How Much Compensation Can I Receive from a Burn Injury Claim in Texas?

Personal Injury

Burn injuries can severely impact a victim’s life. They can be the source of chronic pain and permanent scarring that might require years of post-accident care. If the injuries resulted from a person’s negligence, they should pay for your suffering.

The question of how much money the victim can receive is usually dependent on several factors. You will first convince the court about the party liable for your burns and thereafter prove what the case is worth. An Edinburg personal injury lawyer can explain to you all the financial possibilities.

Does the Severity of Injuries Affect Compensation?

More severe burns require more time and resources to recover from, compared to less severe burns. This means that a fourth-degree burn victim might recover more in compensation than a first-degree burn victim.

First-Degree Burns

Only the outer layer of your skin was affected without blistering. You might notice:

• Peeling skin
• Dryness
• Inflammation
• Redness
• pain

These burns might not leave permanent scars and can heal in about ten days.

Second-Degree Burns

These burns affect the upper layer and part of the inner layer of the skin. It is characterized by:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Redness
• Scarring

Victims of these burns might need antibiotics treatment or skin grafting.

Third-Degree Burns

The burns can damage your nerves or destroy the fat cells beneath your skin. The victim might not feel pain if the nerves are affected. Instead, they might experience numbness. Healing could take weeks, and specialized surgery might be necessary to prevent scarring.

Fourth-Degree Burns

These are burns that affect the:

• Bones
• Tendons
• Muscles

Victims might notice:

• No pain
• Blackened or charred skin

A longer time might be needed to heal from the burns.

Do Damages Suffered Affect the Amount of Compensation in Burn Injuries?

The experience of one burn victim might be different from that of another. Thus, the kinds of damages suffered might also differ greatly. An experienced Edinburg burns injury lawyer can guide you in documenting each physical and non-physical effect of the burn to determine how much your case is worth. You might have suffered:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Shortened life expectancy
• Loss of a normal life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of past and future profits and earning
• Past and future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Who Can I Seek Compensation From?

The person you seek damages from depends on the circumstances of your case. For instance, if your burns occurred at your place of business, you can seek compensation in a premises liability lawsuit. If the burns occurred after a car crash, the at-fault driver might be responsible for the damages.

In instances where a faulty product like a smoke detector results in the accident, the manufacturer could be liable. So, make sure that you explain your case to a seasoned burn injury attorney in Edinburg as soon as possible, and they will establish liability.

How Can an Attorney Assist With My Compensation Case?

To receive deserving compensation, you have to prove that your burn injuries resulted from another person’s negligence. This might be a challenging task requiring legal knowledge and a lot of resources. An Edinburg burn injury attorney can:

• Gather all accident-related evidence in the form of photos, videos, witness statements, and reports
• Bring on-board burn specialists that can assess the extent of your injuries
• Negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you don’t get less than you deserve
• Represent you in trial and ensure you secure a fair compensation

How Long Should I Wait to Receive Compensation After a Burn Accident?

A burn injury claim can take anything from one year or more. The circumstances and the severity of the injuries might determine how much time it could take. Moreover, working with an Edinburg burn injury attorney that understands the claim process in Texas can quicken things up.

While it might be difficult to estimate exactly when your case will end, understanding the chronology of events might give you an idea. Here are events to expect before a claim is settled:

• Pre-trial investigation
• Filing the complaint
• Discovery
• Negotiation and trial

What Settlement Offer Can I Accept for Burn Injuries?

The expenses involved in treating a burn injury can be overwhelming. An insurer’s offer to settle might be tempting to accept, especially when you are running out of money. But not every offer is worth accepting. A good settlement offer is one that can help you:

• Lead a semblance of a normal life even if you can’t return to work
• Recover lost wages
• Settle medical bills

However, you have to be certain about whether or not you will require future medical treatment for your burn injuries. And it is easier to determine this once you have achieved maximum medical improvement. Also, consult a burn injury lawyer in Edinburg before accepting any offers.

How Much Time Does a Burn Victim Have to File?

Burn victims can only get their just compensation if they file within the statute of limitations. This is usually two years in Texas. And counting begins on the date of the accident.

However, there are a few exceptions, including:

• The accident happened while you were under 18 years
• The incident happened while you were mentally incapacitated
• The responsible party leaves the state

Notably, the clock begins ticking again when you turn 18 or when the incapacitation ends. The court will also pause counting when the accused person leaves the state, and resume counting when they come back.

Lawyers Diligently Representing Clients and Fighting for Their Rights

It is easy to get short-changed if you do not know how much your burn injury claim is worth. Simply comparing your case with another burn injury victim can give you a wrong estimate. It is necessary to work with a legal expert that can give your case personalized attention.

Our law firm is anchored on the principle of more attention for better results. We can answer all your questions regarding your burn injury and fight for what you deserve. Talk to us today if you are determined to get the maximum possible compensation.