Burn injuries can change your life in an instant. One moment, you’re at work, in your car, or even at home, and the next, you’re in the emergency room being treated for burns caused by someone else’s mistake. Whether it’s a workplace explosion, a building fire caused by faulty wiring, or a defective product that overheated and ignited, burn injuries are among the most devastating and traumatic types of personal injury a person can suffer.
So, can you sue for a burn injury? The short answer: yes, you may be able to. But it depends on several factors, including the cause of the burn, who was at fault, the extent of your injuries, and the long-term impact on your life. At Guajardo Injury Law, Mr. Guajardo uses 30+ years of legal experience to help victims in Austin understand their rights, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Here’s what you need to know.
Understand the different types of burn injuries
Burn injuries aren’t all the same. Their cause and severity can impact not only your health but also your legal case. Common types include:
- Thermal burns (from fire, steam, hot surfaces, or scalding liquids)
- Chemical burns (from exposure to harsh cleaning agents, industrial solvents, or acids)
- Electrical burns (from faulty wiring, electric shocks, or arc flashes)
- Radiation burns (from UV exposure or medical radiation)
- Friction burns (like road rash from a motorcycle accident)
Burns are also classified by degree: from first-degree (superficial) to fourth-degree (life-threatening). Understanding the type and extent of your injury helps Mr. Guajardo at Guajardo Injury Law determine the appropriate legal strategy and potential avenues for compensation.
Identify the cause (and if negligence was involved)
To file a successful burn injury lawsuit, someone else must be legally at fault. Common scenarios that lead to burn injury claims include:
- Workplace accidents where safety standards weren’t followed
- Apartment or home fires caused by a landlord’s negligence
- Defective products like space heaters, e-cigarettes, or appliances
- Car accidents that result in fires or explosions
- Unsafe public spaces with exposed wires or malfunctioning equipment
Mr. Guajardo investigates the details of how your injury happened. He works carefully with safety experts, examines building codes and fire safety regulations, and reviews product specifications to determine whether your injury was preventable and who failed to prevent it.
Know who can be held liable for your burn injury
Burn injury claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Depending on your situation, liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:
- Employers who failed to provide a safe workplace or adequate training
- Landlords or property owners who ignored fire hazards or failed to install smoke alarms
- Product manufacturers who released unsafe or defective products
- Utility companies or contractors who improperly installed or maintained equipment
- Other drivers, if your burns resulted from a car accident caused by someone’s negligence
Mr. Guajardo’s background as a former defense attorney gives him valuable insight into how these parties and their insurance companies operate. He uses that knowledge to anticipate their arguments and fight strategically on your behalf to hold them accountable.
Document your injury and treatment thoroughly
In any personal injury case, documentation is critical, but especially so with burns. Insurance companies may challenge your claims if they think your injuries weren’t serious or properly treated. In order to strengthen your case, take the following steps:
- Get medical attention immediately
- Follow all treatment recommendations from burn specialists
- Keep copies of medical records, bills, and rehabilitation plans
- Take photos of the injury as it progresses
- Track time missed from work and other impacts on your daily life
Mr. Guajardo uses this documentation to build a compelling case, showing not only the physical damage but also the emotional and financial toll of your injury.
Understand the types of compensation available
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, additional punitive damages may be awarded. Mr. Guajardo will assess the full impact of your injury and pursue the maximum compensation available based on your unique circumstances.
Be aware of the statute of limitations in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. That means you must file your claim within that window, or you risk losing your legal right to recover compensation.
There are a few exceptions, such as cases involving minors or government entities, which may have shorter deadlines and require special notice procedures. Mr. Guajardo ensures your case is filed on time and complies with all procedural rules so that your right to recovery is preserved.
Speak with a burn injury attorney in Austin today
Burn injury cases can be complex. You may be dealing with multiple liable parties, medical issues, and insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. You need someone who understands the law, understands your pain, and knows how to hold wrongdoers accountable. That’s exactly what Mr. Guajardo at Guajardo Injury Law offers.
With decades of personal injury experience and a deep commitment to helping people, not corporations, Mr. Guajardo will be your advocate, your voice, and your partner in pursuing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, schedule your free consultation with Mr. Guajardo in Austin to explore your legal options.