San Antonio Burn Injury Attorneys

Fighting for Burn Injury Victims in Bexar County 

Serious burn injuries can have catastrophic consequences that extend beyond the immediate physical pain. These injuries often result in significant tissue damage, leading to long-term complications like scarring, loss of sensation, and even permanent disfigurement. Burns can also result in emotional and psychological trauma, which may require ongoing therapy and support.

If you recently suffered burn injuries because of someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to discuss the circumstances with our team at The Packard Law Firm. We can provide compassionate and personalized support during this incredibly difficult time and help make the process of getting justice as stress-free as possible. Our attorneys can investigate what happened, determine liability, help you hold the responsible party or parties accountable, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We bring generations of experience to the table and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for personal injury victims. 

Our San Antonio burn injury lawyers can explain your rights and legal options. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (210) 972-8918 or contacting us online.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified primarily into three types – although a fourth is sometimes recognized. A burn’s classification is based on the depth and severity of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues.

Burns can be classified as:

• First-degree burns. These are the mildest form and affect only the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. First-degree burns typically cause redness, minor swelling, and pain – similar to a mild sunburn. They usually heal within a week without scarring.
• Second-degree burns. Also known as partial-thickness burns, these injuries extend beyond the epidermis into the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. They often result in blisters, severe pain, and swelling. Second-degree burns might heal within two to three weeks but can leave scars, depending on their severity and treatment.
• Third-degree burns. These full-thickness burns are more severe, damaging all layers of the skin and potentially affecting underlying tissues. The burned area might appear white, charred, or leathery, and because nerve endings are destroyed, the victim may not feel pain in the affected area. Recovery from third-degree burns is slow and usually involves skin grafting and long-term rehabilitation.
• Fourth-degree burns. Fourth-degree burns go beyond the skin and affect the underlying muscles, tendons, and bones. These burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.

Burns can also be categorized by what causes them. Thermal burns result from exposure to external heat sources like fire, hot liquids, or steam. These burns range in severity depending on the temperature and duration of contact. Electrical burns occur when an electrical current passes through the body, potentially causing extensive internal damage that might not be immediately apparent. The entry and exit wounds can vary significantly, and electrical burns often require specialized medical attention to assess internal injuries. Chemical burns are caused by corrosive substances like acids or alkalis, which can continue to cause damage as long as they remain in contact with the skin. Immediate and thorough flushing of the affected area is crucial to limiting the damage. Finally, radiation burns are usually the result of prolonged exposure to UV rays or other radiation sources, such as in radiation therapy for cancer.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Many burn injuries are the result of accidents, and these accidents can be caused by negligence. When a person or organization’s negligence directly leads to burn injuries, they become liable for the resulting damages, and the victim generally has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. That is why a prompt investigation is so important. Our San Antonio burn injury attorneys can determine who is legally responsible for burn injuries and gather evidence to build a strong claim that proves negligence. 

Common causes of burn injuries that may involve negligence include:

• Car accidents
• Construction accidents
• Explosions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Oilfield accidents
• Residential fires
• Restaurant spills
• Truck accidents
• Workplace accidents

What Types of Compensation Can You Seek in a Burn Injury Case?

You have the right to several types of damages if you suffered burn injuries due to another party’s negligence. Getting that compensation can be a challenge, but that’s where our team at The Packard Law Firm comes in. We can negotiate with the insurance companies and attempt to secure a fair settlement that reflects your losses. If they refuse to offer an acceptable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial and seek maximum compensation. 

We can work to get you just compensation for all losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

In cases where your burn injury is work-related, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if your employer subscribes to the state’s workers’ compensation system. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can receive compensation for medical bills and some of your lost income, and you won’t need to prove fault. However, workers’ comp does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering or mental anguish. 

If your employer’s gross negligence led to your work-related burn injuries, if they don’t subscribe to the state’s workers’ comp system, or if a third party caused your burn injuries, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim. These cases can be complicated, but our San Antonio burn injury lawyers can help you understand your options.

How Long Do You Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the time limit for filing a burn injury lawsuit is governed by the state's statute of limitations. Generally, burn injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long to take legal action, you will likely be unable to recover any damages, no matter the strength of your case. 

Getting in touch sooner rather than later can help us preserve potentially important evidence. We can help you avoid missing any deadlines and handle all the paperwork on your behalf.

If you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, note that you have significantly less time to file a claim. You must notify your employer of your work-related burn injury within 30 days of the incident, and then you will have one year from the date you were injured to submit your claim.