Over 450,000 people suffer burn injuries in the United States every year. Sadly, 3500 patients will suffer fatal burns and accidents this year, and a civilian fire death will occur every two hours.
These statistics are staggering and sobering. They remind us at Morgan Legal Group why we want to advocate for those who have been wrongly injured or disfigured as a result of a burn injury. We aim to be the best Houston burn injury lawyer group so we can help ease our clients’ recovery and distress.
When you have suffered a burn injury, it can feel like there is no hope. When your injury occurs due to negligence by another, the pain of the experience can be indescribable.
Fortunately, there is a way to pursue justice.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to hire the best burn injury attorney near you.
The Medical Reality of Burn Trauma
Burns can be some of the most difficult and painful traumatic injuries to experience and treat.
Burns occur after contact with heat or toxic substances that leave tissue damage in their wake. There are different types of burns including first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.
First-degree burns are superficial burns that are typically mild in comparison to the other types. They will often cause pain or reddening of the skin.
However, most first-degree burns will heal completely.
Second-degree or partial-thickness burns are slightly worse in severity. They penetrate past the outer layer of the skin and can lead to significant pain and disability.
Full-thickness burns or third-degree burns cause damage that invades through the dermis into the deeper structures. Oftentimes, they may be numb due to nerve damage.
There are also fourth-degree burns that go even deeper and affect the muscles and bones.
Burns can be caused by heat or fire, as well as radiation, friction, electricity, or noxious chemicals.
Depending on the type of burn, treatment may include common skin care products and over-the-counter pain medication, all the way up to repeated surgery and hospitalization.
If your burn is serious you need to call 911 immediately. We want to ensure that you receive the best medical care possible and begin your route recovery as soon as you can.
When You Suffer a Burn Injury on the Job
Unfortunately, we see many burn victims who have suffered trauma from burns receive while on the job. Commonly, oil rig explosions can leave workers as victims of burns. There are also catastrophic events that can occur in other industries that leave patients scarred.
A burn injury attorney can help you determine responsibility for the action. If one or more other parties were responsible for actions that led to your injury, we can help you seek justice.
Burn injury lawyers will help you to be compensated for your injuries to simplify your process of moving forward past this difficult event. This can significantly ease the financial stress of the experience and allow you to focus on getting better.
When You Should Hire a Burn Injury Lawyer Right Away
Many of our clients aren’t sure if seeking help from a burn injury lawyer is the right course of action. We are always happy to discuss your situation, but here are some important signs that getting legal assistance may be the right choice.
Medical Severity
Oftentimes, the most severe third- and fourth-degree burns occur as a result of an accident at work. Oil refinery explosions are some of the most common offenders for causing these disastrous injuries.
If your burn injury is very serious and has caused you to miss work for weeks two months at a time, some level of permanent disability may likely be involved. This is a very good reason to seek out the assistance of a burn injury attorney.
Any time that you have received an injury that significantly affects your quality of life over the long term, you should seek compensation where available.
The goal is that your settlement will allow you to be supported as well as your family while going through recovery together. Many settlements in severe situations should be on par with the types of changes you will have to make in your life.
This also includes the possibility that you may not be able to work again and account for future salary loss.
High Medical Bills
If you feel that your medical bills are coming in at a rate at which you can’t pay them, seek help. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation that can ease the stresses on your finances. Enlisting the help of an attorney can lead to a settlement that may pay these bills in full and take them off your plate.
Unclear Liability
If there is discussion or back and forth about who was responsible for an accident, it is important to have legal representation. You want to be sure that no injustice is occurring in covering up responsibility for an accident.
Many employers will take measures to protect themselves in the wake of a disaster, and you need to have expert legal assistance to ensure that justice is served.
Professional attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation into your case to find out what truly happened and how to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable. If your employer is at fault, burn injury lawyers will work to get you the payout that you deserve.
Unfair Settlement
You may have received a settlement provided by the insurance provider of your employer. However, they may have given you insufficient compensation to cover your medical expenses.
If you are still struggling to make ends meet with your medical bills even after receiving a settlement, please contact a burn injury attorney. They will evaluate your situation, and ensure that the settlement you receive is fair and commensurate with your injuries.
The Best Reasons to Get a Houston Burn Injury Lawyer
In Houston, there is a higher than usual rate of burn injuries on the job due to the increased presence of the energy industry.
Here are the best reasons to seek out professional legal assistance in the wake of a burn accident in the Houston area:
Long Rehabilitation
Unfortunately, coming back from a burn injury is not a simple process that occurs overnight. There is a long road to recovery in many circumstances, and you need to have professional legal assistance to reduce external stress that can affect your recovery. You want to be able to recuperate with peace of mind and focus on yourself and your injuries.
In most circumstances, you may need to hire rehabilitation or physical therapy services to help you improve your range of motion and restore functionality.
Expert Negotiation
Your burn injury attorney should be an expert in negotiation tactics.
They know exactly how to seek out and present evidence in a way that convinces judges and juries. This will help to maximize your payout and lead to an improved experience during recovery.
An experienced lawyer will know the true value of your case and be able to reference material that causes you to receive the payment you deserve.
Preventing Missed Income
Even if you can afford your rehabilitation treatment, you are still off of the job and not receiving payment in most circumstances.
You may also have a permanent disability that prevents years of work in the future. You need to hire a burn injury attorney that will ensure you receive adequate compensation for these years of work loss.
Expediting Your Claim
Unfortunately, some cases of personal injury in court can last for months to years. When you need to pay for your medical bills upfront and are entitled to compensation, this delay is unacceptable.
Hiring a burn injury attorney puts someone on your case full-time to expedite this process and get you your payment as fast as possible. They have experience in dealing with insurance companies on your behalf and can negotiate with the defendant’s lawyers or employer.
This is the fastest way to receive your payout so that you can focus on your recovery and spend less time wondering if help is on the way.
Third-Party Objectivity
It is important to maintain objectivity in any legal proceeding. Unfortunately, burns can be a traumatizing and emotionally charged event. This can make it difficult for you to keep your cool throughout a legal trial.
When providing statements to law enforcement or lawyers or insurance companies, having a lawyer to represent you allows for true objectivity. This will allow you to put forward your strongest case.
Burn Injury Attorneys at Morgan Legal Group
Burn injuries can be some of the most devastating and traumatic events victims will experience in their life. The significant financial and psychological burdens in the wake of this event benefit from getting outside help.
If you are looking for the best Houston burn injury lawyer, look no further.
At Morgan Legal Group, we are the local leaders in burn injury lawsuits. We work compassionately with our clients to seek justice and the compensation they deserve. If you have been a victim of a burn injury accident at your workplace, please feel free to reach out to us to see if legal action could lead to a settlement that helps you recover.