What is TBSA and why does it matter in my burn injury case?

TBSA stands for Total Body Surface Area and is the percentage of the body's skin that has been burned. Physicians use TBSA alongside burn degree to classify severity and predict the treatment course. A third-degree burn covering 10% TBSA requires far less intervention than one covering 40% TBSA. In a legal context, TBSA directly drives the damages calculation. Higher TBSA means more skin grafts, longer hospitalization, higher future treatment costs, and greater loss of earning capacity. Insurance companies will dispute TBSA estimates if they can. Your expert burn surgeon's documentation of the TBSA assessment is a critical piece of evidence.

I was injured at work and am receiving workers compensation. Can I still sue the responsible party?

Yes. Louisiana workers compensation covers your employer and, in most cases, co-employees acting in the course of employment. It does not bar you from filing a tort claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to your burn. That includes equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, subcontractors, and property owners. You can pursue WC benefits and a tort recovery simultaneously. If you recover in tort, your employer's WC insurer may assert a lien against the recovery for benefits they paid. An attorney experienced in coordinating these two tracks can maximize what you keep.

Can I hold a product manufacturer liable for a burn caused by defective equipment under Louisiana law?

Yes, under the Louisiana Products Liability Act at La. R.S. 9:2800.51 through 9:2800.60 (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=71806). The LPLA allows you to hold a manufacturer liable for a defective design, an inadequate warning label, or a failure to meet an express warranty. You do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent. You prove the product was defective, the defect caused your burn, and the manufacturer knew or should have known the risk. Defective fuel systems in vehicles, malfunctioning industrial equipment, and improperly labeled chemicals are all within the LPLA's scope.

How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Lincoln Parish?

For incidents on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of injury under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443). For incidents before that date, the prior one-year period applied. If your injury resulted from a government entity's negligence, such as a municipal utility, you must also provide written notice of your claim within 90 days under La. R.S. 13:5107 (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78764) before that filing deadline.

What if I was transferred to a burn center in Shreveport or New Orleans?

It does not weaken your case. It strengthens it. Transfer to a regional burn center like the LSU Health Shreveport Burn and Wound Center (https://www.lsuhs.edu/) is documented evidence that your burns exceeded the treatment capacity of the initial hospital. It is objective confirmation of severity. The costs of transfer, extended out-of-town care, and family travel are all compensable economic damages. Keep all transport records, hospital billing statements, and treatment summaries from every facility involved. These documents form the backbone of your economic damages claim.

What is the 51% comparative fault rule and how could it affect my burn injury recovery?

Under La. C.C. Art. 2323 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109387), effective January 1, 2026, if you are found 51% or more at fault for your own injury, your recovery is zero. Below 51%, your damages are reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. This is a hard cutoff, not a sliding scale at the high end. Insurance adjusters routinely investigate burn victims' conduct. They look for evidence that you bypassed safety systems, ignored warnings, or removed PPE, specifically to push the fault percentage above 50%. OSHA records showing the employer's prior violations, equipment maintenance logs, and testimony from coworkers about actual workplace conditions are the factual tools for countering those arguments.

What evidence is most important to preserve after a severe burn injury in Ruston?

The burn scene itself is priority one. Photographs before cleanup or repair, the physical equipment or product involved, any chemical containers or Safety Data Sheets, and surveillance footage from the facility. Beyond the scene, gather: the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's investigation report from lasfm.org (https://www.lasfm.org/enforcementinvestigations/investigations/burn-injury-report/), OSHA inspection records for the facility, and the employer's incident reports and safety training logs. Include medical records from the hospital that first treated you and any burn center you were transferred to. For product claims, preserve the product itself and all packaging. Electronic data from industrial control systems may be overwritten on standard maintenance cycles. A formal preservation letter sent to all potential defendants stops that destruction.

Does La. R.S. 9:2800.27 cap damages in my burn injury case?

