Austin Burn Injury Lawyers

Fighting For Burn Injury Victims in Texas

Burns are among the most destructive and painful injuries. Victims endure both the immediate trauma of the injury and, when the injury is severe, a lengthy and painful recovery process. Even at the end of that process, many victims are left with permanent alterations of appearance, function, and personality. The emotional and psychological impairments can be severe and attributable to the memory of the initial injury, memory of the painful post-injury period, and the effects of scarring or physical limitations.

The medical care, both immediate and long-term, is usually very expensive; multiple surgeries may be needed. Victims may be unable to work or attend school for lengthy periods, and some victims will never be able to resume their former employment. Therapy for the mental and emotional aspects may be lengthy and expensive. On top of which, victims and their families must decide whether someone may be legally responsible for the injury and how to go about obtaining compensation.

The services of an experienced Austin burn injury attorney can relieve you of the concerns about the legal case and may well help you navigate the medical and rehabilitative universe as well. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we provide aggressive representation in the courtroom, backed by extensive trial experience. Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your case; call (512) 400-3278 for a free, no-obligation consultation with our burn injury attorney in Austin.

Classification of Burns

Most people think of burns as being classified as first-, second-, or third-degree. In the medical world, four degrees are recognized, and one of them has two variations. In their treatment, doctors and nurses will describe burn injuries as (least severe to most severe).

Medically, burns are classified as one of the following:

• First-degree if the burn involves only the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin; these burns heal in a few days without major treatment
• Second-degree, which is often broken into:
  • Partial thickness, which involves the entire epidermis and the uppermost layers of the dermis
  • Full thickness, which involves the destruction of the entire epidermis and most of the dermis
• Third-degree, in which all layers of the skin are destroyed, so damage extends into the subcutaneous tissues
• Fourth-degree, in which damage extends even further, into muscle and bone

While textbooks discuss these categories as if they were clearly visible differences, doctors often have to simply estimate the depth of the burn, which is complicated by the fact the thickness of the epidermis varies from body location to body location and that skin is thinner on children and the elderly.

Exploring Related Physical Injuries

If the burn incident involved a fire, the victim may have respiratory damage from the smoke, especially if toxic materials were burning. If muscle and bone have been injured, mobility can be impaired.

The primary injury from a burn itself is to the skin; however, third- and fourth-degree burns affect deeper tissue as well.

Deep burns may destroy:

• Sweat glands, which are involved in the body's temperature regulation; lack of these glands can make it very difficult to be in environments that are very hot and/or humid and can make the victim more prone to overheating while engaged in strenuous activity
• Sebaceous glands, which lubricate and moisturize the skin
• Sensation on the skin surface, altering the victim's ability to sense hot and cold, distinguish between sharp and dull contact, and identify changes in pressure on the skin

Scarring is a major concern, though modern medicine has made tremendous advances in minimizing scars. If scars form near joints, mobility can be restricted. Scarring is an even greater concern in child burn victims, whose continued growth requires that their skin expand.

Addressing Emotional & Psychological Injuries

Emotional disturbance is common after severe burns. The experience of the traumatic event can affect sleep, mood, and general willingness to engage in normal activities. The problem is exacerbated when the victim has scars, especially in areas that are very visible (mostly the face, hands, arms). The disturbance is exacerbated still more in children, who are by nature self-conscious, females who in this society remain subject to social expectations as to appearance, and victims whose employment requires considerable public contact.

Handling a burn injury case requires four things:

• Experience with the specific type of incident that caused the burn (defective product, auto accident, industrial accident, premises that are prone to fire, etc.); the necessary evidence and potential witnesses differ from type to type
• Experience with the legal principles which apply to liability of specific people or organizations that may have been negligent (homeowners, local governments, retailers, industrial businesses, etc.)
• Experience with burn injuries that allows computation of immediate, medium-term and long-term damages for which the defendant may be responsible; that includes both physical injuries and the emotional/psychological injuries so common for burn victims
• Experience with the behavior and tactics that defendants are likely to display in attempts to avoid or minimize liability, which speeds up the resolution of the case, either through fair settlement or a court trial

Burn Treatment Centers in Austin

Access to specialized care is crucial for anyone recovering from a severe burn injury, and Austin boasts several renowned treatment centers that provide exemplary care. The Burn Unit at Dell Seton Medical Center is a pivotal resource, offering advanced medical interventions and specialized rehab services designed to address the multifaceted needs of burn victims. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, their specialists work collaboratively to ensure holistic recovery pathways.

