If you have experienced severe burn injuries in McAllen Texas, you might be considering legal action. The process of recovery from a serious burn is lengthy and expensive, and a successful claim or lawsuit can ensure that you are compensated for your financial losses. However, if you have never pursued a claim before, you may be unsure where to start, or how likely it is that you will be successful.
If you are considering a claim or lawsuit, get in touch with the Texas burn injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw. Our legal team has helped several clients receive compensation after suffering from a second or third-degree burn in McAllen. For a free consultation and initial case review by phone (with no hiring obligation), fill out our contact form or call today at 1-800-862-1260.
Burn Injuries and NegligenceIf you plan to take legal action after a severe burn, you should be able to show that you were injured as the result of someone else’s negligence. If you are unsure whether or not this is the case for your burns, look into personal injury lawyers in McAllen to help determine the viability of your case. Some instances in which negligence can cause burns include:
Vehicle fires
Vehicle fires — including cars, trucks, buses or trains — can occur after a car accident. If the accident was caused by another driver acting recklessly, disobeying traffic laws, or driving while distracted or under the influence, an experienced McAllen burn injury attorney can help you show how their negligence directly led to your wounds.
Fires at home
Fires at home can be the result of faulty wiring, poorly-inspected and maintained smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, or a lack of fire exits and clear, unobstructed exit paths. These all speak to negligence on the part of a landlord.
Kitchen and heating appliances can also lead to fires at home if they were poorly made or the result of a product defect, which indicates negligence on the part of the manufacturer. In both of these cases, an experienced attorney can assist you in pursuing a claim against the negligent party.
Fires at work
Fires at work can happen due to poorly-maintained machinery, improperly-contained combustible materials, inadequate safety training for workers, and, generally, a lack of adherence to safety standards on the part of management and ownership. If you have suffered severe burns at work, you may have the option of filing a workers’ comp claim.
What Kind of Claim Should I Pursue?If you were injured outside of work, your only option is to pursue a personal injury claim. However, if you were injured at work, you may be unsure whether you should pursue a personal injury claim or a workers’ comp claim.
More About a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your employer subscribes to workers’ comp insurance, which is optional in McAllen Texas, you likely waive the right to sue them. If you are unsure whether or not this applies to you, most personal injury lawyers will be happy to help you review your contract.
If you have waived this right, you will have to file a workers’ comp claim, which can be done internally. You do not have to prove fault or negligence for a workers’ comp claim; however, your compensation is limited to medical treatment and missed wages. If your claim is denied, a personal injury lawyer in McAllen can help you appeal.
If your workplace does not offer workers’ comp, you will have to pursue a personal injury claim. While the process is less streamlined, and you will likely need a McAllen burn injury attorney to assist you, you stand to earn compensation for physical pain and lessened quality of life in addition to medical treatment.
Top Texas Lawyers at Carabin Shaw | FREE Case ReviewIf you have any remaining questions about legal action after a serious burn, Texas burn injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are standing by to answer them. Fill out our contact form and call us at 1-800-862-160 today.