According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 398,000 people suffered fire- or burn-related injuries, and another 252,000 suffered injuries related to hot objects or substances in 2021. The American Burn Association reports that an average of 29,165 people are hospitalized due to burns each year.
If you suffered a painful burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced San Antonio burn injury lawyer can explain your legal options for pursuing financial recovery. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why Hire a San Antonio Burn Injury Lawyer George Salinas Injury Lawyers
Having a personal injury attorney in San Antonio is essential to help you navigate the complex insurance claim process. You have the right to choose any personal injury lawyer you want to handle your personal injury claim. George Salinas Injury Lawyers has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients and successfully resolved over 1,100 cases. We are also recognized by leading legal organizations, including the American Board of Trial Advocates, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel Nation’s Top One Percent (2022), and Super Lawyers. Our Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating demonstrates our client’s satisfaction with our legal services.
When you hire our law firm, you can trust us to:
- Investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and gather evidence to establish your claim
- Identify all pathways for financial recovery
- Handle communication with insurance companies and others on your behalf
- Compile information about and assess the value of your damages
- Negotiate for fair compensation
Contact us today to take the first step toward your recovery.
What Is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury occurs when some portion of the body is exposed to heat. Some burn injuries only affect the skin, while others can affect underlying muscles, bones, and organs.
Types of Burns and Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can take many forms, including:
- Thermal burns – Thermal burns derive from open heat sources, such as fire, steam, or boiling liquids.
- Chemical burns – Chemical burns occur when someone makes contact with a hazardous chemical, such as from household or industrial cleaners.
- Electrical burns – Electrical burns come from contact with exposed wires, electrical outlets, power lines, and other sources of electrical currents.
- Radiation burns – Radiation burns come from contact with the sun, X-ray machines, and devices that use radiation.
- Inhalation injuries – Accident victims can suffer injuries when they breathe in smoke or chemical gas.
Burn Injury Severity
Burn injuries are classified by their degree of severity as follows:
- First degree burns – These burns affect only the first layer of skin, called the epidermis. These injuries can often be treated by first aid, but they can still be painful.
- Second degree burns – Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the dermis beneath. These burns can result in pain and blisters, and the skin can be extremely tender to touch.
- Third degree burns – A third-degree burn is not always painful because it can cause nerve damage that cuts off feeling to the burned area. Third-degree burns are usually white, yellow, black, or brown.
- Fourth degree burns – Fourth-degree burns are the most serious burns and can sometimes be fatal. They injured skin, muscles, tendons, and bones.
Because burned skin is often prone to infection, seeking immediate medical attention after an injury is critical so you can be properly monitored and treated.
Common Causes of Burns in San Antonio
Burns can happen in various ways, but some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Scooter accidents
- Mass transit accidents
- Injuries from defective products
- Construction accidents
- Oil rig accidents
- Workplace accidents
An experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney can investigate your burn injury and determine who is at fault.
Liability for Burn Injuries in San Antonio
Various parties could be responsible for paying compensation to burn injury victims, including:
- Employers – Employers may cover workplace accidents with workers’ compensation, which provides medical and partial wage replacement benefits. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance (Texas law does not technically require employers to maintain this insurance), you can file a claim against your employer.
- Contractors – If an injury occurred at work but a general contractor, subcontractor, or other individual was responsible for the injuries, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the responsible party and seek compensation above what workers’ compensation would provide.
- Manufacturers – Manufacturers that made defective products or cleaners that lacked adequate warning labels may be liable for your injuries.
- Negligent motorists – A careless motorist, truck driver, or other road user who caused an accident resulting in an explosion or burn injuries may be liable for your injuries.
Our experienced San Antonio construction accident lawyer can pursue maximum compensation from all the parties responsible for your injuries.
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After Burn Injuries in San Antonio?
Burn injuries often require expensive medical treatments. Treatment may be ongoing for months following an accident. Victims may have long recovery periods during which they are unable to work. They may suffer extensive pain due to these injuries. Even treatment for these injuries can be painful.
Burn injury victims may be able to recover compensation for the losses they suffer, including:
- Medical expenses, including for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health treatment
- Lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and all lost income caused by the accident
- Property damage and replacement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of life enjoyment
Your damages include future losses, including future medical expenses and pain and suffering.
An experienced car accident attorney in San Antonio can determine the damages you can seek and the value of your claim.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
If you suffered a painful burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced San Antonio burn injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers online or call us at (210) 672-1662 today. During a free case review, we can discuss your legal rights and options for recovery.