Burn Injury Lawyer

Midland Burn Injury Lawyer

Helping Victims of Severe Burns in Midland, TX

A burn injury could be minor – small, or just a red mark – or it could encompass a large area of your body and remove all layers of skin. Burns are painful and catastrophic injuries, regardless of what caused them. While you might burn yourself, someone’s negligence could also cause burns, which could lead to excessive scarring or disfigurement, changing every aspect of your life.

If you suffered burns caused by another person’s negligence, you could suffer long-term or permanent pain, scarring, and other consequences. To ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve, contact a Midland burn injury lawyer at Hanna Allen, PLLC. 

Call (432) 220-3331 for a free case evaluation, or contact us online.

How a Midland Burn Injury Lawyer Can Help

Hanna Allen, PLLC’s burn injury attorneys in Midland can help you get access to the doctors you need, including reconstructive surgeons, therapists, and other medical providers you require to recover from burns. The attorneys also negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that they do not violate your rights and that you receive a fair and reasonable settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount for injuries, the attorneys will help you file a lawsuit against the defendants and insurance companies so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.

During the pendency of your case, our team investigates your situation to obtain evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence. We gather as much evidence as possible before we start settlement negotiations so that we can be as aggressive as necessary with the insurance company and the defendant.

Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, which means that they will find any reason to deny a claim or offer you as little as possible. In fact, if you speak with an insurance company, they are likely to twist what you say in an attempt to put the blame for the accident at your feet so they can deny the claim or offer you a pittance.

When you retain burn injury lawyers in Midland, insurance companies know that they cannot get away with tricking you into accepting a low amount or denying a valid claim.

Our team not only focuses on the financial aspects of recovery but also aims to provide emotional support throughout the legal process. This holistic approach is part of our commitment to safeguarding your well-being during this challenging period. We work tirelessly to ensure that you understand every step of the process, from initial consultations to court appearances, providing clarity and support whenever needed.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

You could suffer burns for many reasons, including auto fires if you get into a vehicle accident and workplace accidents if you work with electricity, heated metals, radiation, fire, or toxic chemicals. Working in the oil industry also exposes you to burns, whether from fires, explosions, chemicals, or other incidents. Many of these incidents require safety training and protective equipment. However, you could still suffer from burns because of another's negligence, including your employer’s.

Additional causes of burns could include exposure to faulty household appliances, defective consumer products, or even public hazards such as unsafe walkways or road conditions. In such cases, identifying the liable party is crucial for pursuing a claim. Our lawyers are experienced in gathering forensic evidence and expert testimonies to establish culpability and maximize your potential compensation.

Types of Burns

Our Midland personal injury lawyers represent many types of burn injury cases. Not all burns are the same. Different types of burns happen for different reasons. 

The types of burns you might sustain because of another’s negligence include:

Thermal Burns

A thermal burn is the most common burn that people suffer. When you touch something hot, it raises the temperature of your skin. In some cases, it might leave a red mark; in other cases, it could burn all of the layers of skin. These burns happen very quickly. If you’ve ever touched a hot pan or stove, you know that you pull your hand away quickly but could still end up with a red mark or a blister. You might suffer thermal burns from scalding liquid, fire, or even touching hot metals.

Friction Burns

If something rubs the skin off, it is a friction burn. Friction burns are heat burns and abrasions. The heat comes from the action of rubbing your skin along something. Examples of friction burns are road rash, rope burns, and carpet burns. Common causes of friction burns include bicycle and motorcycle accidents and tripping and sliding on a sidewalk, road, or other rough surface.

Electrical Burns

Coming into contact with electricity causes electrical burns. They can happen when working on live wires, breaker boxes, or even vehicle engines.

Electrical burns can also lead to complications like cardiac arrest and internal organ damage that may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, it's critical to seek immediate medical evaluation if you suspect an electrical burn. Our legal team can help connect you with specialists familiar with such injuries who can testify on your behalf, elucidating the full extent of the harm suffered.

