-Degree Burns
Penetrate all layers of the skin and may damage underlying tissues. These burns can cause permanent nerve damage and require extensive treatment, including skin grafts.
Severe burns can lead to life-altering consequences, and victims deserve compensation to address their physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
Consequences of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries impact every aspect of a victim’s life. Some of the most common consequences include:
- Physical Challenges: Chronic pain, restricted mobility, scarring, and disfigurement.
- Emotional Distress: Trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Financial Burdens: Expensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and loss of income.
Daly & Black’s experienced team understands these challenges and is committed to securing maximum compensation for burn injury victims.
Establishing Liability in Burn Injury Cases
When pursuing a burn injury claim, determining liability is critical. At Daly & Black, we leave no stone unturned in holding the responsible parties accountable. Common sources of liability include:
Negligence
Proving another party’s actions—or lack thereof—directly caused the burn injury. Examples include careless landlords, negligent drivers, or unsafe working conditions.
Product Liability
Manufacturers can be held accountable for defective products, such as malfunctioning electrical devices or unsafe household items, that cause burns.
Premises Liability
Property owners are responsible for ensuring safe conditions. Failing to maintain fire safety protocols or address hazards can make them liable.
In order to establish liability, we gather evidence such as witness statements, expert testimonies, and detailed reports of the incident. Our experienced legal team ensures that every aspect of your case is thoroughly investigated to maximize your chances of success.
Laws Governing Burn Injury Cases
Burn injury claims in Texas are primarily governed by personal injury and premises liability laws. Under Texas law, victims must prove that another party’s negligence caused their injuries. Key aspects include:
- Statute of Limitations: Victims generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, according to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003.
- Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means a person can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the incident. However, compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Premises Liability Standards: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises and warn visitors of potential hazards. Failure to do so can result in negligence which establishes liability.
- Product Liability Laws: Manufacturers can be held strictly liable for defective or dangerous products that cause burn injuries, even if they were not directly negligent.
- Workplace Accidents: Workplace burn injury cases are often governed by the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act (TWCA) (Texas Labor Code §401.001). If the employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, the victim may file a personal injury claim against the employer for negligence.
Understanding and navigating these laws requires legal expertise. At Daly & Black, we have a deep understanding of Texas laws and leverage this knowledge to build strong cases for our clients.
What can be Claimed for in Burn Injury Compensation
When someone suffers a burn injury due to another party’s negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. The Burn Injury Lawyers at Daly & Black are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation Available
Medical Expenses:
- Current and future costs of treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity:
- Compensation for time missed at work during recovery.
- Damages for any long-term inability to work at the same capacity due to the injury.
Pain and Suffering:
- Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury, including trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Disfigurement and Scarring:
- Compensation for permanent physical changes and the emotional impact of visible injuries.
Home and Vehicle Modifications:
- Financial support to adapt homes or vehicles for accessibility, including ramps, lifts, or specialized equipment.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
- Damages awarded when an injury diminishes the victim’s ability to enjoy activities and hobbies they once loved.
Punitive Damages:
- In cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Why Seeking Compensation Matters
Securing compensation isn’t just about addressing immediate medical bills—it’s about ensuring long-term stability for you and your family.
Regardless of what you have been told by your employer or its insurance representatives, their goal is to minimize payouts. They often undervalue claims, offering only a fraction of what you truly need. This approach leaves you struggling to cover your medical bills, ongoing care, and the financial stability required to support yourself and your family for years to come.
The burn injury lawyers at Daly & Black understand the stakes and will fight relentlessly to hold the negligent party accountable in order to maximize your burn injury compensation.
The Daly & Black Difference
When you’ve suffered a life-altering burn injury, choosing the right legal team to represent you is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. We pride ourselves on being ALL IN for our clients. Here’s why families and individuals across Houston trust us to fight for them:
Relentless Advocacy:
We don’t just represent clients—we go to war on their behalf. From holding negligent parties accountable to pushing back against powerful insurance companies, we fight with everything we’ve got to ensure justice is served. Your case will never be an afterthought. At Daly & Black, you’ll receive the full focus of a dedicated and experienced legal team.
Proven Results:
Daly & Black has built a reputation for excellence. With years of experience securing substantial settlements and verdicts for clients, our track record speaks for itself. As a four-time Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year nominee and the 2022 winner, we’ve consistently proven our ability to deliver justice for those we represent. Your victory is our mission.
Personalized Representation:
No two burn injury cases are the same. We tailor our legal strategies to meet your unique needs, ensuring that every aspect of your case is handled with care and precision. From your first consultation to the final resolution, our team will be with you every step of the way, answering your questions and providing clarity in uncertain times.
Comprehensive Support:
Burn injuries can affect every aspect of your life—from your physical and emotional well-being to your financial stability. We understand the complexities of these challenges and work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
All In, All the Time:
When we say we’re ALL IN, we mean it. Our commitment to our clients isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation of everything we do. At Daly & Black, you’re more than just a case file. You’re a partner in the fight for justice, and we won’t rest until we’ve secured the outcome you deserve.
Let Daly & Black Fight for You
If you’re looking for a Houston burn injury lawyer, look no further than Daly & Black P.C.. We understand the profound impact that burn injuries can have on your life, from the physical pain to the emotional scars and financial burdens, the road to recovery is often long and challenging. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Our team is dedicated to being your strongest advocate, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. With our experience, resources, and unwavering commitment to justice, we’ll stand by your side every step of the way. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we are ALL IN for you.
Don’t wait—contact Daly & Black today to schedule your FREE consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and rebuilding your life.
FAQ
Q: Why are burns medico-legal?
Burn injuries are considered medico-legal cases when there is suspicion of negligence, foul play, or criminal activity involved in the cause of the burns.
For instance, burns resulting from workplace accidents, product defects, or deliberate harm often require legal and medical investigations to determine liability and ensure justice.
These cases demand proper documentation and expert evaluation to support legal claims.
Q: How much compensation is a burn injury claim?
The value of a burn injury claim varies depending on the severity of the injury, the level of negligence involved, and the overall impact on the victim’s life. Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.
In Texas, severe cases involving permanent disfigurement or disability may result in settlements ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Q: How much do burn victims get paid?
Burn victims may receive compensation based on the specifics of their case, including the extent of their injuries and the financial and emotional damages incurred.
In general, settlements for serious burn injuries can range significantly, with catastrophic cases involving lifelong care often resulting in payouts in the high six- or seven-figure range. At Daly & Black, we work to maximize compensation to ensure our clients’ needs are fully addressed.