A burn injury can be one of the most traumatic experiences in a person’s life. The physical pain and discomfort can be excruciating. The rehabilitation process can be grueling, tiresome, and overwhelming. In addition to immediate medical attention, people with burn injuries often need follow-up medical procedures and care for months or even years. Many people also need extensive mental counseling after undergoing such a traumatic event.

When you or a family member suffer a burn because of somebody else’s wrongdoing, a qualified McAllen burn injury lawyer might be able to help you pursue a financial settlement to rebuild your life. Reach out to an experienced catastrophic injury attorney today to discuss the details of your case.

How Negligence Can Lead to a Burn Injury

Legal negligence occurs when someone gets hurt because another person, business, organization, or other entity fails to use reasonable judgment or acts with a careless disregard for other people’s safety. Negligence in burn accidents can come in many different forms. For example, an appliance manufacturer who designed a toaster that tends to burst into flames when turned to its highest setting could be negligent. Similarly, a car driver who was texting on their phone and caused an accident that led to a burn injury could also be found negligent.

Another negligent behavior that could lead to a burn injury would be a smoker who carelessly discarded their cigarette and caused a fire in an apartment building. Construction site managers could be liable for creating hazardous conditions that could lead to explosions. In addition, a daycare worker who allows one of their students to scald themself by spilling hot coffee could also be legally at fault for creating a dangerous situation.

A proactive lawyer in McAllen could investigate a specific accident to find evidence linking the negligent behavior to the burn injury. They could then use what they find to develop a strong case for legal compensation.

Severity of Burns

As most people know, doctors generally classify burns according to the severity of the resulting symptoms.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns are comparatively mild. They only damage the outer layer of a person’s skin. While they can cause discomfort and cause the skin to turn red, people can usually treat them at home with cold water or lotion and do not require medical assistance.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more painful. They penetrate two layers of skin. These types of burns cause more redness and swelling. In addition, they often result in blisters, which can become infected if not properly treated. Permanent scarring can also occur.

Third and Fourth-Degree Burns

These types of burns can penetrate all skin layers. They can also damage underlying nerves, muscles, bones, and organs. They often cause blistering and white or black charred skin that can lead to disfiguring scars. Immediate and continuing medical treatment is always necessary.

Seasoned McAllen burn injury attorneys understand the damaging effects that burns can have on survivors and their families. They can work tirelessly to help those impacted recover sufficient compensation to pay for their medical expenses and cover their other losses.

Speak With a McAllen Burn Injury Attorney

A burn can do more than just cause you physical pain for a little while. You might have to undergo excruciating surgeries and medical procedures over a long period of time. Because many burns never fully recover, you might be left with disfiguring reminders of your injury every time you look in the mirror. You might experience long-term pain and mobility impairments, and the psychological impacts can continue to affect you well into the future.

Talk to a McAllen burn injury lawyer to see what they can do to help. They could represent you in a claim for your rightful compensation.