Cold Burns

Everyone knows that heat can cause burns. However, cold can also cause burns. Frostbite is an example of a cold burn. You could suffer a cold burn if your skin contacts certain chemicals or substances, such as dry ice.

Chemical Burns

Those who work with chemicals, acids, detergents, and solvents could suffer chemical burns. You could suffer chemical burns while working in the oil industry if gas, oil, cleaning chemicals, and other solvents used in the industry get onto your skin.

Radiation Burns

Most everyone has suffered radiation burns in their lifetime. A sunburn is a radiation burn. However, X-rays and radiation therapy also cause radiation burns. Those working or receiving care in the medical field could suffer radiation burns while working around certain machinery.

A Midland burn injury attorney can help those who suffer from any type of burn caused by the negligence of another person.

Rating Burns & Burn Symptoms

Medical professionals rate burns by degrees. A first-degree burn is a mild burn. You might feel some pain in the outer layer of your skin – the epidermis – and it could develop reddening.

A second-degree burn affects the epidermis and the layer of skin below it – the dermis. You might feel pain and develop redness in the burned area. Additionally, the area could swell or blister.

Third-degree burns affect the tissues below the dermis. Your skin and the tissues turn black or white, the skin is charred, and the area of the burn could feel numb.

Fourth-degree burns are the worst. The burn could affect nerve endings, bones, and muscles. In addition to reddening and blistering, you lose feeling in the area of the burn as the nerve endings have been affected.

Depending on how bad the burn is, some people may go into shock. Symptoms of shock may include pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and a drop in alertness.

First- and second-degree burns usually get better on their own, but third- and fourth-degree burns need medical attention right away. Call your doctor if a second-degree burn is deep and doesn’t start to feel better soon.

Understanding the severity of your burn can assist in planning your recovery pathway, including necessary rehabilitation programs and potential surgical interventions. Legal assistance is vital in obtaining compensation for comprehensive medical care that addresses all aspects of recovery, ensuring your long-term health and financial security are protected.

Burn Injury Complications

Burns could lead to complications and/or secondary injuries, especially in those who have preexisting conditions. The defendant is responsible for these types of injuries as well as the damages from the original incident. 

Burn complications include:

  • Bone and joint issues caused by scar tissue. The scar tissue could be only on the skin or as deep as the tendons and muscles.
  • Sepsis, which is an infection caused by bacteria that gets into your blood.
  • Tetanus. If a certain type of bacteria gets into your body through an open wound, including a burn, you could develop tetanus. The bacteria come from saliva, feces, and dirt.
  • Damage to the lungs caused by hot air or smoke.
  • Hypothermia if your body temperature drops too much or too severely.
  • Hypovolemia, which is a significant loss of blood and other body fluids.

Complications from burn injuries can also impact psychological health, leading to anxiety, depression, or PTSD, particularly if the burn resulted from a traumatic incident. Addressing these psychological impacts is crucial to a comprehensive recovery. Our legal team assists in ensuring that compensation covers all necessary treatments, including mental health services, to support full rehabilitation.

Consultation & Evaluation Process

At Hanna Allen, PLLC, scheduling a consultation is the first step to a thorough evaluation of your burn injury incident. During this process, our lawyers will delve deep into understanding your unique circumstances and outline the potential pathways for seeking justice and compensation. We emphasize open communication, allowing you to ask questions, clarify doubts, and become fully informed about the legal process ahead.

Our approach is client-focused, ensuring that every consultation provides valuable insights, including the merits of the case and a realistic outlook on potential outcomes. We understand the emotional and financial turmoil that burn injuries can cause, and we strive to provide not only legal guidance but also support that addresses these broader impacts. Our goal is to relieve you of some burdens so you can concentrate on recovery while we handle the intricacies of the legal journey.

Resources for Burn Victims in Midland

Midland offers various resources for those dealing with burn injuries, from medical centers to support groups where victims can share experiences and find comfort. Facilities like Midland Memorial Hospital have teams equipped to handle severe burn cases and provide long-term treatment options.

