Victoria Burn Injury Attorneys

Compassionate Support for Burn Victims in South Texas

Severe burns are among the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer. Along with physical pain, burns often cause permanent disfigurement and disability. The emotional and psychological impact can be just as significant as the physical effects.

At Cole, Cole, Easley, & Sciba, P.C., our burn injury attorneys in Victoria know how deeply a burn injury can affect your everyday life. Our team stays committed to helping individuals and families recover the compensation they deserve after serious burns.

Our team knows the challenges clients face. From mounting bills from treatment at Citizens Medical Center to stress due to time off work. By focusing on our clients, we pursue not only recovery for medical costs and lost income but also essential support for future care needs and more. We strive to make the legal process as smooth as possible during your recovery.

If you or someone you love suffered a burn injury, contact us at (361) 678-3233 for a free consultation with Victoria, TX, burn injury lawyers.

Types of Burn Classifications

Burns fall into three main categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. Doctors determine burn severity by examining the depth of skin damage and how many tissue layers are involved.

First-Degree Burns 

First-degree burns are the mildest type. They impact only the outer layer of skin and do not cause lasting harm. You’ll notice redness, swelling, and pain. Most first-degree burns respond well to home care with over-the-counter pain relievers and cool compresses.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more severe. They involve both the outer and underlying layers of skin. These burns cause redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. The skin may look white and leathery in some areas. Larger second-degree burns or burns on sensitive areas such as your face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks, or a major joint require medical attention.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most serious. They affect all layers of skin and underlying tissue. The skin often appears white or charred. Because nerve endings may be destroyed, the victim might not feel pain initially. Third-degree burns always need immediate medical attention and sometimes require surgical procedures like skin grafts.

What Are Some Common Causes of Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries can happen in a wide variety of settings, from workplaces to homes to public spaces. These injuries range in severity and may lead to long-term medical complications, depending on the cause and extent of the burn. 

The following are some of the most common causes of burn injuries:

• Thermal Burns: These burns happen when a person encounters open flames, hot liquids, steam, or heated equipment. Typical situations include building fires, scalding liquid spills, or workplace accidents involving hot surfaces.
• Chemical Burns: Exposure to corrosive substances, such as acids or alkalis, causes these injuries. Chemical burns frequently occur in industrial facilities, laboratories, or when people mishandle hazardous materials.
• Electrical Burns: Contact with electrical currents can injure tissue below the skin's surface. Electrical burns commonly result from workplace accidents, faulty wiring, or defective appliances.
• Radiation Burns: Exposure to X-rays or other radiation sources, often during specific medical treatments or industrial events, can cause these burns.
• Friction Burns: Friction burns develop when skin scrapes against rough surfaces. Motorcycle and bicycle crashes, or incidents with machinery, often lead to these injuries.

Recognizing the cause of a burn injury is essential not only for effective treatment but also for determining liability if the injury resulted from negligence. Whether the burn was caused by a defective product, a workplace hazard, or unsafe property conditions, understanding its source is the first step toward holding the responsible party accountable and seeking rightful compensation.

Key Steps to Take After a Burn Injury in Victoria

Taking the right steps immediately after a burn injury can protect both your health and your legal rights. 

Here are key steps to follow after a burn injury:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if the burn seems minor, get checked by a medical professional right away. Burns can worsen or become infected over time. 
2. Document Everything: Keep copies of medical records, bills, and any instructions from healthcare providers. These documents support both treatment and any future legal action.
3. Photograph the Evidence: Take clear photos of the burn injury, the accident scene, and any factors that may have caused or contributed to the injury.
4. Consult a Burn Injury Attorney: A qualified burn injury attorney in Victoria can help you avoid common legal pitfalls and ensure your case is handled properly from the start.

Responding quickly and carefully to a burn injury can make all the difference in your recovery and legal outcome. From securing proper medical care to gathering the right evidence, every step matters. Our team can guide you through the process, guard your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.