A grease fire erupts in a restaurant kitchen and catches your arm before you can pull away. A poorly maintained space heater ignites in a rented apartment. A chemical spill at a worksite eats through protective gloves. Whatever the cause, burn injuries change your life in seconds, and the resulting medical expenses, missed income, and physical pain can overwhelm even the most prepared families. If someone else’s negligence caused your harm, an Oklahoma City burn injury lawyer at Hasbrook & Hasbrook can help you pursue the recovery you need.
Our law firm has represented people injured by burns across Oklahoma for decades. We understand the long-term medical treatment these cases demand, and we know how to build a claim that accounts for every dollar you’ll need, now and for the years ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma’s two-year statute of limitations under 12 O.S. § 95(A)(3) begins on the date of injury; missing it bars all recovery.
- Noneconomic damages are capped at $500,000 under 23 O.S. § 61.3; exceptions apply for severe physical injuries and reckless or intentional conduct.
- When conduct is reckless or grossly negligent, punitive damages are available under 23 O.S. § 9.1 and can equal the greater of $100,000 or actual damages awarded.
- Burn severity is measured not just by degree but by Total Body Surface Area (TBSA); higher TBSA coverage means higher treatment costs and a stronger damages claim.
- Hasbrook & Hasbrook charges 25% for pre-litigation settlements, lower than the 33% industry standard, so you keep more of your recovery.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Oklahoma?
The most common causes of burn injuries in Oklahoma are vehicle fires, workplace explosions, negligent property maintenance, and gas leaks. Negligence by another person or company is the underlying factor in the majority of cases our attorneys handle, and identifying the cause is the first step toward building a successful claim.
Burn injuries happen in many settings, but negligence is often the common thread. The most frequent causes our attorneys handle include:
- Vehicle fires: Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions can rupture fuel lines, causing fires and explosion hazards.
- Workplace accident exposures: Construction sites, oil fields, and manufacturing plants expose workers to heat, electricity, and hazardous chemicals daily. According to the American Burn Association, workplace incidents account for a significant portion of serious injuries nationwide.
- Negligent maintenance and installation: Landlords, contractors, and property managers who fail to maintain heating systems, electrical wiring, or gas connections create preventable fire hazards. When their failure to act causes a burn injury, they can be held liable.
- Premises liability failures: Property owners who ignore fire codes, fail to install smoke detectors, or block exits bear responsibility when tenants or visitors are harmed by fires or explosions on their property.
- Gas leaks and explosions: Natural gas leaks in homes and commercial buildings can cause massive blasts and severe burn injuries.
What Are the Different Types and Degrees of Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are classified into four degrees based on depth of tissue damage. First-degree burns affect only the outer skin, second-degree burns penetrate deeper and cause blistering, third-degree burns destroy all skin layers, and fourth-degree burns extend into muscle and bone. The degree directly determines treatment cost, recovery time, and the value of your legal claim.
Medical professionals classify burn injuries by depth. Each type of burn carries different treatment requirements and recovery timelines, which directly affects the value of your claim.
- First-degree burns: Surface-level injuries affecting only the outer layer of skin. While painful, these typically heal within a week without permanent scarring.
- Second-degree burns: Deeper injuries that cause blistering. They may require skin grafts if they cover a large area and often leave lasting scars.
- Third-degree burns: Full-thickness injuries that destroy all layers of skin. These always require extensive surgery and prolonged rehabilitation, and those affected frequently face lasting impairment and permanent scarring.
| Degree | Depth | Symptoms | Typical Treatment | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-degree | Epidermis only | Redness, minor pain | Topical ointment, OTC pain relief | 3 to 7 days |
| Second-degree | Epidermis and dermis | Blistering, severe pain, swelling | Wound care; skin grafts for large areas | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Third-degree | Full thickness (all skin layers) | White or charred skin, numbness | Surgery, grafting, prolonged rehab | Months to years |
| Fourth-degree | Skin, muscle, tendon, and/or bone | Blackened tissue, no sensation | Multiple surgeries, possible amputation | Years; often permanent impairment |
Burn severity is also assessed using Total Body Surface Area (TBSA): the percentage of the body’s surface affected by the injury. Clinicians use the “rule of nines,” which divides the body into segments of roughly 9% each, to calculate TBSA coverage. A 20% TBSA burn requires far more intensive hospitalization, more grafting procedures, and higher lifetime care costs than a same-degree burn affecting only 5% TBSA. In personal injury litigation, TBSA is a key metric for projecting future medical expenses and building a damages claim that accounts for years of ongoing treatment.
Thermal burns from accident-related flames and hot surfaces are the most common type of burn injury. Chemical burns from industrial solvents and electrical burns from faulty wiring or power lines are among the most devastating our Oklahoma City catastrophic injury attorneys handle. Scalding injuries from hot liquids are a leading cause of burn injuries for children, and the same negligence principles apply when a property owner, caretaker, or product manufacturer is at fault.
