If you suffer a burn injury in Houston, Texas law lets you seek compensation. You can get help for medical bills, lost income, and reduced ability to earn money. You can also file a claim for pain, scarring, and disfigurement. The sooner you preserve evidence, the stronger your claim becomes.
Call for a Free Review with Our Burn Injury Attorneys in Texas: (888) 493-1629
Burn injuries can range from relatively minor to extremely serious, requiring anything from simple medical care to many surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. Burns can cause not just immediate pain but also serious emotional and financial problems. They can happen from high heat, chemicals, electrocution, and other dangers.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious burn injury, it's critical to speak with a local Houston burn attorney for legal representation. Having a trusted advocate is important. They can help you get the medical care you need. They can also provide resources and help you receive fair compensation. This support is essential for rebuilding your life.
When someone has a serious burn injury from an explosion, fire, or chemical accident, they need a reliable team. At Arnold & Itkin, our burn injury attorneys have supported burn survivors in Texas and across the country. We have achieved great results and helped clients rebuild their lives with dignity.
Here’s why burn victims turn to us when it matters most:
We have recovered over $20 billion for clients nationwide.
We have won record-setting verdicts and settlements in burn-related cases.
You pay nothing unless we win—we cover the costs, and you only pay if we recover for you.
We are real trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it were going to court.
We have a proven record of standing up to oil companies, chemical manufacturers, and pipeline operators.
Advocates for Houston's Seriously Injured Burn Victims
Our Texas burn injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in Houston and nationwide. For example, our Houston burn attorneys once won a $222 million verdict for a woman whose husband had severe burns from an industrial accident. Our client’s husband was checking a steam release at a plant. When he arrived, superheated steam burned him. While a helicopter transported him to a local burn unit, he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
During the case, our Texas burn law firm found proof that the accident happened because of his employer’s carelessness. The steam release was caused by a faulty valve. Records showed that the company was aware of the valve's defect and that it would eventually fail.
Even with this evidence, the defendant continued to fight. The case went to trial, and a jury awarded our client $222 million.
Some other significant burn injury cases we've handled include:
$117.5 million settlement for workers who were burned in an industrial accident.
Representing a Texas Worker Involved in a Catastrophic Plant Explosion
The OSHA offices in Texas frequently investigate safety violations at chemical plants and refineries following catastrophic fires or explosions. At our law firm, we take pride in supporting workers and their families after such incidents. We help them fight for the fair financial compensation they deserve after these tragedies.
Some other burn cases that we have handled include the following:
In Texas, burn injury claims are governed by state law, including a modified comparative negligence rule.
Modified comparative negligence means that the system can reduce compensation if the injured party bears partial fault. Victims who hold more than 50% of the fault may not recover any damages. Because of these complexities, it is important to have a Houston burn lawyer. They can help with your case, create a strong argument, and get you the best compensation possible.
Burn injury claims typically progress through several phases, starting with the consultation and investigation. These initial stages involve gathering evidence such as medical records, witness testimonies, and expert reports. Once they amass sufficient evidence, attorneys typically proceed to negotiations with liable parties or their insurers. If parties cannot reach an equitable settlement, they may proceed to litigation, which will require meticulous trial preparation.
The outcome largely depends on how well the evidence is presented. It is also important to show how much the injury has affected the victim's life. Having a dedicated legal team ensures proper handling throughout each stage.
How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Texas?
In Texas, you must file most burn injury lawsuits within two years of the injury, or you may lose the right to recover.
This means you must file your claim within this period, or you may lose the right to do so. Exceptions may arise based on the specific circumstances of your claim, such as if the injury wasn't immediately discoverable.
Because burn injury claims can be complex, it is smart to talk to a lawyer soon. Early consultation helps gather evidence while it is still fresh. This strengthens your claim and improves your chances of recovery.
Steps for Filing a Burn Injury Claim in Texas
In Texas, most burn claims move through five stages: consultation, investigation, filing, trial preparation, and trial.
If you have suffered serious harm in a burn accident, you will follow a similar process for your claim.
Here's what you can expect while pursuing a burn injury claim:
Case consultation: This is the first time any client speaks with our firm. Our legal team will ask what happened to you. They will also ask about the problems you faced and other questions about your claim. You'll also have a chance to ask any questions. By the end, we'll have a fairly clear idea of your strongest options for recovery.
Investigation and preparation: Our team consults with various experts to determine the cause of your injury. This gives us a better idea of who is legally and financially responsible for the accident. Our investigations often reveal underlying safety violations or negligence that may not be immediately apparent.
