Fire & Burn Injury Attorneys in Arlington, Texas
Fire and burn injuries can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Whether you spend too long outside or your house is improperly wired, burn injuries can cause nasty scarring, and in the worst cases, disfigurement. If you or a loved one sustained fire or burn injury due to the negligence of another, you may be eligible for monetary compensation to cover damages. Contact the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. to claim the compensation you deserve.
What Are the most common causes of burn injury?
- Fire
- Boiling liquids
- Hot metal or stovetops
- A bicycle or motorcycle accident
- Coming into contact with extremely acidic chemicals
- Airbags inflating or going off during a car accident
- Coming into direct contact with dry ice
- Electrocution from improper wiring
Is there more than one type of skin burn?
When most people think of a burn injury, they typically think of a thermal burn. While thermal burns are the most common, they are not the only type.
Here are some other types of burn injury:
- Thermal Burns – The most common type of burn. Happens when you come into contact with an extremely hot surface or material.
- Sunburns – This occurs when the skin is exposed to the harsh UV rays for too long.
- Friction Burns – This occurs when the skin is rubbed forcibly, leaving behind a severe mark or removes skin (also known as road rash or carpet burn).
- Chemical Burns – Occurs when the skin comes into contact with highly acidic chemicals.
- Cold Burns – Caused when the skin comes in contact with an object or liquid that is extremely cold.
- Electrical Burns – Due to contact with broken wires or improper wiring.
What are the Three Degrees of Burn Injury?
The severity of burn injuries is broken down by degrees. Depending on the degree of burn you have sustained during the incident, symptoms, and treatment varies.
Here is a more detailed look into burn injuries:
- First-degree: First-degree burns are considered mild. They are often characterized by the reddening of the skin around the burn site and mild pain. This type of burn only affects the outer layer of skin.
- Second-degree: Second-degree burns are characterized by extreme pain, swelling of the burn site, and reddening of the skin. This type of burn affects all layers of the skin. This type may need to be treated by a medical professional.
- Third-degree: Third-degree burns are serious and require medical attention immediately. They are characterized by severe pain, blistering, and blackened skin. Third-degree burns don’t just affect the skin but they also affect the tissue underneath.
U.S. Burn Injury Statistics
Here are burn injury statistics as published by the American Burn Association:
- Burn injuries that required medical attention in 2016 were 486,000.
- Smoke inhalation related deaths in 2016 were 3,275.
- Hospitalization or serious injury caused by a burn injury in 2016 was 40,000.
- The survival rate from a burn injury is 96.8%.
- The most common place for a burn injury to take place was in a residential home, in which 73% of the burn-related injuries reported in 2016 occurred.
Smoke Detector and Fire Extinguisher Regulations in Texas
Texas State laws regulate fire safety in residential and commercial buildings. Smoke detectors should be installed in every building. Landlords and property owners are responsible for ensuring that the building’s smoke detectors and alarms are fully operational. It is directed that a smoke detector be installed on every floor of a building, as well as one in each room and outside of every room in the hallway. Smoke detectors must be well-kept and maintained, and receive regular testing.
Landlords of commercial buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, and school dormitories are required by law to have fire extinguishers. These fire extinguishers must be easily accessible in case of an emergency. It is also federally mandated that they are inspected by a fire protection equipment company every year and a thorough inspection every six years. These premises liability laws were set in place to protect citizens and help reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by a fire.
How Are Burns Treated?
Most first-degree burns can be treated at home with cold compresses, aloe vera, antibiotic ointment, and over the counter pain medicine. More severe burns, such as second and third-degree burns will need to be handled by a doctor or healthcare professional. Never allow a burn to go untreated, as doing so may lead to more damage to the affected area.
Can I Get Compensation for a Fire and Burn Injury?
If you were injured due to a property owner’s negligence or on someone else’s residential property, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Branch & Dhillon, P.C. are dedicated to ensuring that you gain the compensation you deserve. Our law firm is a no-win, no-fee organization, taking away the risk of pursuing monetary compensation for your medical expenses and damages. Contact Branch & Dhillon, P.C. for a free consultation and to join with a team who will fight for you.