Burn injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. Beyond the immediate physical pain, burn victims often face months or years of medical treatment, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Abel Law Firm has spent over 50 years helping burn injury victims in Oklahoma City recover the damages they need to rebuild their lives. Our team has recovered more than $550 million for injured clients, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Why Choose Abel Law Firm for Your Burn Injury Claim
When you’re dealing with a serious burn injury, you need a lawyer who understands both the medical complexities and the legal strategies required to win. Abel Law Firm brings decades of experience to every burn injury case we handle.
Our firm was founded in 1976 and has been serving Oklahoma injury victims for over 50 years. We’ve recovered more than $550 million in compensation for our clients, including landmark verdicts that changed Oklahoma law. Our team includes multiple Super Lawyers, attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in America, and trial lawyers ranked among the top in the nation.
Our firm is led by T. Luke Abel, continuing the aggressive litigation standard set by our founder, the late Ed Abel. For over 50 years, the Abel name has been synonymous with fighting for injured Oklahomans.
What sets us apart is our commitment to aggressive representation. We don’t settle for less than our clients deserve. We investigate thoroughly, work with medical experts, and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Our attorneys are available 24/7 because we know burn injuries don’t happen during business hours. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. When you choose Abel Law Firm, you’re choosing a team that has proven its ability to recover substantial compensation for burn injury victims through our case results and testimonials.
Types of Burn Injuries We Handle
Burn injuries are classified by severity and the source of the burn. Understanding the type of burn you suffered helps determine the extent of your injuries and the compensation you may recover. Each type of burn requires different legal strategies and expert testimony to establish liability and damages.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns result from contact with fire, hot liquids, steam, or hot surfaces. These are the most common type of burn injury and can range from minor to catastrophic depending on the temperature and duration of contact. Workplace fires, kitchen accidents, and vehicle fires frequently cause thermal burns. In motor vehicle accidents, thermal burns often occur when fuel tanks rupture or vehicles catch fire following impact.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when skin comes into contact with corrosive substances like acids or bases. These burns can be particularly dangerous because the chemical continues to damage tissue even after initial contact. Chemical burns often require immediate medical attention and can result in severe scarring. Chemical burn injuries require specialized legal knowledge to establish liability. These injuries frequently occur in workplace accidents and industrial settings where hazardous materials are handled.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns happen when a person comes into contact with electrical current. These injuries can cause both external burns and internal damage to organs and tissues. Electrical burns are common in workplace accidents, particularly in construction and oil field settings. Electrical injuries can result in cardiac arrhythmias, muscle damage, and severe internal injuries that may not be immediately visible.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns result from exposure to radiation sources, including sunburn, welding flash, or industrial radiation exposure. These burns can develop over time and may not be immediately apparent. Some radiation burns don’t show symptoms until days or weeks after exposure. Workers in industrial and construction environments face particular risk of radiation exposure.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Oklahoma City
Burn injuries happen in many different settings, and understanding how your injury occurred is the first step in determining who is liable. Common causes include:
- Workplace accidents in oil and gas fields, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities
- Defective products with design flaws or inadequate warnings
- Fires caused by negligent property maintenance or code violations at premises
- Motor vehicle accidents involving fuel leaks or explosions
- Medical negligence during surgical procedures or hospital care
- Explosions from improperly stored or handled materials
Each situation is unique, and the responsible party depends on the specific circumstances of your injury. We investigate every detail to identify all parties who may be liable for your burn injury. Whether your burn resulted from a construction accident, product defect, or premises liability, our team has the expertise to build a strong case.
Burn Injury Compensation You May Recover
Burn injuries often result in substantial medical expenses and long-term consequences. The law allows you to recover compensation for multiple types of damages:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, skin grafts, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work during recovery
- Lost earning capacity if your burn injury prevents you from returning to your previous job
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured
- Scarring and disfigurement damages for permanent changes to your appearance
- Emotional trauma and psychological counseling costs
- Punitive damages in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or intentional
The total value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, and the circumstances of how the injury occurred. We work with medical experts to calculate the full value of your damages. Our firm’s track record of recovering substantial settlements and verdicts demonstrates our ability to maximize compensation for burn injury victims.
