When a burn injury occurs, regardless of the cause, the likelihood of serious and long-lasting consequences is high. Victims often experience years of pain and must live with the scarring and disfigurement caused by their injury.
If someone else’s negligence caused your burn injury, you deserve justice and compensation. Our San Antonio burn injury attorneys at Patterson Law Group are here to help. We have seen the impact of these injuries on victims and are dedicated to fighting for justice and compensation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen anywhere, affecting people of all ages. In San Antonio, a burn injuries lawyer often deals with cases from a few common sources.
Here are the main reasons people suffer from burn injuries.
- Household Accidents: Many burn injuries happen at home. Hot liquids, cooking fires, and electrical appliances are common culprits.
- Workplace Incidents: Certain jobs carry a higher risk of burns. For instance, construction workers, chefs, and electricians face daily hazards.
- Vehicle Crashes: Car and motorcycle accidents can lead to severe burns, especially if a vehicle catches fire.
- Chemical Exposure: If they touch the skin, household cleaners, industrial chemicals, and even beauty products can cause burns. The damage can be significant and require long recovery times.
- Electrical Burns: Electrical burns result from direct contact with electrical sources, whether household wiring or power lines. These injuries are complex and require serious attention.
If you or someone you know suffers from a burn injury due to any of these causes, getting in touch with a skilled burn injury attorney in San Antonio is an important first step. They can guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation needed for recovery.
Understanding Burn Injury Severity, Treatment Options, and Long-Term Impact
Burn injuries range from minor to life-altering in severity. Doctors categorize them into three types:
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least serious type of skin burns. They only affect the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis.
Signs include redness, minor swelling, and pain. They usually don’t involve blisters and often heal within a week. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn.
Most can be treated at home with cool water and over-the-counter pain relief. It’s rare for someone to see a lawyer for a first-degree burn unless it covers a large part of the body or is caused by someone else’s negligence.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns are more serious than first-degree burns. They affect the outer and underlying layers of skin, known as the dermis.
Signs include redness, swelling, blisters, and severe pain. These burns can take weeks to heal and might cause scarring.
Treatment may involve special bandages, prescription medications for pain, and possibly surgery for severe cases. A San Antonio burn injuries lawyer often sees cases of second-degree burns caused by accidents that could have been prevented.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe category. They damage or destroy the deepest layer of skin and tissues beneath it. These burns can look white, blackened, or charred. Since nerve endings might be destroyed, the victim may not feel pain on the burn site.
Treatment typically requires extensive medical care, including surgery, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. The recovery process can be long and difficult, impacting victims’ lives significantly.
People with third-degree burns often seek the help of a burn injuries attorney in San Antonio for compensation due to the complexity and long-term impact of their injuries.
Recovering from Burn Injuries
Recovery can be a long road involving physical and emotional healing. Some people might need physical therapy to regain movement affected by burns. Others may need help dealing with the emotional trauma of their injuries.
Long-Term Impact
The impact of serious burn injuries can last a lifetime. This can include ongoing pain, scarring, and the need for future surgeries. Burn injuries can also affect a person’s ability to work and enjoy life as they did before. A burn injuries attorney in San Antonio can work to get compensation for these long-term effects, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who Can Be Liable for Burn Injuries?
- Employers: If an employer does not keep the workplace safe or provides the right safety gear, they might be liable for any burns. Safety rules are there to protect workers, and when they’re ignored, accidents can occur.
- Product Manufacturers: Badly made products without clear warnings can cause burns. The maker could be held responsible if a defective product caused your burn.
- Property Owners: Property owners must keep their places safe. The owner might be liable if you’re burned because a property was unsafe—for example, exposed wiring or a chemical spill. This includes both private homes and public places.
- Utility Companies: Sometimes, burn injuries result from gas explosions or electrical faults handled by utility companies. If the company knew about the risk but did nothing, it could be liable for injuries.
- Other Individuals: If another person’s careless actions caused your burn — like if someone spills a hot drink on you — that person can be responsible.
A burn injuries attorney in San Antonio from Patterson Law Group will review the details of your case, determine who is liable, and help you take the right steps to get compensation. This covers your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Patterson Law Group Can Help with Your Case
If you’ve suffered from a burn injury, Patterson Law Group is here to support you. Our team understands your challenges and is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s burn injuries attorney in San Antonio will carefully review your case, advise you on the best course of action, and stand up for your rights against those at fault.
Personalized Legal Strategy
We know every burn injury case is unique. Our lawyers will create a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific situation. We take time to understand the details of your case and the impact of your injuries on your life. This approach ensures we’re always aiming for the outcome that best serves your needs.
Negotiation and Litigation
Patterson Law Group has a strong track record of successfully negotiating with insurance companies. We fight to get you the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Comprehensive Support
Beyond legal advice, our team offers comprehensive support throughout your case. We can help coordinate with medical professionals to ensure you receive the necessary care. We work to make the legal process as stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
No Fee Unless We Win
At Patterson Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay us if we win your case. We’re committed to providing accessible legal representation for burn injury victims.
We Can Help Protect Your Rights After a Burn Injury
Suffering a burn injury can be a life-changing experience, filled with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.
Patterson Law Group is ready to help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