Filing suit: Our burn injury firm files suit in the right court. This depends on where the accident happened or where the defendant lives. Our firm is equipped to practice in every state, enabling us to fight for plaintiffs nationwide.
Trial preparation: Part of what sets Arnold & Itkin apart is our commitment to preparing for trial. Many firms get ready for settlement talks. Our firm believes that the best settlements occur when we are prepared to share your story with a jury. As a result, defendants will offer our clients what is actually fair and just. This readiness ensures that even if a claim does not go to trial, the chance of a favorable settlement is very strong.
Jury trial: Extremely few attorneys actually try cases. Our firm is one of the few that frequently go to trial. This final step, while avoidable if the defendant cooperates, is the most critical part of the process.
Houston has many industrial plants, oil refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
This makes it one of the most dangerous cities for burn injuries in the United States.
Whether in everyday life or at work, people can face a wide range of risks that might lead to burns. These can happen from unexpected fires at work. They can also arise from challenges in industries like manufacturing or oil and gas.
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include the following:
Industrial Accidents: Working with heated metals and exposed electricity can often lead to burns.
Oil Refinery Fires: Refineries in Houston, such as those in Baytown, pose significant risks of fire and explosion.
Chemical Burns: Accidents involving caustic chemicals at industrial facilities or labs.
Work Accidents: These can happen from many dangers. These include harmful chemicals, electricity, flash burns, and thermal burns. They can also come from explosions, hot machines, hot oils or liquids, and unsafe tools.
Knowing where burn injuries often happen, like in factories or construction sites, can help lower the risk of accidents.
Taking safety steps ahead of time is essential.
All employers, property owners, and manufacturers in Texas need to protect their employees and consumers. They must take steps to prevent burn injuries. Our firm is aware of the unique risks associated with Houston’s industrial area. We have extensive experience in holding careless parties accountable in these high-stakes cases.
Burn Injuries Caused by Chemical Plant Explosions, Oil Refinery Fires & More
Industrial accidents, particularly plant explosions and refinery fires, often result in severe burns. These workplaces are riskier due to the presence of flammable materials and complex chemical processes. The consequences of industrial accidents are often more severe than those encountered in residential fires for two main reasons.
First, the fuel used in industrial sites, like refineries, usually burns more intensely.
Second, chemical reactions in these accidents can make burns worse. This makes them more difficult to treat.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality oversees state environmental issues. They monitor chemical plant safety and environmental hazards. These hazards can often cause catastrophic fires. Even with regulations, these high-risk areas need more investment in safety measures. We must manage risks to protect the workers.
High-Risk Areas for Burn Injuries in Houston
Houston’s industrial and commercial infrastructure creates a higher-than-average risk for severe burn injuries. Workers, residents, and visitors are at risk in places with many refineries, chemical plants, and active construction sites. When serious fires or explosions happen, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office looks into the cause. They identify safety violations and determine who might be responsible.
Below are some of the most common high-risk locations for burn injuries in the Houston area:
Houston Ship Channel & Petrochemical Plants
The Houston Ship Channel is part of the Port of Houston. It has some of the largest petrochemical and industrial plants in the country. These include facilities run by ExxonMobil, Shell, and LyondellBasell. These plants handle flammable chemicals, and past industrial fires and explosions have led to catastrophic injuries.
ExxonMobil Baytown Complex
One of the largest oil refineries in the U.S., the ExxonMobil Baytown Complex, has experienced multiple industrial accidents. Burn injuries at this facility often result from equipment failures, improper maintenance, and safety lapses.
Port of Houston
The Port of Houston is a major hub for industrial shipping and freight, where workers handle hazardous materials. Fires and explosions can occur because of improperly stored cargo, fuel leaks, and chemical reactions. Workers in shipyards and warehouses are especially vulnerable to burn injuries from industrial fires and electrical malfunctions.
Energy Corridor & Chemical Manufacturing Plants
Houston’s Energy Corridor is home to the main offices of major oil and gas companies. Many of these companies also run chemical plants and drilling operations. Employees in these industries face burn risks every single day.
Downtown Houston Construction Sites
With ongoing commercial and residential development, construction workers in Houston are frequently exposed to fire hazards and burns. Welding, faulty wiring, and gas line ruptures contribute to burn-related workplace injuries.
The Meteoric Cost of Serious Burn Injuries in Texas
Severe burns are one of the most costly emergency conditions in the U.S. They often need surgery, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. Burns require an enormous amount of specialist care, which is why burn centers are relatively rare. Currently, the American Burn Association maintains a list of only 71 verified burn centers in the U.S.