Who Is Liable After a Burn Injury?
The person or entity whose negligence caused the burn is liable under Oklahoma’s fault-based system. Potentially liable parties include negligent drivers, employers who violate safety regulations, property owners who ignore fire codes, and contractors who perform substandard work. Multiple defendants can share liability in a single case. If the burn occurred on government-owned property or involved a public employee, special notice requirements apply under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act.
Oklahoma uses a modified comparative fault rule under 23 O.S. § 13. If you share some responsibility, your compensation is reduced proportionally; if your share reaches more than 50%, you recover nothing. Insurers routinely try to shift blame to reduce payouts, which is why having a burn injury attorney who understands these tactics matters.
What Compensation Can Burn Injury Claimants Recover in Oklahoma?
Burn injury claimants in Oklahoma can recover economic damages with no statutory cap, noneconomic damages subject to a $500,000 cap under 23 O.S. § 61.3 (with exceptions for severe physical injury), and punitive damages equal to the greater of $100,000 or actual damages. Because burn cases involve extensive long-term care, total recoveries often reach six or seven figures.
Your recovery depends on three categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and in some cases, punitive. Burn injury claims often produce significant awards because of the extensive care involved.
Economic damages cover medical bills from emergency stabilization, surgeries, and skin grafts through long-term rehabilitation. Serious burns involving multiple grafting procedures commonly generate medical bills of $50,000 to over $1 million depending on TBSA coverage and degree. Lost wages during a months-long recovery, diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work, and the ongoing cost of scar management, compression therapy, and psychological care are all recoverable. Settling before reaching maximum medical improvement risks leaving significant future costs uncompensated.
Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, permanent scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For injuries causing visible disfigurement, the psychological impact can be severe: clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social withdrawal are documented consequences of serious burn injuries. Severe electrical burns can also cause traumatic brain injuries or bone fractures that require separate valuation. Oklahoma courts recognize these losses, and our attorneys document them thoroughly to support full recovery, including the methodology discussed in our guide to calculating pain and suffering damages.
Punitive damages may apply when conduct was reckless or grossly negligent. Under 23 O.S. § 9.1, punitive damages can equal the greater of $100,000 or the amount of actual damages awarded. Burn injuries resulting from extreme recklessness deserve full accountability.
| Damage Category | What It Covers | Oklahoma Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Medical bills, lost wages, future care, diminished earning capacity | No cap |
| Noneconomic | Pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment | $500,000 (23 O.S. § 61.3); exceptions for severe physical injury, reckless or intentional conduct |
| Punitive | Punishment for reckless or grossly negligent conduct | Greater of $100,000 or actual damages awarded |
What Oklahoma Laws Affect Burn Injury Claims?
Oklahoma law gives people injured by burns two years to file a lawsuit under 12 O.S. § 95(A)(3), applies a modified comparative fault rule that bars recovery above 50% fault under 23 O.S. § 13, and caps most noneconomic damages at $500,000 under 23 O.S. § 61.3. Understanding these rules early is essential because missing a deadline or mishandling fault allegations can eliminate your right to compensation entirely.
Statute of limitations: Under 12 O.S. § 95(A)(3), you have two years from the date you were harmed to file a claim. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to pursue compensation.
Damages cap: As of September 2025, 23 O.S. § 61.3 (SB 453) caps noneconomic damages at $500,000 in most cases. But the cap does not apply to severe physical injuries (injuries causing lasting harm or loss of function often qualify for this exception). Cases involving reckless conduct or intentional harm are also exempt. Mental injuries have a separate $1 million cap. This is a critical area of personal injury law where experienced guidance makes a real difference.
After an incident, the adjuster’s call is strategy, not courtesy. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Contact us before speaking with any insurance representative.
How Can an Oklahoma City Burn Injury Lawyer Help Your Case?
A burn injury lawyer investigates the cause, documents the full scope of current and future damages, negotiates with insurers, and takes the case to trial if necessary. Early legal help matters in burn cases because treatment planning, future surgeries, scar management, and long-term earning loss all have to be documented before an insurer will take the claim seriously.
At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, our personal injury attorney team handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing:
- Investigating the scene and preserving evidence
- Consulting specialists to document the full scope of your injuries
- Calculating lifetime costs including future surgeries and reduced earning potential
- Negotiating with insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible
- Taking your case to trial if a fair offer is not made
We work on contingency; you pay nothing unless we win. If a wrongful death results from these injuries, we also represent surviving families.
Why Choose Hasbrook & Hasbrook for Your Burn Injury Case?
Hasbrook & Hasbrook is a family-run Oklahoma personal injury firm that has fought for injured people across this state for decades. Clayton Hasbrook grew up watching his parents represent families just like yours, and he became a lawyer to continue that work. When you hire our firm, you get a team that knows Oklahoma courts, Oklahoma insurance adjusters, and Oklahoma juries.
