Houston Burn Injury Lawyers

Understanding Burn Injuries and Seeking Legal Action: Overview

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, electricity, friction, cold, or chemicals. Burn injuries can be very serious, and even life-threatening. They can leave the victim with physical and emotional scars for life.

Burn Injury Statistics Presented by Burn Injury Lawyers

Serious burn injuries are far more common than most people realize and having an experienced burn injury lawyer by your side is very important. The following facts and statistics from the American Burn Association show the frequency and severity of burn injuries in the United States:

• On average there are 486,000 burn injuries each year that require medical treatment.
• Of those who suffer a burn injury, over 3,200 ultimately result in death.
• 68% of burn victims are male, and 32% are female.
• Those admitted to a hospital for a burn injury report the cause as being:
  • 43% from fire or flame,
  • 34% from scalding liquids,
  • 9% from contact with solid objects,
  • 4% from electrical,
  • 3% from exposure to chemicals and
  • 7% “other.”

Our Houston burn injury lawyers know the facts and will be your guide while navigating your burn injury.

Common Burn Injury Cases our Burn Injury Law Firm Manages

A burn injury usually results from some sort of energy transfer to the body. Wounds resulting from burn injuries can be challenging to treat because burns differ in their types and severity. Our burn injury law firm has seen it all but we have also seen repeat types of injuries. There are different types and causes we see in the Houston area.

• Thermal (heat) burns are caused by contact with flames, hot liquids, hot surfaces, and other sources of high heat. Chemical burns and electrical burns are considered thermal burns.

Most thermal burn injuries can be prevented by wearing adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) using fire prevention tactics and by having procedures and emergency action plans related to fire detection and protection.

• Chemical Burns are caused by strong acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents that make contact with a person’s skin or eyes. They continue to burn the skin and tissue until the agent is deactivated. Chemical burns often occur after exposure to industrial-grade cleaners, battery acid, bleach, ammonia, swimming pool cleaners, toilet and drain cleaners, oven cleaners, fertilizers, metal cleaners, and other chemicals found in laboratories or manufacturing plants.

Industry standards require that all workers who may come into contact with any chemicals be knowledgeable in Hazard Communication.  Hazard Communication training covers the symbols and labels that communicate the risk level of chemicals. These labels should also include the steps workers can take to prevent burns if they encounter dangerous chemicals.

• Electrical Burns are caused by an electrical current that passes through a person’s body. The injury typically occurs in areas other than the contact/entry site. The extent and severity of electrical burns cannot be determined from the outside injury alone because they can cause severe burns to a person’s internal organs and tissues.

To avoid burns from electrical sources, high-voltage areas, and machinery should be clearly marked. Workers should also make sure to identify live wires, avoid contact with water while working with electricity, and wear the personal protective equipment necessary to avoid burns by electricity. As with chemical burns workers should be trained on the types of electrical hazards they may find on a worksite and the standards that help avoid accidents.

• Radiation Burns occur after extended exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as X-ray machines or radio waves. Radiation can potentially alter a person’s cell structure and lead to dangerous long-term side effects, such as cancer. People exposed to these types of burns often need to undergo decontamination to stop the injury process, such as cancer treatments. However, the most common form of radiation burn is sunburn.

• Friction Burns occur when the body comes into contact with an abrasive surface. Some examples of friction burns include skinning, chafing rope burn, carpet burn, rug burn, and road rash.

• Cold Burns or Frostbite is a condition where the skin and tissue just below the skin freeze when the skin is exposed to extreme cold for too long.

Levels and Treatment of Burn Injuries

What is done to treat a burn in the first few minutes after it occurs can make a huge difference in the severity of the injury and the recovery process. For severe burns, immediate emergency care can even be lifesaving. Please do not attempt to treat serious burns unless you are a trained health professional.

First Degree

First Degree burns involve the top layer of skin. A typical sunburn is a good example of a first-degree burn. The symptoms of this type of burn include redness of the skin, pain to the touch, and there may be mild swelling.

First-degree burns will usually heal without significant treatment. However, if a first-degree burn covers a large area of the body, or the victim is an infant or elderly, emergency medical attention may be necessary.