Only a few places in Texas can treat severe burns:
UTMB’s Blocker Burn Unit is another leader in burn care. They offer advanced surgery options.
The need for specialized care begins at initial hospitalization and remains through long-term rehabilitation. As a result, emergency burn care remains the most expensive emergency medicine in the US today.
Our Texas burn injury firm has fought for plaintiffs to recover costs related to:
Combined, these different things can cost millions. It's important for burn injury victims to get these costs back while they can. This means talking to a burn injury lawyer in Texas as soon as possible.
The sooner you talk to a lawyer about your claim, the sooner you can get back on your feet and rebuild what you lost. Along with direct medical costs, there are often extra expenses. These can include therapy for emotional distress and changes to living spaces. These costs can make the financial situation harder for victims and their families.
Different Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can happen in many places and in different ways. Each type has its own causes and effects on the body. These types of burn injuries can range from minor irritations to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Below are several common types of burns, highlighting the diversity of their origins:
Thermal Burns: Commonly resulting from contact with hot surfaces, scalding liquids, steam, or flames.
Chemical Burns:These happen when the skin or eyes touch harmful substances. This includes acids, alkalis, or strong cleaning agents. The severity varies based on the chemical concentration and exposure time.
Flash Burns: Caused by exposure to intense, brief sources of heat, such as explosions at industrial plants.
Inhalation Injuries: Happen when a person breathes in hot gases, smoke, or chemical fumes. These can cause swelling in the airway. This swelling can lead to trouble breathing or serious carbon monoxide poisoning.
Electrical Burns:Caused by electric currents passing through the body. Burn injuries can be tricky. The outside may look minor, but there could be serious internal damage.
Scalding Injuries: Specifically caused by hot liquids or steam, scalding can lead to burns that vary in severity depending on the temperature of the liquid and the duration of exposure.
Friction Burns: Occur when skin rubs against a rough surface, combining features of a scrape and a thermal burn. These types of burn injuries are common in road accidents, such as motorcycle crashes, and sports injuries.
Inhalation Injuries Caused by Fires & Explosions
As explained above, one injury closely related to burns is an inhalation injury. Fires, where the victim breathes in particles in the air and toxic fumes, commonly cause this. It can not only damage the victim's eyes but can cause significant damage to their respiratory system—most significantly their lungs.
If the victim previously suffered from chronic heart or lung disease, exposure to these toxic items can aggravate their pre-existing condition. Recognizing the signs of inhalation injuries early can be crucial in limiting long-term damage.
Inhalation injuries typically occur in one of three ways:
Heat Inhalation: If a victim breathes in extremely hot air or a fire source, it can cause a burn to the inside of the lungs. This also occurs when high-pressure forces heat into your lungs. Because the victim's trachea will attempt to shield their lungs, the majority of damage from heat inhalation is limited to the upper airways.
Smoke Inhalation: The inhalation of smoke is one of the most common causes of fire-related injuries. This is less visible but still catastrophic; smoke inhalation causes 60 to 80% of burn injury fatalities.
Systemic Toxins: Fires may release systemic toxins into the air, which if inhaled, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb oxygen. Those who breathe in these toxins often become confused or can even become unconscious.
Understanding the Different Degrees of Burn Injuries
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns, often caused by everyday incidents such as touching a hot appliance, are typically minor and manageable at home. Cooling the burn under running water and covering it with a non-adhesive bandage can provide relief and protection. Burn victims may use over-the-counter pain medication for discomfort. Such burns typically heal on their own; however, repeated instances may lead to more serious skin conditions over time.
Symptoms of first-degree burns include:
Pain
Redness
Swelling
White (or blanched) skin
Second-Degree Burns
For second-degree burns smaller than three inches, home treatment may suffice, but larger or more severe burns require emergency care. These burns affect deeper skin layers, not just the surface.
Avoid using ice or popping blisters, as this can worsen the injury. Also, refrain from applying ointments or butter without medical advice. Swift medical intervention can prevent complications such as infection or scarring.
Symptoms of second-degree burns include:
Blistering
Intense redness
Severe pain
Swelling
Third-Degree Burns & Fourth-Degree Burns
Third- and fourth-degree burns are among the most severe types of burns. Not only do these affect the different layers of skin, but the burns can also extend to the bones, surrounding muscles, and surrounding fat. A burn like this may also damage nerves, which would explain if you experience any form of numbness or tingling in the burn area.