Only if a licensed healthcare provider is your defendant. La. R.S. 9:2800.27 (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=71828) is the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act cap, updated in 2024. It limits recovery against doctors, hospitals, and other licensed health professionals in malpractice claims. It does not apply to burn injury claims against employers, product manufacturers, property owners, utility companies, or negligent drivers. If your burn resulted from workplace negligence, a defective product, or a crash, no statutory cap limits your tort recovery.

ruston burn injury lawyer | Trey Morris Injury Lawyers

A Ruston burn comes out of a rental kitchen or a water heater, a job site, a defective product, or a vehicle fire on I-20 or US-167. The ambulance goes to Northern Louisiana Medical Center on East Vaughn Avenue, the hospital that takes Ruston’s emergency and trauma patients. If a wreck caused the burn, the Ruston Police Department writes the report inside the city and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office writes it for the rest of the parish. A Lincoln Parish suit is filed at the Lincoln Parish Courthouse on West Texas Avenue, in the Third Judicial District Court. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers has an office at 1831 North Trenton Street, Suite 2, and in the first week we photograph the scene, get the emergency chart from Northern Louisiana Medical Center, and send the letter that keeps the heater, wiring, or equipment from being repaired or thrown out.

The law that governs the claim is Louisiana law and does not change from parish to parish. A Ruston burn injury on or after July 1, 2024 is a two-year claim under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1, and for accidents on or after January 1, 2026 a 51% fault finding under Art. 2323 ends the claim. We build the Lincoln Parish file from the heat source and any manufacturer defect under the LPLA before an insurer uses comparative fault to zero the claim.

What Is a Burn Injury?

Burns are a form of skin damage caused by an energy source or hazardous substance. Sources of energy can include heat and fire, as well as chemicals and electrical currents. The resulting burn can be mild to severe in nature, depending on the energy source and how much of the skin is exposed to it.

First-degree burns: Mild, superficial damage to the skin; burns only affect the epidermis
Second-degree burns: Pain, swelling, redness, and blistering; burns affect the epidermis and part of the dermis
Third-degree burns: Leathery skin that is black, brown, yellow, or white; burns affect the epidermis, the dermis, and possibly nerves and tissues below
Fourth-degree burns: Charred skin with exposed muscles or bones beneath; burns can affect tendons, muscles, bones, and other tissues beneath the skin

First- and second-degree burns, though painful, can be treatable with prompt medical attention. More serious third- and fourth-degree burns can leave behind permanent trauma and scarring, resulting in new impairments, physical limitations, and increased risk of serious infections.

Our Ruston Office

1831 N Trenton St, Ste 2
Ruston, LA 71270

318-702-8648

Open 24/7 for injured Ruston residents

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Burn Injury Statistics

Burn injuries happen far too often, with horrific and life-ending results in many cases.

What We Handle

Ruston Practice Areas

What to Do After a Burn Injury

Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for serious burn injuries. Then take the following steps:

Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish any flames as quickly as possible.
Get away from the source of the burns, heat, or fire.
Remove any tight or restrictive clothing as quickly as possible to prevent further injury.
Take off any rings, belts, or other accessories that may also be restrictive and harmful.
Do not try to remove or peel away any items that have already melted onto the skin.
Clean burn injuries with a cold cloth and cover them while you await medical treatment.
Elevate burned areas of the body, ideally above heart level.
Be on the lookout for any signs of shock, like fainting or breathing complications.
Follow through with all medical care that doctors prescribe.
Talk to a Ruston burn injury lawyer who can help you determine if you have a claim and how to take the next steps.

Representative Results

$409 Million Wrongful Death

A tragic case where an impaired driver of a commercial vehicle ran a red light, then collided with our client, causing serious bodily injury to the mother and the loss of life of her daughter.

$49 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

An impaired driver of a stolen vehicle driving the wrong way collided with our client head-on, resulting in brain injury and multiple broken bones.

$32.2 Million Industrial / Workplace

Failure to maintain proper safety protocols led to an explosion at an industrial plant causing a series of catastrophic injuries from broken bones, burns, spinal injury, and mental anguish.

$31.5 Million Industrial / Workplace

Brain and spinal injuries followed an oil-field company failing to maintain equipment and provide a safe work site.

$17.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Client was struck head-on by a disconnected load of an 18-wheeler that crossed the median causing broken bones and amputation.

$13 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

On the interstate, an 18-wheeler failed to yield right of way then made an unsafe lane change causing the accident which resulted in major bone breaks, damaged organs, and ultimately a leg amputation.

$12.1 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle failed to stop at a red light subsequently crashing into our client causing serious brain injury and permanent loss of function.

$7 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

When the other vehicle struck our client, the result was a major hemorrhage and a stroke.

