Burn Injury Lawyer in Amarillo, TX

Name: Burn
Brand: McCraw Law Group
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Each year, many people in Amarillo suffer burn injuries from accidents that should never have occurred. While some burns result from everyday mishaps, many are caused by unsafe conditions, defective products, or others' negligence. The consequences of these injuries can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially.

Seeking Justice After a Burn Injury

If you or a loved one has sustained a serious burn injury due to another party’s careless or reckless actions, you may have the right to seek compensation. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Consulting with our experienced burn injury attorneys can help you understand your rights, your options, and what steps to take next.

What Are Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Amarillo?

According to national data from the American Burn Association burn incidence fact sheet, hundreds of thousands of people suffer burn-related injuries each year, including nearly 400,000 fire or flame injuries annually in the United States.

Fires and Flames

Fires are one of the leading causes of severe burn injuries, particularly in homes, vehicles, and industrial environments. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that U.S. fire departments respond to hundreds of thousands of home fires each year, many of which result in burn-related injuries.

In Amarillo, risks may include:

Residential fires
Vehicle fires following collisions
Workplace incidents involving flammable materials
Oil and gas-related accidents

Scalding from Hot Liquids or Steam

Scald burns are especially common and can occur in everyday settings, particularly in homes.

Common causes include:

Boiling water or grease in kitchens
Hot beverages
Overheated water heaters
Steam exposure in workplaces

Contact with Hot Surfaces

Direct contact with hot objects—such as metal, machinery, or heating elements—can cause immediate and severe burns.

These injuries often occur in:

Construction and industrial settings
Auto-related environments
Unsafe property conditions

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are frequently associated with workplace accidents, particularly in construction, utility work, and industrial jobs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that electrical hazards are a leading cause of serious occupational injuries, often resulting in both external and internal damage.

Chemical Burns

Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause severe tissue damage and long-term complications.

These burns may result from:

Industrial or workplace exposure
Improper storage or labeling of chemicals
Defective or unsafe products

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) highlights the risks associated with chemical exposure and the importance of proper handling and safety measures.

Vehicle and Commercial Accidents

Serious car and truck accidents can lead to burn injuries from fires, explosions, or fuel exposure. High-speed collisions and commercial vehicle crashes increase the likelihood of severe outcomes.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

What ultimately matters most is not just how the burn occurred, but how deeply it affects the body. Medical professionals classify burns by “degrees,” which measure how far the tissue damage extends beneath the surface of the skin. As burns penetrate deeper layers, they become more serious and more likely to require advanced medical care.

First-Degree Burns

These involve only the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis)
Symptoms typically include redness, mild swelling, and tenderness
Most heal without lasting damage

Second-Degree Burns

These extend into the dermis, the layer beneath the surface
They often cause blistering, increased pain, and may result in scarring, depending on the extent of the injury

Third-Degree Burns

These destroy all layers of the skin and can affect nerve endings, sometimes reducing sensation in the area
The skin may appear white, waxy, or charred
These injuries often require surgical care and carry a higher risk of complications

Fourth-Degree Burns

The most severe category, these burns reach beyond the skin into deeper structures such as muscle, tendons, and bone
They are life-threatening and frequently result in permanent damage or loss of function

Burn injuries are not always as straightforward as they first appear. What may seem minor on the surface can involve more serious damage over time. Identifying the severity of a burn is essential for proper treatment—and can also play a key role in determining whether the injury was preventable and who may be responsible.

How Are Different Types of Burn Injuries Treated?

Skin acts as the body’s first line of defense; any damage can increase the risk of infection and other complications if not treated properly. For example, it’s important to avoid common mistakes—such as applying oil-based substances—which can trap heat in the skin and make the injury worse rather than better.

Taking the following steps early can help reduce damage and improve recovery:

Cool the burn right away: Run the affected area under cool (not cold) water. Start with tepid water and gradually cool it as tolerated to help lower the skin’s temperature safely.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not use ice or very cold water, as this can further damage the skin.
Do not apply oils or heavy creams: These can trap heat and irritate the burn rather than soothe it.
Keep the area clean and protected: Covering the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing can help reduce the risk of infection.

Some burns require prompt professional care; for example:

Third-degree burns or more severe injuries: These require immediate medical treatment due to the depth of damage and risk of complications.
Serious second-degree burns: Deep blistering or large affected areas should be evaluated by a doctor to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

Contributory vs. Comparative Negligence in Amarillo

In many burn injury cases, responsibility is not always clear-cut. More than one party may share fault—and in Texas, how that fault is divided directly impacts your ability to recover compensation.

Contributory vs. Comparative Negligence

Some states follow a stricter rule called contributory negligence, where even a small amount of fault prevents recovery. Texas does not follow this approach; instead, it allows injured individuals to pursue compensation, provided they are not primarily responsible for the incident.

When Multiple Parties Are Involved

Burn injury claims can become more complex when multiple defendants share responsibility. Under joint and several liability, one party—typically the one most at fault—may be required to pay the full amount of damages upfront, even if others also contributed. That party can then seek reimbursement from the others based on their share of fault.

Texas Comparative Negligence Law

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your recovery depends on your percentage of fault.

Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001:

You can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility
If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages

For example:

If you are 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%
If you are 51% or more at fault, recovery is barred entirely

This is commonly referred to as the “51% bar rule.” For a broader legal explanation, see Comparative Negligence – Cornell Law School.

doctorn putting healing bandages on a patient

Why This Matters After a Burn Injury

Insurance companies often use these rules to minimize what they pay. They may argue that:

You contributed to the conditions that caused the injury
You failed to take reasonable precautions
Your actions worsened the outcome

Even a small shift in fault percentage can significantly reduce your compensation—or eliminate it altogether. Understanding how these laws apply can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Burn Injuries

When a burn injury results in death, certain family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under Texas law.

According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, eligible parties typically include:

A surviving spouse
Children
Parents of the deceased

These claims may seek compensation for:

Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and guidance
Funeral and burial expenses

While no legal action can replace a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help provide financial stability and a measure of accountability during an incredibly difficult time.

How Can You Pursue Compensation for a Burn Injury in Amarillo?

In a Texas burn injury claim, compensation may include:

Economic damages

These cover measurable financial losses, such as:

Medical expenses (current and future care)
Lost income or reduced earning capacity
Rehabilitation and long-term treatment costs

Non-economic damages

These address the personal impact of the injury, including:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement or loss of quality of life

Exemplary (Punitive) damages

In certain cases, additional damages may be awarded when the defendant’s conduct involves gross negligence, a higher level of wrongdoing under Texas law. These damages are meant to punish and deter particularly dangerous behavior.

Get Help from an Amarillo Burn Injury Attorney

A serious burn injury can make everyday activities—like working, bathing, or even being outdoors—painful and difficult. Beyond the physical impact, many victims face ongoing medical care, emotional strain, and financial uncertainty.

You shouldn’t have to carry that burden on your own, especially when someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. With the guidance of our experienced Amarillo burn injury attorneys at McCraw Law Group, you can pursue justice and seek the compensation needed to support your recovery. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to another party’s actions, reaching out for legal support can be an important step forward.