What sets our firm apart from the billboard factories and out-of-state operations advertising in Oklahoma City:
- Family legacy: Clayton’s parents built this firm fighting for injured Oklahomans. This is not a career pivot or a franchise operation. It is a family that chose this work because they believe you deserve someone in your corner who genuinely cares about the outcome.
- Oklahoma roots: We know the courts, the judges, the adjusters, and the communities where these injuries happen. Local knowledge translates to better strategy and stronger results.
- Depth over volume: We limit our caseload so every client gets personal attention from Clayton and our legal team. Your case will never be handed off to a junior associate or lost in a pile of files.
- Proven results: Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts for injured Oklahomans, including six- and seven-figure recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.
- Trial readiness: Insurance companies know which firms will actually go to trial and which will fold. Our willingness to take cases to a jury consistently produces better settlement offers for our clients.
How Do Our Fees Work?
Hasbrook & Hasbrook works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our fee is 25% for pre-litigation settlements, lower than the 33% industry standard, because we believe injured Oklahomans should keep more of their recovery.
Here is how our fee structure works:
- No upfront cost: You pay nothing to hire us. We advance all case expenses including filing fees, medical records, expert witnesses, and court costs.
- 25% contingency for pre-litigation settlements: If we resolve your case before filing a lawsuit, our fee is 25% of the recovery. Most firms charge 33% or more at this stage.
- No hidden charges: We explain our fee agreement clearly before you sign anything. There are no hourly rates, no retainers, and no surprise bills.
- You keep more: Our lower contingency rate means more money in your pocket. On a $100,000 settlement, you save $8,000 compared to a firm charging the industry-standard 33%.
- If we don’t win, you owe nothing: Not for our time, not for the expenses we advanced, not for anything. The risk is on us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injury in Oklahoma
How much is a burn injury case worth in Oklahoma?
Every burn injury case is different. The value depends on the severity of the burn (degree and total body surface area affected), the cost of treatment (surgeries, skin grafts, rehabilitation), whether you have permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the defendant’s degree of fault. For a detailed look at how Oklahoma courts value these claims, visit our page on what a burn injury is worth in Oklahoma City. Our firm evaluates these factors during a free consultation and gives you an honest assessment of what your case may be worth.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Oklahoma?
Under 12 O.S. § 95, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to pursue compensation entirely. Because evidence degrades and witnesses forget details over time, contacting an attorney as soon as possible strengthens your case.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the burn injury?
Yes. Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 23 O.S. § 13. You can recover damages as long as your share of fault stays at or below 50%. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility; so if you are found 20% at fault on a $100,000 award, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies routinely try to inflate your fault percentage to shrink their payout.
What does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer in Oklahoma City?
Nothing upfront. Hasbrook & Hasbrook handles burn injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Our fee is 25% for pre-litigation settlements, lower than the 33% industry standard. We advance all case expenses and only collect a fee if we win compensation for you. If we do not recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
What should I do after suffering a serious burn injury?
Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem manageable at first. Document the scene and your injuries with photos. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Preserve any evidence related to the cause (faulty equipment, workplace conditions, property hazards). Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Contact an experienced burn injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
What types of burn injuries lead to personal injury claims?
Any burn caused by another party’s negligence can lead to a personal injury claim. This includes thermal burns from fires and explosions, chemical burns from industrial spills or hazardous materials, electrical burns from faulty wiring or equipment, radiation burns, and scalding injuries from dangerously hot liquids or steam. Workplace burns, vehicle fire injuries, and burns caused by negligent property maintenance are among the most common claims our attorneys handle.
What makes burn injury cases different from other personal injury claims?
Burn injury cases involve uniquely complex medical evidence, extended treatment timelines, and damages that go beyond physical pain. People with serious burns often face permanent scarring and disfigurement, which carries significant psychological impact. Treatment frequently includes multiple surgeries, skin grafts, compression garments, and years of scar management. The long-term nature of treatment means your claim must account for costs years into the future, and an experienced attorney is essential to calculating and proving those projected expenses.
What is the statute of limitations for burn injury claims in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for burn injury claims is two years from the date of injury under 12 O.S. § 95. This deadline applies to most personal injury cases. Exceptions exist for minors (the clock is tolled until the child turns 18) and cases where the injury was not immediately discoverable. Missing the deadline bars your case regardless of how strong the evidence is.
Ready to Talk to an Oklahoma City Burn Injury Lawyer?
You have done your research. Now let your family focus on healing while we handle the legal fight. Call Hasbrook & Hasbrook at (405) 605-2426 for a free, no-pressure consultation with Clayton Hasbrook. We will review your burn injury case, explain your options, and tell you what we believe it is worth. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win, and our 25% pre-litigation fee means you keep more of your recovery.
