At first glance, cold, chemicals, electricity, fire, friction, and radiation do not appear to have much in common. However, all of these elements can cause burns. While it’s possible to treat minor burns at home, extensive and severe ones need a doctor’s help. Burn patients often require wound care, pain management, physical therapy, psychological support, and nutritional services. This comprehensive treatment is costly, which leads many people into debt while they recover. If you live in Irving and were burned at work or because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for a settlement.
Top Texas burn injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw will listen to your case and help you proceed with the next steps after suffering a severe burn injury in Irving Texas.
How Doctors Assess BurnsDoctors classify burn severity by looking at the depth, size, and location of the injuries. These factors help determine whether surgical interventions are necessary. They also give doctors warning about other complications, such as infection, that can hurt patients.
The following criteria are crucial for patient assessment:
Degree
The four different burn degrees measure depth. The higher the degree, the deeper the burn. First-degree burns (e.g., a sunburn) only affect the skin’s surface, while fourth-degree burns extend to the bone. While most people assume third-and-fourth-degree burns are more painful, patients often report losing sensation in these areas because their nerves are so damaged.
That said, these burns are more life-threatening and prone to infection. Higher degree burns generally lead to more compensation because there is lasting damage even with a long recovery. A personal injury lawyer in Irving will use this information to determine the damages for your case.
Size
Burns covering more than 10% of the body require medical care. If your injuries are widespread and debilitating, an Irving burn injury attorney can help you secure compensation.
Location
If a second-degree burn or higher covers sensitive areas, like the joints, groin, feet, hands, and face, you will need specialized care to heal properly. Burns in these areas can affect dexterity and agility, so it is crucial to care for them well.
After a doctor evaluates your injuries is a prime time to call a lawyer. Your healing should come first, and the amount of time and support you need will be major determinants in your case.
How an Attorney Will Build Your CaseTop Texas burn injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw will first need to know who was at fault for your injuries. For example, if you sustained burns in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, that driver would be responsible under the law. Defective products, structural fires, restaurant fires, and more can cause burn injuries that warrant a lawsuit and have clear at-fault parties.
Next, a personal injury lawyer in Irving will work with you and your doctors to determine your case’s value. They will consider damages like:
Our team promises to look at a variety of factors to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Workers’ Compensation CaveatMany burns occur in the workplace and are covered by a type of insurance called workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation will cover medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages, but it does not cover pain and suffering. In Texas, the law prohibits people from settling the medical portion of their workers’ compensation claim. This rule means that your settlement options will be limited if your company has workers’ compensation.
However, even if you have workers’ compensation, an Irving burn injury attorney can still bring a case if your injuries resulted from a defective product or a coworker’s negligence.
Securing Legal Counsel in Irving | Free Case ReviewFor a free consultation and case review, please fill out this online form or call us at 800-862-1260.