Second Degree

Second Degree Burns involve the first two layers of skin. These types of burns can be identified by a deep reddening of the skin, moderate to severe pain, blisters, glossy appearance to the exposed skin which may be leaking fluid, and a possible loss of skin. Those who have suffered second-degree burns should immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Third Degree

Third Degree Burns penetrate the entire thickness of the skin and permanently destroy the tissue. The signs of third-degree burns include a loss of multiple layers of skin, the remaining skin may feel dry and leathery and may appear charred or have patches that appear white, brown, or black. Third-degree burns are often painless themselves, but because they are typically surrounded by patches of first and second-degree burns a victim may still experience pain. Immediate medical attention is required for third-degree burns.

Fourth Degree

Fourth Degree Burns are the most serious type of burns. The injury reaches all the way to the underlying muscles and bones. This type of burn often results in irreversible damage to the nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Immediate emergency medical attention is required for fourth-degree burns and they will require extremely specialized treatment.

The burn victim will need to be kept in a sterile hospital room until their wounds heal completely to prevent a possible secondary infection, which could be fatal. Even after the wound has healed, the victim usually requires extensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy just to be able to perform ordinary, everyday activities. Our burn injury lawyer will help you throughout the process and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Workplace Burn Injuries

While a very large majority of burn injuries occur at home, workplace burns are a preventable source of injury. The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has specific standards and regulations that employers must follow for fire and burn safety in the workplace and for the use and handling of hazardous chemicals and gases.

OSHA has released statistics regarding workplace burn injuries in the United States.

• More than 5,000 burn injuries each year are caused by work-related fires and explosions.
• On average, 40% of all burn deaths were related to workplace fires and explosions.
• 20% of all cases of thermal burns in patients admitted to a hospital occurred at work.
• Burn injuries account for 42% of all work-related injuries.

If you have experienced a workplace burn injury contact Armstrong Lee & Baker and their experienced team of work injury and burn injury lawyers ready to help you today.

“Every challenge is an opportunity for us to make a difference. Let’s work together to turn your personal injury journey into a successful path forward. ”

Scott Armstrong

Partner

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Possible Causes of Workplace Burns

Some common causes of workplace burn injuries include:

• The heat caused by fire, steam, hot liquids, and other hot objects
• Contact with industrial or household chemicals in liquid, gas, or solid forms
• Radiation exposure to X-rays, sun lamps, UV lights, and more
• Exposure to wet, windy, and cold conditions
• Exposure to electrical sources such as wires, outlets, or lightning
• Fire or explosion caused by defective machinery or equipment
• Work-related vehicle accident which results in a vehicle fire
• Lack of the necessary safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• Negligence on the part of someone other than a direct employer, such as a project manager, an architect, or an engineer
• Negligence the on the part of a subcontractor’s employee or a vendor working at the job site

Some occupations that involve burn hazards include (but are not limited to):

• Janitorial Work
• Construction Workers
• Electricians
• Food Prep Workers (Chefs, Cooks, Servers)
• Healthcare Workers
• Fire Fighters
• Mechanics
• Offshore Workers
• Oilfield Workers
• Factory Workers
• Machinery Workers

Prevention of the Most Common Workplace Burns

• Provide Training: One of the most important steps a company must take to ensure the safety of their workers is to make sure their workers have the proper training. Training should cover the hazards that the employee might face on their specific worksite. After providing general training companies need to make sure their workers are trained on their specific job functions, including in-depth safety training with any machinery, chemicals, or other worksite hazards specific to their job. Routine refresher training may be necessary to keep employees up to date with standard changes and policies.
• Hazard Communication: Companies should provide color codes, posters, labels or signs to warn workers of potential hazards, and these vital pieces of Hazard Communication are extremely important to prevent burn injuries. Workers should be trained on how to recognize the symbols, and hazard communication codes. When hazardous chemicals are found in the workplace, companies should produce and provide a written Hazard Communication plan to their workers.
• Provide Protective Gear: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. Companies should provide protective gear when engineering, work practice, and administrative controls are not possible or do not provide enough protection to the worker. Companies should ensure their workers who are using the protective equipment are properly trained in when it is necessary; what kind is necessary for the job; how to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off; the limitations of the equipment; proper care, maintenance, useful life; and how to safely dispose of the equipment.

• Result

  $35,800,000

  $35,800,000 settlement for a refinery worker injured in a flash fire.

  Result

  $10,000,000

  $10,000,000 confidential settlement. Our client was injured in Dallas, Texas.

  Result

  $6,000,000

  $6,000,000 for a client who suffered internal organ injuries when she crashed a forklift after receiving inadequate training.

  Result

  $5,500,000

  $5,500,000 for client who suffered surgical low back injury while lifting heavy equipment at work.

