Houston Burn Injury Lawyers

Fire departments across the United States responded to 1.2 million fires in 2019. These fires combined caused more than 3,500 deaths and 16,600 injuries. They also resulted in nearly $15 billion in property damage. Unfortunately, many burn injuries and deaths in Houston result from the carelessness and reckless actions of others. Victims of fires and burns are often left with physical and psychological scars, hefty medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When another party’s negligence caused the burn injury, burn victims may be able to pursue compensation for their losses.

However, insurance adjusters, landlords, and other parties will work hard to minimize payouts to burn victims. That is why if you suffered from a fire or burn injury, you must contact a burn injury law firm in Houston. The Houston burn injury lawyers at Sutliff & Stout may help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions and fight for you to receive compensation for your losses.

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Common Burn Injuries You Might Suffer From

Hundreds of thousands of burn injuries require medical attention each year in the United States, but not all burn injuries are the same. There are four different kinds of burns:

• Fire, steam, and hot liquids may cause thermal burns.
• UV rays and other light sources can cause light burns.
• Strong chemicals, acids, or alkalis may result in a chemical burn.
• Coming in contact with nuclear radiation may cause radiation burns.

Furthermore, doctors distinguish burn injuries into three categories: first, second, and third-degree. The type of treatment you will need depends on the burn’s severity and size.

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn is the least severe burn, but that does not mean you should take it lightly. The affected area is usually red and sensitive to the touch. First-degree burn victims typically sustain minimal tissue damage, and the burn only affects the first layer of skin. An example of a first-degree burn would be a sunburn, also known as a light burn.

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn affects both the top and underlying skin layers, and symptoms usually include redness, pain, swelling, and blisters around the affected area. These burns may also affect a victim’s sweat glands and hair follicles. If left untreated, the burn may continue to swell and decrease blood flow in the tissue, leading to a third-degree burn.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn, and they require immediate medical attention. They affect all skin layers and cause charring of the skin. Victims might feel severe pain or numbness in the affected area. Healing from a third-degree burn is often very slow because the burn destroyed the skin tissue.

What May Cause a Fire or Burn Injury in Houston?

There are several types of events that may lead to a fire or burn injury in Houston. Fires are often the culprit, but defective products or chemical spills may also cause injury.

Fires

Fire burns are some of the most commonly sustained burns in the United States. Common causes of fire injuries include:

• Bonfires
• Car accidents
• Electrical fires
• Gas stoves
• Grills

Furthermore, workplace fires often account for a large proportion of burns each year. Faulty equipment or electrical malfunctions may cause a fire, leading to a severe injury.

Chemicals

Chemical burns may result from the improper handling of chemicals, such as:

• Acid
• Bleach
• Chlorine
• Other cleaning chemicals

While chemical burns make up only a small percentage of nationwide burns, they may be the most severe and leave permanent damage. For example, chemical burn victims may permanently lose their sense of touch in the affected area.

Steam and Hot Liquids

Steam and hot liquids may also cause a burn injury. If the liquid is at an unsafe temperature, it may cause a deep, second-degree burn. Additionally, if someone consumes a liquid at an unsafe temperature, they might sustain internal burns that are complex to treat. Coffee, soup, hot water, and steam from hot liquids are examples that might cause a burn.

Complications Resulting from Burn Injuries

Burn injuries may lead to various complications, all ranging in severity. While a first-degree burn victim might suffer from dehydration, a third-degree burn victim might have permanent scars. Complications resulting from a burn injury in Houston might include:

• Bacterial infections
• Fluid loss
• Dangerously low body temperature
• Breathing problems
• Bone and joint problems
• Infections

After sustaining a burn injury, you must seek medical care. Remember, burns may worsen over time if you do not treat them. Additionally, a doctor may prescribe medications to help ease your pain and prevent infections.

Who Is Liable for a Burn Injury in Houston?

Determining who is liable for a burn injury will depend on what caused the burn. For example, a landlord, employer, or driver may be responsible for a burn injury.

Burns from Landlord Negligence

Landlords are usually subject to all federal, state, and municipal safety regulations. For fire safety, some of these regulations may include:

• Ensuring smoke detectors are on correctly and working
• Installation of fireproof doors
• Regularly checking fire extinguishers
• Keeping clear all emergency escape routes

If a landlord fails to meet these safety standards, they might be liable for any injuries that result.

Burns from Workplace Accidents

Employees in specific work environments may be susceptible to a fire or burn injury. Fires and explosions alone cause 5,000 workplace burn injuries in the United States each year. However, when an employee sustains a workplace injury, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. When they file this claim, they forfeit their right to file a burn injury claim against their employer for negligence. That is why workplace burn victims must speak to a Houston burn victim lawyer about their legal options right away.

Burns from Car Accidents

Electricity, heat, and toxic chemicals may burn the driver or passengers following a car crash. If a negligent or reckless driver caused a car accident, resulting in a car fire, they might be responsible for your burns and other accident losses.

Speak to the Experienced Houston Burn Injury Attorneys at Sutliff & Stout

Burn injuries can cause long-term injuries and suffering to accident victims. In more severe cases, a burn injury might even cause death. However, accident victims must remember that they are not guaranteed a payout for sustaining a burn injury. To secure financial compensation for your losses, you must prove that another party’s negligent actions caused your burn injuries. Establishing negligence on your own may be complex, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. Instead, turn to the Houston serious burn injury attorney at Sutliff & Stout.

Our aggressive burn injury lawyers in Houston have the skill and experience needed to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. We will launch a thorough investigation into the incident by analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses. To learn more about how we can help you, schedule a free consultation by calling (713) 987-7111 or completing our online contact form.