Houston Burn Injury Lawyers

Our Firm's Experience with Catastrophic Burn Injury Cases

At Arnold & Itkin, we have earned a reputation throughout Houston, Texas, and nationwide for our experience taking legal action for burn injury victims. For example, our Texas burn injury lawyers once won a $222 million verdict on behalf of a woman whose husband suffered catastrophic burns in an industrial accident. Our client’s husband was checking on a steam release at a plant; after arriving, the superheated steam covered him with burns. While he was airlifted to a local burn unit, he eventually succumbed to his injuries. During the case, our Texas burn law firm was able to uncover evidence that the accident was the direct result of his employer’s negligence. The steam release was due to a faulty valve—and records showed that the company knew it was faulty and it would eventually fail. Despite this evidence, the defendant fought all the way to trial where a jury eventually handed down a $222 million verdict for our client.

Other examples of cases we have handled involving burn injury claims:

• $117.5 million settlement for workers who were burned in an industrial accident.
• $125 million settlement for the widow of a dredge worker who suffered fatal burns in an offshore explosion.
• $92.7 million settlement for a man who suffered a burn injury during a work accident.
• $87 million settlement for a worker who suffered catastrophic burn injuries working at a refinery.

Click here to learn more about the victories that our Texas burn injury lawyers have won.

Representing Texas Worker Involved in Catastrophic Plant Explosion

Arnold & Itkin's Recent Burn Injury Cases

Our Texas burn law firm fights tirelessly for victims who have suffered catastrophic burn injuries.

Check out some of our most recent lawsuits for burn injury victims:

• Representing Man Burned by Downed Power Line
• Representing Worker Burned in Plant Explosion
• Representing Worker Burned During Construction of Universal Kids
• Representing Oilfield Worker Burned In Welding Fire
• Representing Family of Four Burned in Truck Accident
• Represented Guest Burned by Sprayed Chemicals at Water Park

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Texas & Nationwide

Burn injuries are some of the most serious results of accidents that can happen. Whether in everyday life or at work, people can face a wide range of risks that might lead to burns. These can come from unexpected car fires, the complexities of working in industries like manufacturing or oil, and many other dangerous situations. Understanding the variety of ways people can get burned highlights the importance of being cautious and aware of potential dangers.

Just some of the most common causes of burn injuries include the following:

• Industrial Accidents: Working with heated metals and exposed electricity can often lead to burns.
• Oil Industry Fires: When working in oil and gas, the potential for toxic chemicals or explosions is elevated.
• Auto Fires: Serious car fires can cause burns due to explosions, extreme heat exposure, or smoke inhalation.
• Work Accidents: This can occur from many hazards, including dangerous chemicals, electricity, flash burns, thermal contact burns, explosions, heated mechanisms, hot oils or liquids, or tools that are not properly insulated.

Burn Injuries Caused by Chemical Plant Explosions, Oil Refinery Fires & More

The U.S. faces a significant challenge in ensuring the safety of its industrial workforce. Unfortunately, the nation reports a higher incidence of fatalities in industrial settings compared to other countries, underscoring a critical area for improvement. Industrial accidents, particularly those involving chemical plant explosions and oil refinery fires, are a leading cause of severe burn injuries among workers. These environments inherently possess a higher risk due to the presence of highly flammable materials and complex chemical processes. The consequences of accidents in such settings are often more severe than those encountered in residential fires for two main reasons. First, the type of fuel present in industrial sites, such as those found in refineries, tends to burn at a higher intensity. Second, chemical reactions involved in these accidents can exacerbate the severity of burns, making them more challenging to treat and increasing the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes. This reality highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures and proactive risk management to protect workers from the devastating impact of fires and explosions.

Different Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of settings and through different mechanisms, each with unique causes and effects on the body. These types of burn injuries can range from minor irritations to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Below are several common types of burns, highlighting the diversity of their origins:

• Thermal Burns: Commonly resulting from contact with hot surfaces, scalding liquids, steam, or flames. 
• Chemical Burns: Occur when skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances, such as acids, alkalis, or industrial cleaning agents. The severity varies based on the chemical concentration and exposure time.
• Flash Burns: Caused by exposure to intense, brief sources of heat, such as explosions at industrial plants.
• Inhalation Injuries: Result from breathing in hot gases, smoke, or chemical fumes, which can cause swelling in the victim's airway, as well as difficulty breathing or even serious carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Electrical Burns: Caused by electric currents passing through the body. These types of burn injuries can be deceptive, as the external injury might appear minor compared to the potential internal damage.
• Scalding Injuries: Specifically caused by hot liquids or steam, scalding can lead to burns that vary in severity depending on the temperature of the liquid and the duration of exposure.
• Friction Burns: Occur when skin rubs against a rough surface, combining features of a scrape and a thermal burn. These types of burn injuries are common in road accidents, such as motorcycle crashes, and sports injuries.