When dealing with these, the first thing you must do is contact emergency services.
These require medical care. Do not attempt to do anything that could further injure yourself. If you were wearing clothes that have been burned to your skin, don’t try and remove them. Let the professionals handle that.
Avoid using cold water to treat the wounds. The pain is going to be severe, but the cold water may further irritate the area. If possible, try elevating the areas of your body that received the burns. Additionally, aftercare is crucial.
Symptoms of third and fourth-degree burns include:
Different Treatments Available for Serious Burn Injuries
Immediately after a burn, the victim needs medical care. Cooling via water can reduce the burn's depth and pain, but over-cooling can lead to hypothermia. For minor burns, pain-relieving medications and bandages can help. Victims should remain cautious about potential signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or pus formation.
Additional treatment will be required for more extensive burns. This can include the following:
Amputation may be necessary
Antibiotics or other treatment for infection
Intravenous fluid, as fluid leakage occurs
Massage or antihistamines
Skin grafts
Surgery
Modern advancements in medicine have made surviving burns more likely, and treatment more effective. Skin graft and flap procedures can repair many burn scars to improve the quality of living for victims. However, these treatments often come with extended recovery times and require comprehensive rehabilitation to regain full mobility and function.
Skin Grafts
One of the most common treatment options for a severe burn is a skin graft. A skin graft is a surgical procedure in which skin is taken from a healthy donor site and transplanted onto the damaged area.
Different types of skin grafts include
Pinch grafts
Split-thickness grafts
Full-thickness grafts
Pedicle grafts
Generally, if the graft "survives" the first 72 hours after its initial implantation, the body will accept it. If the infection is kept at bay and a steady blood supply is maintained, the graft should take around six months to heal fully.
Filing a Burn Injury Lawsuit for Scarring & Disfigurement in Houston, TX
In Texas, a burn injury lawsuit for scarring and disfigurement can address both reversible and permanent harm. Victims may pursue compensation from the party responsible for causing their injuries. Compensation can cover extensive medical treatments such as reconstructive surgery, synthetic hair implants, bone reconstruction, and plastic surgery. Given the high cost of these procedures, it’s unjust for victims to shoulder the financial burden alone.
In cases involving scars or disfigurement, emotional trauma is often just as debilitating as the physical harm. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, and isolation—especially when their appearance has changed permanently. For this reason, many burn injury claims also include compensation for emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
Support resources can make a critical difference during recovery.
Organizations like the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors offer peer support and survivor programs for individuals and families coping with burn trauma. The Texas Burn Survivor Society connects Texans with emotional, financial, and medical support throughout their healing journey. For a broader resource hub, the ABA’s Burn Survivor Resource Center offers information on treatment, rehabilitation, and survivor networks nationwide.
A Burn Survivor's Story: How Arnold & Itkin Helped After Tragedy
One of the most devastating cases we've handled involved a pipeline worker who was severely burned during a pigging operation. A sudden fire erupted from the pipe, killing his coworker and engulfing him in flames. He had to leap over a fence to escape, then run to the highway—on fire—before strangers rushed him to the nearest burn unit.
“I stayed there for 18 days. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even sleep at night. My girlfriend had to help me bathe every day until I was able to bathe myself. I mean, I didn’t know which direction to turn after this.”
Like many burn victims, he quickly realized that the company responsible wasn’t going to step up.
That’s when he called Arnold & Itkin.
"Anytime that I called or needed anything, it wasn’t a hesitation. Whatever I needed, they gave it to me, they made sure I had it. Just one call.”
Burn injuries don’t just change your health—they change your entire life. We’re proud to have helped this survivor get the justice and support he deserved. Every burn injury case we take on is a fight to ensure our clients receive what they need—not just to survive, but to rebuild with dignity and security. We encourage you to listen to his story below.
Call (888) 493-1629 to Talk to Experienced Houston Burn Injury Lawyers
When selecting a Texas burn injury lawyer, it's essential to seek someone with a proven track record in handling burn cases. Experience handling such cases means the attorney can better navigate the legal and medical aspects unique to burn injuries. It's also beneficial to choose a lawyer who has successfully tried cases.
If you have been injured in an accident that resulted in serious burns, then it is highly important that you work with a Houston injury attorney you can trust. At Arnold & Itkin, our Houston burn injury attorneys have recovered billions on behalf of our clients; in fact, we handle more claims each year than most attorneys will handle in their entire careers.