$7 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

An 18-wheeler cut across traffic on an illegal left turn and hit our client, who suffered neck and back injuries.

$6.2 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A fatigued commercial-vehicle driver fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended our client, leaving our client with severe neck and back injuries.

$5 Million Wrongful Death

A hydraulic line exploded at a job site, taking the life of our client's loved one.

$4 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our client's vehicle was struck by the at-fault vehicle, resulting in neck and back injuries.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle collision. Details not publicly disclosed.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

While our client was stopped, the at-fault driver rear-ended our client's vehicle and set it on fire, leaving our client seriously hurt.

$3.1 Million Wrongful Death

An 18-wheeler caused a fatal collision that took the life of our client's loved one.

$3 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle struck and killed our client's loved one, who was on foot.

$3 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Out on the highway, the at-fault driver hit our client.

$2.9 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Our client was rear-ended by the other driver and seriously injured.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; each case is decided on its own facts. See our full case results.

What Causes Burn Injuries?

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Auto crashes, car fires, and explosions can cause horrific burn injuries. Drivers and other road travelers can suffer burns when motor vehicle accidents expose them to scalding debris, airbag deployment, electrical shocks, or caustic chemicals. Negligent drivers may be at fault for these crashes, but other parties may be liable as well.

Dangerous Products

Fires, explosions, electrical shocks, and chemical exposures can happen when unsafe products fail or malfunction. That can include products, electronics, appliances, and larger equipment used by both consumers and workers. In some cases, manufacturers know about the risks of product failures and simply fail to disclose them.

Work Accidents

Workers in construction, manufacturing, food service, welding, trucking, and oil and gas industries tend to have a particularly high risk of burn injuries. Whether job-related burns are caused by flammable substances, heavy equipment, or other factors, there may be various legal remedies available for injured workers.

Your Ruston Injury Attorneys

Founding partners Trey Morris lead every Ruston injury case Trey Morris Injury Lawyers takes.

Trey Morris
Founding Partner

How Can a Ruston Burn Injury Lawyer Help Me?

Clarify Liability

A burn injury attorney can investigate the incident and identify every liable party, so you are able to file claims against each and pursue the full recovery you may deserve.

Represent You When Insurance Companies Get Involved

Once a burn injury case has been filed, an insurance company will likely enter the picture. Insurance companies have their own priorities, which include protecting company profits. They will look for ways to minimize or deny your claim. With a lawyer on your side, insurers can be more inclined to play by the rules.

Calculate Damages and Negotiate Burn Injury Settlements

You could be eligible for various damages including past and future losses, depending on the nature of your burn injury claim. Your Ruston burn injury attorney can review and negotiate settlement offers and provide essential counsel throughout the process.

What clients say

★★★★★
Great experience with the Trey Morris Injury Lawyers Ruston office.
The staff is friendly, helpful, and always willing to answer questions. Definitely recommend!
Jaime CarterRuston Office · Sep. 2, 2026
★★★★★
Trey Morris Injury Lawyers was the best while dealing with my case.
The process was painless. I would recommend them to everyone!
Bailey RamosRuston Office · Sep. 2, 2026
★★★★★
The team here (Brian, Seth, Chelsea, and Jessica) have been amazing.
We were new to the area and hit by an impaired driver. Their support, guidance and friendship got us through a very difficult time. Thank you so much!
Pamela HughesCovington Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
I was overwhelmed dealing with everything after my injury, but their team took a lot of the pressure off of me.
They were patient, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood what was happening.
Emma DvorakShreveport Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
Brooke and Ms.
Shavers did great and helped me so much and I am so grateful. Go see Trey Morris Injury Attorneys!!
Jontiana WilliamsLake Charles Office · Aug. 26, 2026
★★★★★
I hired Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers to represent me with my case.
Mr. Lane Robinson, Jessica, and Yadira has been with me every step of the way, making sure I received the proper care I needed to get well. They always called emailed and text to make sure I was doing OK. I would recommend the firm to anyone. They have an amazing team. I couldn’t have made a better choice. Thank you all for everything you have done for me and my family.
Katerrica CarterMinden Office · Aug. 12, 2026

Reviews reflect individual client experiences. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What Compensation Is Paid for Burn Injury Claims?