The Burn Injury Claim Process in Oklahoma
Understanding what to expect helps reduce stress during an already difficult time. Here’s how the burn injury claim process typically works:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We begin by investigating the circumstances of your injury. This includes reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, examining the scene, and collecting any physical evidence related to your burn. Thorough investigation is critical in establishing liability and demonstrating the full extent of your injuries.
- Determining Liability: Next, we determine who is responsible for your injury. This might be a property owner, employer, manufacturer, or another party whose negligence caused your burn. Under Oklahoma’s Modified Comparative Negligence rule, establishing fault is critical. If you are found to be 51% or more responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering compensation. We conduct a thorough investigation to ensure liability is correctly assigned to the other party, protecting your right to recovery.
- Calculating Damages: We work with medical experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team understands how to present these damages to insurance companies and juries in a compelling way.
- Settlement Negotiations: In most cases, we negotiate a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance company. Our experience and track record help us secure fair settlements without going to trial. We never pressure clients to accept inadequate offers.
- Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare your case for trial. We gather expert testimony, prepare witnesses, and develop a compelling presentation of your case to a jury. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are not afraid to take cases to court when necessary.
- Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a burn injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline means losing your right to recover compensation, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries
How much are legal fees?
We take accident victims’ cases on contingency. That means there are no upfront fees or costs. We don’t expect payment from you unless we recover an insurance settlement or secure a favorable jury verdict. We take just as much risk as you do, and if we lose your case, you won’t owe us any money.
What happens if I'm partially at fault for the accident?
Modified comparative negligence could reduce your final compensation amount if a jury determines you share fault for your injuries. If you incurred $100,000 in expenses, but a jury found you were 20% to blame for the incident that caused your burn injury, you could only pursue up to $80,000 to compensate for your losses.
Who can I hold liable for my injuries and resulting losses?
The person you seek compensation from will depend on the circumstances of your case. If you were in a car accident with a reckless driver, you could file an insurance claim with their auto insurance company. If a negligent doctor caused your burn injury during a medical procedure, you could sue them or the facility they work in. A lawyer can review the details of the incident and determine the party that should take responsibility for the harm you suffered.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. If you wait longer, you lose your right to recover compensation. We recommend contacting a lawyer immediately after your injury to protect your rights.
What compensation can I recover in a burn injury case?
You can recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages. The total amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your case. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation and provide an estimate of your case’s value.
Do I need a lawyer for a burn injury claim?
While you have the right to represent yourself, burn injury cases are complex and involve significant damages. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay. Having an experienced burn injury lawyer levels the playing field and ensures you receive fair compensation.
How much is my burn injury case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your burns, the extent of medical treatment required, your lost wages, and the degree of permanent scarring or disfigurement. We evaluate all these factors to determine a fair value for your case. Our firm’s experience with burn injury cases gives us insight into what similar cases have settled for.
What should I do immediately after a burn injury?
First, seek medical attention immediately. Your health is the priority. Then, if possible, document the scene with photos, collect witness contact information, and report the injury to the appropriate authority (employer, property owner, etc.). Finally, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. The sooner you document evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Can I recover damages for scarring and disfigurement?
Yes. Scarring and disfigurement are significant damages in burn injury cases. Oklahoma law recognizes that permanent changes to your appearance cause real harm, and you can recover compensation for these damages in addition to your medical expenses and other losses. Courts understand the psychological impact of visible scarring and award substantial damages for this harm.
Contact Abel Law Firm for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve suffered a burn injury in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to get legal help. Abel Law Firm offers free consultations with experienced burn injury lawyers who understand what you’re going through. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call (405) 239-7046 today to schedule your free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. You can also contact us online, and we’ll get back to you promptly. Whether you need immediate assistance or want to learn more about your legal options, our Oklahoma City office is ready to help.
Your recovery matters. Let Abel Law Firm fight for the compensation you deserve.