Our Houston burn attorneys fight to help you recover the compensation you need. Regardless of whether you suffered a burn after being injured on the job or in a vehicle accident, we are the team of burn injury lawyers that you need on your side. Call to see how we can help. Our proactive approach ensures that your claim is handled with the utmost diligence and commitment, striving to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you.
The value of a burn injury claim depends on the severity, cost of medical care, impact on your work, and overall effect on your quality of life.
It also factors in lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity if the injury causes permanent disability, and the overall impact on your quality of life. In Texas, compensation may include current and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished future earnings, and non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. More severe or life-changing burns generally result in higher recoveries, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Who Is Liable for Burn Injuries?
Liability for a burn injury can be attributed to employers, manufacturers, property owners, utility companies, or individuals, depending on how the injury occurred.
Employers may be responsible if safety procedures or protective equipment were lacking. Manufacturers can be held accountable for defective products, while property owners may be liable for injuries resulting from unsafe premises that lead to fires or chemical exposure. Service providers, such as utility companies, can face claims if their negligence causes an accident, and individuals may be held directly responsible when their carelessness harms others. In many cases, more than one party shares fault, and a detailed investigation is required to determine responsibility. Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure all liable parties are identified and held accountable.
Can a Lawsuit Help Burn Injury Victims Recover?
Yes. A lawsuit can help burn injury victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages while holding negligent parties accountable.
A lawsuit can play a critical role in helping burn injury victims recover by securing financial compensation for the many costs that follow a serious injury. This includes immediate and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, loss of earning capacity for permanent disabilities, and damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Legal action also holds negligent parties accountable and may help prevent similar incidents from happening to others. While money cannot undo the injury, compensation provides vital support for ongoing care, rehabilitation, and the adjustments victims must make to their lives after a severe burn.
What Causes Burns?
Fires, explosions, hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical accidents are common causes of burn injuries. They are among the leading causes of injury and death in the United States.
According to the American Burn Association, most burn injuries result from fire or open flames, scalds, contact with hot objects, electrical exposure, or chemical accidents. Burns may also occur in car accidents, explosions, or work accidents. In 2016 alone, fires caused more than 3,000 civilian deaths nationwide. Thanks to advances in modern medicine, nearly 97% of people treated in U.S. burn centers survive, though many require extensive care and rehabilitation.
When Do Burns Require Treatment at a Burn Center?
Minor, first-degree burns usually heal without professional medical care, but serious burns often require treatment at a specialized burn center.
Second- and third-degree burns may demand hospitalization and specialized procedures. Treatment is especially important if the injury covers more than 10% of the body, affects sensitive areas such as the face, hands, or joints, or results from exposure to chemicals or electricity. Children, older adults, and individuals with existing medical conditions are also at higher risk of complications. Hospital stays for burn patients often average one day per percent of the body burned, though the exact length of care depends on the severity and location of the burns.
Do All Burns Leave Scars?
Not all burns leave scars, but scarring and disfigurement are common with deeper injuries. Outcomes depend on the severity of the burn and the treatment received.
Techniques such as skin grafting can help repair damaged areas and reduce the long-term effects of serious burns. Surgical procedures may also restore function when burns cause nerve or muscle damage. Because every case is unique, patients should consult with their doctors about available treatment options and may benefit from seeing a burn or reconstructive specialist to address concerns about scarring and recovery.
Can I Get Compensation for a Burn I Suffered at Work?
Yes. If you suffered a burn injury at work, you may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical bills and lost income, but in some cases, you may also pursue a lawsuit against a negligent third party or product manufacturer. This type of claim can allow recovery for additional damages, such as pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not provide. It is important to report the injury to your employer right away, seek medical treatment immediately, and consult with a Texas burn injury attorney who can guide you through the claims process and help maximize your recovery.
What Burn Centers Are Located Near Houston, TX?
Houston has several leading burn treatment facilities, including the John S. Dunn Burn Center at Memorial Hermann, the UT Physicians Burn & Wound Care Center, and UTMB Health’s Blocker Burn Center.
The John S. Dunn Burn Center at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center provides acute care in a dedicated 14-bed unit, along with hydrotherapy and outpatient services. The UT Physicians Burn & Wound Care Center offers specialized treatment for both burn and complex wound patients. UTMB Health’s Blocker Burn Center, recognized as the first U.S. burn center certified by both the American College of Surgeons and the American Burn Association, delivers 24/7 Level 1 Trauma care. Together, these centers provide emergency treatment, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation for people with serious burn injuries in the Houston area.
