If you or a loved one suffered a severe burn injury at work in the Dallas area, the attorneys at the Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. can assist you with a claim. Burns can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, or the need for amputations. An employee with a serious burn may not be able to return to work or may need to learn a new job in a different capacity. The medical bills, pain and suffering, and economic losses a burn injury victim may sustain require attention from an attorney. Call (855) 655-HURT to request a free consultation today.
When to Call a Burn Injury Lawyer
The workers’ compensation system in Texas is unique. Unlike other states that make workers’ comp insurance mandatory, it is optional for employers in Texas. Even if your employer does carry workers’ compensation insurance, this route may not be the right one for you to take. Workers’ comp will not reimburse you for 100% of your burn-related expenses. If someone’s negligence contributed to your burns, a personal injury lawsuit could yield better results. Call a burn injury lawyer if your injury happened at work, if you suffered serious damages, and if you believe someone else may be legally accountable for the accident.
Types of Burn Injuries
An industrial setting could pose hazards for all four types of burns: thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation. Thermal burns can come from heat sources, such as welding equipment, commercial fires, or explosions. Chemical burns can come from contact with hazardous chemicals. Electrical burns, shocks, or electrocutions can come from faulty wiring or other electrical problems. Radiation burns can come from equipment that uses radiation, such as x-ray machines.
Burns have three degrees depending on severity: first, second, and third. First-degree burns will not blister or leave scars. Second-degree burns are more serious and can pose risks of infections and scarring. Third-degree burns are severe and can cause significant bodily harm. A third-degree burn could destroy the upper layers of skin and affect the underlying muscles and tendons. The more serious your burn injury, the more your injury claim could be worth it.
Causes of Workplace Burn Injuries
Burns at work can happen when an employee is not paying attention…or when an employer fails to provide a reasonably safe workplace. You may not realize an employer or another party is responsible for your recent burn injury until a lawyer investigates your accident. An investigation, however, could uncover examples of negligence that may have caused or contributed to your burns.
- Defective equipment
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Unnoticed propane leaks and related explosions
- Defective switch boxes
- Failure to warn of equipment fire dangers
- Lack of protective equipment
- Poor employee training
It is every employer’s legal responsibility to ensure the reasonable safety of workers. This includes obeying Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules, inspecting workplaces for potential sources of burn injuries, and providing proper training and equipment to keep employees safe. Any breach of these duties could result in employer liability for workplace accidents and burn injuries. If a defective or dangerous product caused your burns, the manufacturer may be liable instead.
How to Prove Your Injury Case
Identifying the liable party is just one of the first steps toward obtaining compensation. You or your attorney must then establish before a judge or jury that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused your burns. Hiring a lawyer can make the burden of proof lighter during your injury claim. Your attorney can take care of legal processes while you focus on healing, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, prosthetics, and other aspects of your recovery.
Request a Free Case Review in Dallas
The Law Firm of Aaron A. Herbert, P.C. can assist you and your family with a burn injury claim in the Dallas region. We have the experience, resources, and case history to properly handle your lawsuit. Let us examine your case and fight for justice on your behalf. Start with a free consultation at our firm.