For over 33 years, Carabin Shaw has helped victims across Texas get the justice they deserve after life-changing injuries.
Burn Injury Lawsuits: What Victims Need to Know
Carabin Shaw | Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Midland & Odessa
Burn injuries are some of the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can suffer. In cities like Midland and Odessa, where oilfield work, trucking, and industrial labor are common, burn accidents are unfortunately all too frequent. Whether caused by explosions, electrical accidents, chemical exposure, or fires, burns can result in long-term physical damage, emotional trauma, and financial devastation.
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At Carabin Shaw, we’ve represented burn injury victims throughout Texas for over 33 years, helping them hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys understand the complex medical and legal aspects of burn injury lawsuits, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients in the Permian Basin.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, this guide will walk you through your legal options and what you need to know before filing a claim.
What Causes Burn Injuries in Midland and Odessa?
Burn injuries can happen in a variety of environments, especially in high-risk industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing. Some of the most common causes we see in the Midland-Odessa area include:
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Oilfield explosions or fires
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Chemical spills or exposure
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Electrical accidents and arc flashes
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Motor vehicle accidents, especially with 18-wheelers
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Defective products or machinery
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Unsafe conditions at work or public properties
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Residential or commercial fires caused by negligence
In any of these scenarios, if your injury was caused by someone else’s recklessness, negligence, or failure to follow safety standards, you may have a strong basis for a personal injury lawsuit.
Types and Degrees of Burns
Burn injuries are classified by degree based on the severity of skin and tissue damage:
First-Degree Burns
These affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and typically heal without long-term damage. Examples include mild sunburns or brief scalds.
Second-Degree Burns
These go deeper into the dermis, causing blisters, swelling, and scarring. They are painful and require medical treatment to prevent infection.
Third-Degree Burns
These destroy both the epidermis and dermis and may affect underlying tissues. Nerves may be destroyed, leaving the area numb. Surgery, skin grafts, and extended hospitalization are often required.
Fourth-Degree Burns
These reach muscles, tendons, and bones. They are life-threatening and often lead to permanent disability or death.
Carabin Shaw has successfully handled lawsuits involving second, third, and fourth-degree burns—often involving explosions or industrial negligence. Our goal is to make sure burn victims receive the long-term financial support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
Common Complications from Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are not only physically painful—they often result in lifelong complications. Some of these include:
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
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Limited mobility or contractures due to tightened skin
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Respiratory damage from inhaling smoke or toxic fumes
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Emotional trauma and PTSD
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Risk of infection, sepsis, or amputation
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Extended hospital stays and repeated surgeries
These complications often result in major medical expenses, lost income, and a significant loss of quality of life. Victims shouldn’t bear these costs alone—especially when someone else is responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Burn Injury Lawsuit?
Determining liability in a burn injury case depends on the circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties may include:
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Property owners or businesses (for unsafe premises)
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Oilfield operators or contractors (for explosions or fires)
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Employers (for unsafe working conditions or OSHA violations)
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Product manufacturers (for defective equipment or chemicals)
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Drivers or trucking companies (in crash-related fires)
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Electricians or utility companies (for electrical fires)
At Carabin Shaw, our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to determine exactly who is at fault—and we pursue all responsible parties aggressively to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
What Compensation Can Burn Injury Victims Recover?
Burn injuries often involve enormous financial and emotional costs. A successful burn injury lawsuit can help victims recover compensation for:
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Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, skin grafts, medications)
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Future medical care and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life
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Home modifications or assistive care
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Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Every case is different, which is why we build customized legal strategies tailored to the victim’s unique circumstances. Our attorneys collaborate with medical experts, life care planners, and financial analysts to calculate the full extent of your damages—both now and in the future.
How Long Do You Have to File a Burn Injury Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the burn was caused by a defective product or workplace accident, the timeline can vary.
It’s crucial to act quickly after a burn injury. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence, locating witnesses, and building a strong case. At Carabin Shaw, we offer free consultations and can begin work on your case right away.
How Carabin Shaw Supports Burn Injury Victims
Burn injury cases require both legal skill and compassionate representation. At Carabin Shaw, we bring:
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Over 33 years of personal injury experience
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Millions recovered for burn victims across Texas
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Trial-tested attorneys ready to fight in court if necessary
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Bilingual staff and 24/7 availability
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No fee unless we win your case
We know that burn injury victims are dealing with unimaginable challenges. Our team is here to support you and your family from start to finish—with honesty, dedication, and results.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Burn Injury Case?
Absolutely. Burn injury claims are complex and often involve high-dollar damages. Insurance companies will do everything they can to reduce payouts or deny your claim. Without skilled legal representation, you could be left without the resources needed for long-term recovery.
Carabin Shaw’s attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, including:
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Investigating the cause of your burn injury
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Identifying all liable parties
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Collecting medical records and expert testimony
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Negotiating with insurers
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Filing lawsuits and representing you in court if needed
We don’t just fight for compensation—we fight for your future.
Speak with a Burn Injury Lawyer in Midland-Odessa Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury due to negligence, don’t wait. You have the right to seek justice—and Carabin Shaw is here to help.
Call us today at 1-800-862-1260 or visit www.carabinshaw.com to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to listen to your story, answer your questions, and begin building your case.
Your recovery matters. Let Carabin Shaw help you fight for the care, compensation, and justice you deserve.