Tulsa Burn Injury Lawyer

A severe burn injury is a life-altering event that affects every facet of your existence, from your physical well-being to your emotional state and financial stability. The road to recovery can be daunting, but you are not alone. Edwards & Patterson Law offers a helping hand in these turbulent times, offering more than four decades of legal experience to aid in your pursuit of justice after a burn injury in Tulsa.

With a proven history of success for our clients, our committed Tulsa burn injury attorneys stand ready to work diligently to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. We are the beacon of hope and support you need in this turbulent moment.

Call our Tulsa office today or complete our contact form for a free initial consultation about seeking the compensation you need.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

While burn injuries might seem straightforward, they can emerge from diverse sources, each with unique challenges, recovery periods, and legal considerations. Some different types of burn injuries include:

Chemical Burns – Chemical burns result from the skin contacting strong acids, alkaline substances, or other hazardous chemical compounds found in various environments, including workplaces or homes.
Electrical Burns – Electrical burns happen when an electric current passes through the body, damaging tissues along the path of the current. Such injuries may come from faulty wiring, malfunctioning electrical devices, or high-voltage power lines.
Thermal Burns – These burns result from touching heated substances or environments, such as hot metals, boiling liquids, or flames. Thermal burns often occur in household accidents involving hot liquids or workplace accidents.
Radiation Burns – Typically resulting from exposure to harmful radiation (such as UV rays or radioactive materials), radiation burns can lead to immediate skin damage and pose long-term health risks.
Friction Burns – These injuries occur when skin rubs against a hard surface, like when someone scrapes along a road during a motorcycle accident.
Inhalation Burns – Inhaling hot gases, smoke, or toxic fumes can damage the airways and lungs. These burns are common in fires and can have severe consequences for respiratory health.

How Are Burns Categorized?

Doctors typically categorize burns by their severity, which they determine by looking at the depth of the injury and the percentage of the body surface affected.

First-Degree Burns – The least severe burn category affects only the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. Symptoms of first-degree burns include reddened skin, minor swelling, and pain. These burns generally do not cause permanent damage and often heal without intensive medical intervention.
Second-Degree Burns – Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the layer underneath it, the dermis. They can cause blistering, significant redness, and considerable pain. While they might heal with proper care and management, they pose a risk of infection and potential scarring.
Third-Degree Burns – Third-degree burns involve damage to the total thickness of the skin, reaching into the fat layer beneath it and affecting underlying tendons and bones. These burns may appear white, black, or brown and often have a leathery texture. Skin graft surgery is frequently required for treating third-degree burns. Third-degree burns can result in substantial scarring, permanent disability, and, in some cases, life-threatening complications. Immediate and specialized medical care is imperative for managing and recovering from third-degree burns.

How Are the Different Types of Burns Treated?

Addressing severe burn injuries with suitable treatments is vital for optimal recovery and minimizing potential complications. Here are the general approaches for treating various types of burns:

Chemical Burns – Immediate and thorough rinsing of the affected area with water, followed by applying a sterile bandage or clean cloth, can mitigate the ongoing chemical reaction.
Electrical Burns – Disconnecting the power source and administering CPR if needed, followed by keeping the burned area elevated and covered with a sterile gauze bandage, is the foundation of treating electrical burns.
Thermal Burns – Cooling the burn with cool (not cold) running water, applying a burn ointment, and covering it with a sterile, non-stick bandage can initiate the healing process for thermal burns.
Radiation Burns – Gentle cleansing of the burn, applying a soothing lotion like aloe vera, and covering the area with a loose gauze bandage can assist in managing radiation burn symptoms.
Friction Burns – Cleaning the wound with mild soap and water, applying an antibiotic ointment, and dressing it with sterile adhesive bandages can aid friction burn recovery.
Inhalation Burns – Ensuring a clear airway, potentially providing oxygen therapy, and maintaining a cautious watch for respiratory distress markers are pivotal in managing inhalation burns.

Who Could Be Held Liable for My Tulsa Burn Injuries?

The liable parties in a burn injury case will vary depending on how the incident occurred. Potentially liable parties may include:

Property Owners – Property owners may be liable if their negligence in maintaining a safe environment led to a burn injury.
Product Manufacturers – Manufacturers might be accountable if a product is defective or insufficiently labeled concerning its burn risks.
Contractors or Construction Companies – These parties can be liable for burn injuries resulting from improper building practices or utilization of hazardous materials that don’t adhere to safety norms.
Utility Companies – Utility companies might be liable if their failure to manage and maintain electrical, gas, or other utility services results in a burn injury.
Motor Vehicle Operators – In an automotive accident that leads to burns, the drivers of the involved vehicles might be liable if their actions contributed to the crash.
Restaurant Owners – When hot substances cause burns, the entities or individuals responsible for managing and serving those substances may be liable.
Government Entities – If a burn injury occurs due to the malfunction of public utilities or on public property, government agencies might be liable.
Event Organizers – Organizers might be liable for burn injuries sustained at events due to inadequate safety measures or failure to control risks related to fire and heat.

What Compensation Is Available for a Tulsa Burn Injury Accident Claim?

Your potential compensation from a burn injury claim depends on the extent of your injuries, related losses, insurance coverage, and other factors. By working with a capable attorney, you could potentially recover compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced future earnings
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Diminished quality of life

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma law says you have two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit against anyone liable for your serious burn injuries. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your chance to seek compensation in court. Don’t wait to speak to our attorneys.

Contact a Tulsa Burn Injury Attorney Now

The Tulsa burn injury lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law know how painful and devastating severe burns are. We’re here to fight for you and seek total compensation for the harm you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence. Contact our Tulsa personal injury lawyer today.

Call our office today or reach out online for a free case review with our Tulsa burn injury attorneys.

Visit Our Tulsa Burn Injury Law Offices