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Burns / Lacerations Cases in Dallas–Fort Worth

Burns / Lacerations cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.

Last updated: November 2025

High-Level Statistics

$36,240,000
Median award/settlement
$500,000 - $41,936,423
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Other
Most common accident type
8+
Cases analyzed
Burns / Lacerations
Other
$36,240,000
Verdict-Plaintiff

A fire started in a home, leading to the deaths of two elderly residents. The fire was believed to have originated from a ceramic heater. The family of the deceased sued the heater manufacturer, alleging a manufacturing defect caused the fire. The defense argued the heater was not defective and pointed to other potential ignition sources. The jury found the manufacturer liable for the deaths.

Dallas County • 2019
$41,935,624
Settlement

One driver's vehicle had its roof improperly repaired with glue instead of welds. Later, when another vehicle hydroplaned and struck it, the roof detached, causing severe injuries to the occupants. The jury found the repair shop mostly at fault for the injuries.

Dallas County • 2017
$41,936,423
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver was traveling on a highway during a rainstorm when another driver struck their vehicle. The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire, and the occupants sustained severe injuries, including burns and crush injuries. The occupants sued the collision center that had previously repaired the car's roof, alleging negligent repair compromised the vehicle's structural integrity and led to the fire and their injuries. The defense argued the other driver was solely responsible for the accident.

Dallas County • 2017
$42,000,000
Verdict-Plaintiff

One driver was operating a vehicle that had previously been repaired by an auto maintenance company. The vehicle was later struck by another vehicle, causing it to catch fire. The occupants of the first vehicle sustained injuries and burns. It was discovered that the previous repairs were not performed to manufacturer specifications, potentially compromising the vehicle's safety.

Dallas County • 2017
$500,000
Settlement

A driver's car caught fire while she was using it. She escaped but was injured and her hair was burned. The car manufacturer was accused of negligently designing and manufacturing the vehicle. The driver sought damages for mental anguish and property damage.

Dallas County • 2015

A motor vehicle accident (MVA) refers to any collision or incident involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles that results in property damage, injury, or death. In Texas, MVA cases typically involve one or more drivers, passengers, or pedestrians seeking compensation for damages resulting from another party's negligence.

Common injuries

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to catastrophic, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include whiplash and neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, burns, lacerations, and psychological trauma such as PTSD.

Liability overview

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages. Liability is determined by factors such as driver behavior (speeding, distracted driving, DUI), road conditions, vehicle defects, and witness testimony. In MVA cases, establishing clear liability is critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Factors influencing case value

Several factors influence the value of an MVA case. Injury severity is paramount—more serious injuries result in higher awards. Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and the defendant's insurance policy limits all play a role. Additionally, the quality of legal representation, availability of evidence, and jurisdiction can significantly impact outcomes.

Timelines

Most MVA cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area take 12-36 months to resolve, depending on complexity. Pre-litigation settlements may occur within months if liability is clear and the insurance company makes a reasonable offer. Cases that proceed to litigation typically take 18-24 months, while those that go to trial can extend to 24-36 months or longer. In Texas, the statute of limitations for MVA personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth

Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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