Attorney for Burn Injuries from Car Accidents In Beaumont

Last Updated : January 25, 2024

Attorney for Burn Injuries From Car Accidents in Beaumont

Burn injuries are among the most common injuries suffered in a car accident. If you were burned in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Our experienced Beaumont car accident attorneys from Portner Bond, PLLC have helped many car accident victims receive compensation for their burn injuries. We have nearly 100 years of combined experience in offering dedicated legal support to our clients. We want to help you, too. You do not have to pursue compensation on your own. Call us now at (409) 838-4444 to schedule a free consultation.

Table Of Contents

    What Are the Classifications of a Burn Injury?

    According to the American Burn Association, burn injuries are the leading cause of unintentional injury in the United States. Burn injuries are categorized into three levels of severity.

    • First-degree burn: A first-degree burn is minor and damages the outer layer of your skin. The burn site will be red and moderately painful. A cool-temperature pack will ease the pain and discomfort caused by this burn.
    • Second-degree burn: A second-degree burn affects the outer layer and second layer of your skin. The burn site is red or white, may be splotchy, and could blister. Pain could be intense. This type of burn may leave a scar. See a medical professional to ease your pain and discomfort.
    • Third-degree burn: A third-degree burn destroys the outer and second layers of your skin, extending into your subcutaneous tissue. The skin may look leathery and could be white, brown, or black. A third-degree burn is a critical burn that needs immediate medical attention. A third-degree burn could destroy the nerves, making the burn site numb. These types of burns typically require skin grafts for wound closure.

    Treatments for Burn Injuries

    After a burn injury in a car accident, you should go directly to the emergency room for assessment and treatment. First- and second-degree burns can be treated with topical ointments, bandages, and pain relievers. Third-degree burns, however, may require treatments that can include:

    • Debridement
    • IV fluids with electrolytes
    • IV antibiotics
    • Antibiotic creams or ointments
    • Nutritional supplements
    • Pain medication
    • Skin grafts
    • Cosmetic or functional reconstruction

    What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries from a Car Accident?

    When you think of someone being injured in a car crash, your first thought is probably lacerations and broken bones rather than burn injuries. However, multiple factors could lead to burn injuries in a collision, including:

    • Seatbelt: A seatbelt can cause burns because of the friction of its material against your skin. These types of burns are commonly first-degree.
    • Airbag: Vehicle airbags deploy in high-impact car accidents. Standard airbags contain chemicals such as sodium hydroxide. The substances create a high-temperature gas to be released, causing burn injuries to the driver and/or passenger. Airbag burns are typically in the first-degree or second-degree categories.
    • Car fire: Collision fires are a leading cause of burn injuries in accidents. A car may catch fire due to malfunctioning mechanical or electrical components or due to combustible liquid or gas.
    • Damaged radiator: Steam escaping from a damaged radiator can cause severe scalds.
    • Electrical component damage: Electricity could pass through the body if a vehicle’s electrical components are damaged in the crash or if the collision results in downed power lines.
    • Road surface burns: When a person comes into contact with the surface of the road in an accident, whether they’re dragged along the pavement and sustain road rash or whether they are burned because the pavement is hot, burns are likely.

    Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Claim for a Burn Injury?

    You must file your claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company according to the terms outlined in the policy. Most insurance policies suggest filing a claim “as soon as possible,” while others provide a specific period of time, usually between 30 and 180 days. Your attorney can get a copy of the at-fault party’s insurance policy and determine the appropriate filing schedule.

    There is, however, a time period within which you must file a lawsuit if you need to go to court to obtain the compensation you’re owed. In Texas, you must file your burn injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the incident. If you file your lawsuit after the statutory deadline has passed, the court will likely dismiss your claim without a hearing, and you will lose your opportunity to pursue compensation through the court system. You will also lose the leverage you would have with the insurance company that the threat of a lawsuit might carry.

    What Compensation Can I Recover in a Lawsuit for a Burn Injury Claim?

    A burn injury claim is a type of personal injury claim. If you were not at fault for your injuries, you might be eligible for compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses. That compensation might include money for:

    • Medical Costs: Medical costs include doctors’ visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, costs for any psychological treatment you might require because of the accident, medication, past and future medical treatment, and other related medical expenses.
    • Loss of wages: If you were kept off work because of your injuries or if you were unable to return to work at the same rate of pay you made prior to the accident, you might be able to obtain compensation for your lost income. You could also be eligible for compensation for future lost earnings.
    • Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression are all potential results of being severely injured in an accident. If you suffered any of these conditions as a result of the accident, you could obtain compensation for your emotional losses.
    • Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was lost or damaged in the accident, you could obtain compensation for the repair or replacement of those items.

    Speak with a Beaumont Personal Injury Attorney Today

    If you have suffered a burn injury after an accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Portner Bond, PLLC today at (409) 838-4444. With our decades of experience in personal injury law, our Beaumont personal injury attorneys have the skill and knowledge to represent our clients and protect their rights. Whether we’re negotiating with an insurance company on your behalf or arguing for you in court, you will be our top priority during your case.

    Call us today at  to schedule your free consultation so we can discuss your case and the options that are available to you.