In addition to medical facilities, community support systems play an essential role in the healing journey. Connecting with local groups can offer emotional support and help you navigate day-to-day challenges. Our team at Hanna Allen, PLLC can help guide you toward these resources, reinforcing our commitment to your overall well-being and recovery.

Get the immediate, experienced help you need. Contact a Midland burn injury lawyer at Hanna Allen, PLLC for a free consultation!

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Our FAQ

  • Do I need to retain a burn injury attorney?
    We recommend that you retain a Midland burn injury lawyer to conduct settlement negotiations with the involved insurance companies so that you recover the compensation you deserve. Otherwise, the insurance company could deny your claim or offer you very little – sometimes not even enough to cover your medical expenses.
  • What if I can’t afford a Midland burn injury lawyer?
    Your initial case evaluation is free, and we do not get paid unless you get paid. Once you receive a settlement or trial award, we deduct our fees from the money you receive.
  • How much is my burn injury worth?
    The value of your case depends on the severity of your burn, the secondary injuries you might suffer because of a burn, and whether the defendant was negligent or grossly negligent. If the jury finds that the defendant was not grossly negligent, you could recover compensatory damages in the form of economic damages and non-economic damages. If the jury finds that the defendant’s actions or inactions were intentional or grossly negligent, you could recover punitive damages.
  • How long do I have to take legal action against someone that caused my burn?
    You have up to two years to file a personal injury case in Texas. We recommend that you contact a Midland burn injury lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence. Additionally, you are apt to remember more about the incident if you discuss it soon after. Finally, the insurance company might accuse you of “playing up” your injuries if you wait to take legal action.
  • How do I prove the entity that caused my burn is negligent?
    Your legal team will investigate the incident to start gathering evidence, including police reports (if any), workplace documentation, and medical records. Once the team has the evidence, it can put pressure on the insurance companies for a fair and reasonable settlement.
  • Do I have to go to court?
    In most cases, burn injury cases settle before they go to court. Even if the insurance company puts up a fight and you have to file a lawsuit, you could still settle out of court. Litigation is expensive, and if the jury finds the defendant at fault, he or she pays the legal bills for both sides. Many times, the insurance company will “call your bluff” and force you to file a lawsuit. However, when it comes down to preparing for litigation, the insurance company could reconsider and reopen settlement negotiations when it sees that you are not going to settle for an unfair amount.
  • What initial steps should I take after suffering a burn injury?

    After suffering a burn injury, seek immediate medical attention, document the incident, and collect any evidence from the location. These actions set the foundation for building a strong claim. Keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and photographic evidence of the injury progression. Contact us early to facilitate timely evidence collection and secure testimony while memories are fresh, maximizing your potential for successful litigation.

  • Are emotional damages recoverable in burn injury claims?

    Yes, emotional damages are recoverable in burn injury claims, reflecting the mental anguish and trauma experienced due to the injury. Psychological impacts can sometimes be more debilitating than physical ones, necessitating comprehensive therapy and support. Our legal team collaborates with mental health professionals to substantiate your claim, presenting a thorough picture that addresses both visible and invisible impacts of your injury. This holistic approach is integral to achieving fair compensation for all aspects of your suffering.

  • Can I file a claim if the burn injury occurred at work?

    Yes, workers' compensation typically covers occupational burn injuries, but you might pursue further action if negligence is involved or if a third party played a role. Understanding the distinction and potential avenues for additional claims can increase your compensation prospects. Consulting with Hanna Allen, PLLC provides clarity on your options, leveraging state-specific insights to address workplace burn injuries comprehensively.

  • What if the burn injury worsens over time?

    If a burn injury worsens, ongoing documentation and medical evaluations are all the more important. The evolution of symptoms can impact your claim significantly, requiring legal adjustments and medical assessments over time. Our team ensures your claim reflects the true scope and progression of your injury, advocating for adjustments in compensation as needed, ensuring your rights remain protected from start to finish.

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