Burn injury compensation is a case-specific matter. Standard types of damages for burn injury cases generally include medical bills past and future, lost earning capacity, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TBSA and why does it matter in my burn injury case?: TBSA stands for Total Body Surface Area and is the percentage of the body's skin that has been burned. Physicians use TBSA alongside burn degree to classify severity and predict the treatment course. A third-degree burn covering 10% TBSA requires far less intervention than one covering 40% TBSA. In a legal context, TBSA directly drives the damages calculation. Higher TBSA means more skin grafts, longer hospitalization, higher future treatment costs, and greater loss of earning capacity. Insurance companies will dispute TBSA estimates if they can. Your expert burn surgeon's documentation of the TBSA assessment is a critical piece of evidence.
I was injured at work and am receiving workers compensation. Can I still sue the responsible party?: Yes. Louisiana workers compensation covers your employer and, in most cases, co-employees acting in the course of employment. It does not bar you from filing a tort claim against a third party whose negligence contributed to your burn. That includes equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, subcontractors, and property owners. You can pursue WC benefits and a tort recovery simultaneously. If you recover in tort, your employer's WC insurer may assert a lien against the recovery for benefits they paid. An attorney experienced in coordinating these two tracks can maximize what you keep.
Can I hold a product manufacturer liable for a burn caused by defective equipment under Louisiana law?: Yes, under the Louisiana Products Liability Act at La. R.S. 9:2800.51 through 9:2800.60. The LPLA allows you to hold a manufacturer liable for a defective design, an inadequate warning label, or a failure to meet an express warranty. You do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent. You prove the product was defective, the defect caused your burn, and the manufacturer knew or should have known the risk. Defective fuel systems in vehicles, malfunctioning industrial equipment, and improperly labeled chemicals are all within the LPLA's scope.
How long do I have to file a burn injury lawsuit in Lincoln Parish?: For incidents on or after July 1, 2024, you have two years from the date of injury under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1. For incidents before that date, the prior one-year period applied. If your injury resulted from a government entity's negligence, such as a municipal utility, you must also provide written notice of your claim within 90 days under La. R.S. 13:5107 before that filing deadline.
What if I was transferred to a burn center in Shreveport or New Orleans?: It does not weaken your case. It strengthens it. Transfer to a regional burn center like the LSU Health Shreveport Burn and Wound Center is documented evidence that your burns exceeded the treatment capacity of the initial hospital. It is objective confirmation of severity. The costs of transfer, extended out-of-town care, and family travel are all compensable economic damages. Keep all transport records, hospital billing statements, and treatment summaries from every facility involved. These documents form the backbone of your economic damages claim.
What is the 51% comparative fault rule and how could it affect my burn injury recovery?: Under La. C.C. Art. 2323, effective January 1, 2026, if you are found 51% or more at fault for your own injury, your recovery is zero. Below 51%, your damages are reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. This is a hard cutoff, not a sliding scale at the high end. Insurance adjusters routinely investigate burn victims' conduct. They look for evidence that you bypassed safety systems, ignored warnings, or removed PPE, specifically to push the fault percentage above 50%. OSHA records showing the employer's prior violations, equipment maintenance logs, and testimony from coworkers about actual workplace conditions are the factual tools for countering those arguments.
What evidence is most important to preserve after a severe burn injury in Ruston?: The burn scene itself is priority one. Photographs before cleanup or repair, the physical equipment or product involved, any chemical containers or Safety Data Sheets, and surveillance footage from the facility. Beyond the scene, gather: the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's investigation report from lasfm.org, OSHA inspection records for the facility, and the employer's incident reports and safety training logs. Include medical records from the hospital that first treated you and any burn center you were transferred to. For product claims, preserve the product itself and all packaging. Electronic data from industrial control systems may be overwritten on standard maintenance cycles. A formal preservation letter sent to all potential defendants stops that destruction.
Does La. R.S. 9:2800.27 cap damages in my burn injury case?: Only if a licensed healthcare provider is your defendant. La. R.S. 9:2800.27 is the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act cap, updated in 2024. It limits recovery against doctors, hospitals, and other licensed health professionals in malpractice claims. It does not apply to burn injury claims against employers, product manufacturers, property owners, utility companies, or negligent drivers. If your burn resulted from workplace negligence, a defective product, or a crash, no statutory cap limits your tort recovery.