  Result

  $4,000,000

  $4,000,000 settlement for mother and daughter hit by a plumbing van.

  Result

  $3,000,000

  $3,000,000 settlement for an offshore worker who fell 20 feet from a derrick.

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Our Burn Injury Lawyers are here to Help Victims of Burn Injuries

Our burn injury lawyers are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Burns can be among the most serious of all injuries, requiring surgery, physical therapy, and extensive rehabilitation. Burn injury victims suffer in ways many have difficulty understanding. In many cases, the event that caused the burn injury could have been avoided if the proper safety regulations were followed.

At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we understand how serious a burn injury can be, which is why we are dedicated to helping burn victims and their families. If you have suffered a burn injury in an accident that you believe was someone else’s fault we urge you to contact our law office today to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation. Call 832-402-6637.

Other Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle:

• Amputation Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Brain Injuries

Scott Armstrong

Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.

Get in touch with Scott Armstrong now.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

B. Farmer

Google Review

Josh Lee and the rest of the staff are all amazing. They kept me up to date and informed. I was treated like a priority every time I called, Josh even called me back on a Saturday, when the office was closed. They got me way more money than I thought even possible! I am more than satisfied and so grateful that I chose this firm. If you want a very personable, honest attorney who looks out for your best interest and gets results, call them!

Mary G.

Google Review

I live roughly eight hours from Armstrong Lee & Baker and communication exceeded my expectations all my needs were met at every level Mr Adam and his wonderful team guided me step by step,I definitely recommend Mr Adam if ever you need a lawyer that will fight very hard for you.He was successful with my injury case got me what I deserve and more,I am forever grateful to Mr Adam and his wonderful team God bless you all

Adam B.

Google Review

I couldn’t have asked for better representation. From day one, they took great care of me—not just as a client, but as a person. Throughout the entire injury case from my car accident, they kept me informed, made sure I felt supported, and handled every step with professionalism and confidence. At the end of the day, they got the job done. Grateful to have had them in my corner. Highly recommend.

Carl T.

Google Review

Omg…Armstrong Lee & Baker are nothing short of amazing . From the very beginning of my initial call they where totally attentive. The entire team from Priyanka , Monique, Lydia, Eddie , and more are Par-Excellence. Priyanka & Monique , Brianna keep me in the loop on every level . Especially being my first time having to experience hiring an attorney I did not know what to expect. They all coached me play in and out on all procedures . Eddie kept me in the loop on all of my Dr. Appts. He also made sure I received all of my meds. DoorStep! The entire team are amazing ! As for me” Armstrong Lee & Baker are far beyond 5 stars … I give um a 10+”. Thank you Armstrong Lee & Baker.

Apple G.

Google Review

I originally hired Jim antler and after a year of him stringing me along he declined my case said it wasn’t worth nothing. That’s when I called Adam at Armstrong Lee and Baker him and his associates took care of me like family got all the medical needs taken care of. Got me my next surgery Back on my feet and also got me awarded a check way bigger than what I was expecting. thank you Adam and your associates at Armstrong, Lee and Baker.

Kirby C.

Google Review

I cannot recommend Kelly Viktorin at Armstrong Lee & Baker highly enough. After being injured at work, I was incredibly discouraged as many attorneys wouldn’t take my case due to the complexities involved. From our very first consultation, Kelly and her team jumped right in, demonstrating a level of dedication and expertise that immediately put me at ease. Throughout the entire process, their communication was outstanding. I was consistently kept informed of any updates and felt like a priority. Kelly truly went above and beyond to fight for me, and I am so grateful for her hard work and commitment. If you’re facing a challenging work injury case, especially with a Texas non-subscriber, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kelly Viktorin. You’ll be in excellent hands.

Toby B.

Google Review

When I got injured my company didn’t have workers comp. They had something called non subscriber insurance.
I tried a dozen or more lawyers and no one would take my case.
I lost my house in Texas so right as I was moving back to where I was from, Florida, o call Armstrong and Lee. They said they could take my case. Shortly after I meet Adam Grable.
Adam took the case and unraveled it like a champ. It was a difficult case and that’s why other lawyers didn’t take.
Over the next year, Adam because a friend and a member of the family.
I found him brilliant and personable and when needed he found for me.
In the end, we took a settlement even though Adam told me he had a good shot at trial. He understood i wanted this behind me!
If you ever find yourself needed a lawyer trust me Adam Grable will be on your side!

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