Additionally, the Shriners Children's Texas Hospital, although slightly outside Austin, is another vital facility providing pediatric burn care and recovery programs tailored to the needs of younger patients. This institution is committed to delivering acute care and ongoing support, facilitating extensive recovery journeys for children and their families. These centers focus on immediate medical needs and support long-term rehabilitation, emphasizing physical recovery and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Severe Burn Injuries?

Severe burn injuries often lead to significant long-term effects that extend beyond immediate physical damage. Commonly, victims experience chronic pain due to nerve damage, as well as restricted mobility if scar tissue forms near joints. Psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are prevalent due to the trauma of the event and potential changes in self-image resulting from scarring.

Furthermore, severe burns might lead to complications like infections that can cause prolonged hospital stays and additional health issues. Skin damage may impede the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing vulnerability to overheating or hypothermia. Addressing these challenges often involves a comprehensive care plan encompassing medical treatment, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and, in some cases, reconstructive surgeries to improve function and appearance.

How Does Texas Law Affect Burn Injury Claims?

Texas law significantly impacts how burn injury claims are handled, mainly through its modified comparative negligence rule. This regulation dictates that victims can file claims if they are deemed less than 51% responsible for their injuries. However, any award for damages is reduced by the victim's percentage of fault, making it crucial to have accurate evidence and representation to optimize compensation outcomes.

Additionally, Texas follows a statute of limitations that imposes a time constraint on filing personal injury lawsuits. Victims generally have two years from the incident date to pursue legal action, emphasizing the importance of promptly initiating claims. Understanding these legal nuances is key to formulating a strong claim and securing the best possible results.

Why Is Immediate Medical Attention Critical After a Burn Injury?

Immediate medical attention following a burn injury is critical in mitigating the damage caused by the burn. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risks of complications, such as infection, which can delay healing and lead to further health issues. Quick treatment can also lessen the severity of scarring and improve overall recovery outcomes.

Medical professionals can assess the depth and severity of burns, determine the best course of action for treatment, and provide necessary pain management. They may also initiate early rehabilitation interventions to preserve function and mobility, especially in muscle and joint injuries. For victims in Austin, local emergency departments and specialized burn units stand ready to deliver life-saving treatments and establish care plans personalized to each patient's needs.

What Compensation Can Burn Injury Victims Seek?

Victims of burn injuries may be eligible for several types of compensation covering a wide range of damages. These typically include medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation therapies. Victims can also seek compensation for lost wages if they cannot work during recovery or if the injury results in reduced professional capacity.

Beyond financial burdens, compensation for pain and suffering is often a considerable portion of claims, addressing the emotional and psychological distress that accompanies severe injuries. Additionally, if the injury leads to permanent disfigurement or disability, victims may claim diminished quality of life, incorporating long-term adjustments they must make personally and professionally.

Contact Our Austin Burn Injury Attorney

The attorneys at Briggle & Polan, PLLC have the necessary experience and a track record of successfully obtaining the compensation our clients require in order to resume their lives after a catastrophic injury. We know how to settle cases fairly, and we’re always ready to proceed to court if a fair settlement isn’t possible.

Our dedicated legal team recognizes the unique challenges burn injury survivors face and is committed to navigating the complexities of legal proceedings on your behalf. With a compassionate approach, we focus on representing your legal interests and supporting your overall recovery journey, helping you access resources and services vital for both physical and psychological healing.

Contact us today at (512) 400-3278 to discuss your case with our Austin burn injury lawyers. We offer free, confidential consultations and can come to you if necessary.