Burn Injury Lawyers in Austin

Burn Injury Claims

Burn injuries are often considered to be the most painful injury that a person can undergo and they require a long-term treatment plan and a painful process to recovery. If you’ve been severely burnt, you will likely have spent time in a burn unit that may include some form of debridement where they are taking away the dead skin from the burn, cleaning the wounds and trying to prevent infection.

Infection is probably the top risk for somebody who has been severely burned. The doctors are going to be very diligent to try to prevent any form of infection. Then if the burn is pretty severe, there is going to be a significant amount of rehab involved in gaining back your muscle strength and learning how to function again now that you have these injuries.

It’s typically a fairly lengthy recovery and a lawyer that’s experienced in those burn injury areas can help prepare you and prepare your family for the road that is ahead and work with your doctors to evaluate those needs. Common accidents that result in burn injuries can include:

• Heat
• Chemicals
• Electricity
• Radiation
• Friction

Most burns result in some form of scarring but serious burn injuries can cause disfigurement, amputations, shock, respiratory distress, damage to internal organs, and other significant injuries. A burn victim too injured to work can have concerns about paying mounting medical bills and place a financial hardship on a household. It is important to have legal representation from a trusted burn injury attorney who can focus on protecting your rights to monetary compensation from insurance companies or responsible individuals.

How to file a Burn Injury Claim

1. Contact An Attorney

Speak with a Burn injury attorney as they will be able to discuss your options with you, let you know your next steps to take and help you estimate the value of your claim.

2. Investigation

Your attorney will then proceed to investigate your case. In doing so, they will gather all relevant evidence needed to file your claim. This may include, photos of the scene of the accident and cause, photos of your injuries, details, and statements from any witnesses to the accident, expenses you have incurred because of the injury. It is at this stage that your attorney will uncover who is at fault and be in a better position to estimate the value of your claim.

3. Negotiation and Settlement

Once your case has been built, your attorney will then move to negotiations with the insurance company of the part at fault. They will issue a demand letter stating how much your case is worth and will work to seek the maximum compensation for your injuries. The majority of burn cases are settled before ever having to set foot into a courtroom. However, if your case does need to go that one step further, your attorney will be by your side, fighting for you at every step.

Burn Injury Degrees

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (NIH), a burn injury is caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight or radiation. Generally speaking, burns can damage the victim’s skin, tissue, muscle, and bone. Burn injuries are divided into three categories: first, second and third degrees. First degree burns only affect the victim’s outer layer of skin; second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and the layer beneath; third-degree burns damage or destroy the victim’s deepest layers of skin and tissue. In extreme cases, victims may suffer bone and muscle damage. Sometimes, extremely severe burns are categorized as fourth-degree injuries.

First Degree Burns

Although first degree burns are not usually serious, they can be extremely painful. Mild burns are treatable through first aid and basic medical care – many first degree burns can heal without significant medical attention. For example, many sunburns are considered first degree burns. Individuals may acquire first degree burns by touching a hot burner, being exposed to the sun for a prolonged amount of time or accidentally picking up a scalding pan. Because first degree burns irritate nerve endings, they can be quite painful. Treating first degree burns in relatively easy, but there are a variety of things that can make the injury worse.

If the burn forms a blister, be careful not a pierce or open it. Opening the blister leaves the wound susceptible to infection. Avoid peeling clothing off of the affected area – this may be extremely painful. As the burn heals, you may be tempted to peel off any dry portions. Avoid this. In the past, people thought that burns could be treated by placing butter or oil on them. Never place butter, oil or ointment on a burn injury – it will only agitate the problem. To properly treat a first-degree burn, place it under cool, running water for several minutes. If pain is persistent, give the affected individual aspirin and place aloe vera or another burn cream on the injury.

Second Degree Injuries

Like first degree burns, second-degree burns may be red and develop blisters. Additionally, they may begin to ooze or swell. A second-degree burn victim is identifiable by red, blotchy patches on the injury. Second-degree burns may be very painful. To reduce pain, submerge the burn area in cool water. If the injury is located on the victim’s chest or back, you may pour water on the injury to reduce pain. Substantial second-degree burns should be treated by a medical professional, but you may continue to pour water on the burn until medical assistance arrives.

Although second-degree burns may not always be traumatic or severe, if extensive portions of the victim’s body are affected they may require medical treatment. Avoid placing a cloth on the injury; cloth tends to stick to burn injuries and removing the cloth may be extremely painful. Wrap a cool cloth in plastic before placing it on the wound. Additionally, avoid removing any clothing from the affected area. As with first-degree burn injuries, this may be extremely painful. If the second-degree burn is minor, the victim may not require medical attention and can be treated like a first-degree injury.

Third Degree Burn

Third degree burns are extremely serious – even deadly. Individuals who have suffered third-degree burns may need immediate medical attention. What is the difference between a second and third-degree burn? Third-degree burns are identifiable by charred and white areas on the victim’s body. Third-degree burns destroy all layers of the victim’s skin and may cause the affected individual to go into shock. Symptoms of shock should always be treated before the actual burn injury. Although third-degree burns require the attention of a qualified medical professional, first aid may prevent infection.

First, call for medical help. After treating the victim for shock, remove any tight clothes that are not near the burned area – third-degree burns are susceptible to swelling. If the victim’s legs are feet have suffered third-degree burns, elevate them above the heart; if his/her hands are affected do the same by placing a pillow underneath them. Do not allow the injured persona to stand or walk – movement may amplify the injury. Once first aid has been administered, getting the victim to the hospital is most important. Because of their severity, third-degree burns may result in infection, pneumonia or other serious medical complications.

Tell Zinda Law Group About Your Case

If a burn accident was the result of negligence, the responsible parties may be liable to the victim in the form of damages for loss of income, medical costs, pain and suffering. Before settling an insurance claim, it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced and qualified personal injury attorney from Zinda Law Group. An insurance offer may be insufficient compensation for the pain and suffering caused by burn injuries.

Call 512-246-2224 today for a free consultation with an Austin burn injury lawyer & pay nothing unless we win your case.