Inhalation Injuries Caused by Fires & Explosions

As explained above, one injury closely related to burns is an inhalation injury. Fires where the victim breathes in particles in the air and toxic fumes commonly cause this. It can not only damage the victim's eyes but can cause significant damage to their respiratory system—most significantly their lungs. If the victim previously suffered from chronic heart or lung disease, exposure to these toxic items can severely aggravate their preexisting condition.

Inhalation injuries typically occur in one of three ways:

• Heat Inhalation - If a victim breathes in extremely hot air or a fire source, it can cause a burn to the inside of the lungs. This also occurs when high-pressure forces heat into your lungs. Because the victim's trachea will attempt to shield their lungs, the majority of damage from heat inhalation is limited to the upper airways.
• Smoke Inhalation -The inhalation of smoke is one of the most common causes of fire-related injuries. This is less visible but still catastrophic; smoke inhalation causes 60 to 80% of burn injury fatalities.
• Systemic Toxins - Fires may release systemic toxins into the air, which if inhaled, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb oxygen. Those who breathe in these toxins often become confused or can even become unconscious.

Understanding the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns, often caused by everyday incidents like touching a hot appliance, are minor and manageable at home. Cooling the burn under running water and covering it with a non-adhesive bandage can provide relief and protection. Over-the-counter pain medication may be used for discomfort. Such burns typically heal on their own.

Symptoms of first-degree burns include:

Second-Degree Burns

For second-degree burns smaller than three inches, home treatment may suffice, but larger or more severe burns require emergency care. These burns affect deeper skin layers, not just the surface. Avoid using ice or popping blisters, as this can worsen the injury. Also, refrain from applying ointments or butter without medical advice.

Symptoms of second-degree burns include:

Third-Degree Burns & Fourth-Degree Burns

Third- and fourth-degree burns are among the most severe types. Not only do these affect the different layers of skin, but this intense of a burn injury can also reach as far as the bones, and the surrounding muscles and fat as well. A burn like this may also damage nerves, which would explain if you experience any form of numbness or tingling in the burn area. These burns are generally caused by prolonged time in the flames, rather than a quick encounter with a candle, etc.

When dealing with these, the first thing you must do is contact the emergency services. 

These require medical care. Do not attempt to do anything that could further injure yourself. If you were wearing clothes that have been burned to your skin, don’t try and remove them. Wait for the professionals to do that. Avoid using cold water to treat the wounds. The pain is going to be severe, but the cold water may further irritate the area. If at all possible, try elevating the areas on your body that received the burns, to decrease the blood pressure near the wounds.

Symptoms of third and fourth-degree burns include:

To learn more about burn injuries, visit MedlinePlus.gov today.

Different Treatments Available for Serious Burn Injuries

Immediately after a burn, victim needs medical care. Cooling via water can reduce the burn's depth and pain, but over-cooling can lead to hypothermia. For minor burns, pain-relieving medications and bandages can help.

For more extensive burns, additional treatment will be required. This can include the following:

Modern advancements in medicine have made surviving burns much more likely, and treatment much more effective. Skin graft and flap procedures can repair many burn scars, to improve the quality of living for victims.

Skin Grafts

One of the most common treatment options for a severe burn is a skin graft. A skin graft is a surgical procedure where the skin is taken from a healthy donor spot on the victim and transplanted onto the damaged areas.

There are several different types of skin grafts, including:

Generally, if the graft "survives" the first 72 hours after its initial implantation, then the body will accept it. Should infection be kept at bay and steady blood supply is given, the graft should take around six months to heal fully.

Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit for Scarring & Disfigurement

Initiating a lawsuit for burn injuries leading to scarring and disfigurement can address both medically reversible and irreversible conditions. Victims may seek compensation for the role an entity played in causing these injuries. Eligible claims can cover extensive medical costs, including but not limited to reconstructive surgery, synthetic hair implants, plastic surgery, and bone reconstruction. Given the high costs of such medical interventions, it's unjust for victims to bear the financial burden alone. Moreover, in cases of permanent scars or disfigurements, individuals may also pursue damages for emotional trauma. The irreversible change in appearance can lead to depression, anger, and social anxiety, making it reasonable to hold the responsible party accountable for both the physical and emotional impact.

Call (888) 493-1629 to Talk to Experienced Houston Burn Injury Lawyers

If you have been injured in an accident that resulted in serious burns, then it is highly important that you work with a Houston injury attorney you can trust. At Arnold & Itkin, our Texas serious injury lawyers have recovered billions on behalf of our clients; in fact, we handle more cases each year than most attorneys will handle in their entire careers. If you hire our firm, we will go the distance in our efforts to provide you with the reliable assistance you deserve.

Our Houston burn lawyers fight to help you recover the compensation that you need for medical treatment, lost wages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and more. Regardless of whether you suffered a burn after being injured on the job or in a vehicle accident, we are the team of burn injury lawyers that you need on your side. Call to see how we can help.

Contact our Texas burn injury attorneys today to learn how we can help during a 100% free, confidential consultation. Give us a call at (888) 493-1629 to schedule your case review.

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