People that suffer severe burns often struggle with constant pain, disfigurement and emotional trauma. There may also be an enormous financial toll from dealing with the cost of treatment and therapy. If you or someone you love sustained serious burns, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out if you are eligible to pursue damages such as medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering, please contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer at The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. today.
Causes of Burn Injuries
There are several ways a person can suffer a burn injury, including:
- Auto accidents that result in fires
- Electrical accidents
- Explosions
- House fires
- Construction accidents
Contact burns occur when a person comes into contact with scalding liquids or flames. Chemical burns occur when a caustic chemical comes in contact with the skin or if a chemical is accidentally ingested. Electrical burns can result from any exposure to a source of electrical power, whether through hazardous electrical wires at a work site, or from a lightning strike.
Burn injuries may also be caused by radiation, either from overexposure to UV light at tanning salons or from radioactive materials.
Types of Burns
A burn injury is categorized into one of three degrees of severity, with first degree being the least severe and third degree being the most severe. First degree burns are generally superficial, involving only the outermost layer of skin, causing redness, pain and swelling. First degree burns usually do not result in scarring and heal quickly after basic first aid.
Second degree burns are also known as partial-thickness burns, meaning they affect multiple layers of skin . Second degree burns can lead to blistering, can require skin grafting, and can cause serious scars. These are often the most painful burns because the nerves are intact.
Third degree burns are f ull-thickness burns, meaning all layers of skin are affected. Nerves, tendons, bones and other structures are damaged. While nerve damage may prevent pain in the burned area, the injuries require skin grafting, and can result in permanent disabilities and disfigurement. If the burns cover extensive areas of the body, they can be life-threatening, and the risk of infection is very high.
Treatment and Complications
The most common complication associated with burn injuries is the risk of infection. More than 10,000 people in the U.S. die from burn-related infections annually. Burns can damage the body’s ability to regulate temperature, compromise the immune system, and may require surgery to repair damaged skin and other organs.
Treatments vary depending on the degree of the burn. First degree burns, if kept clean and safe from infection with basic first aid, will heal on their own. More severe burns require emergency medical attention. Treatments can include the removal of dead tissue, skin grafts and plastic surgery.
Contact a San Diego Burn Injury Attorney
A burn injury lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, physical therapy, counseling and any other needed treatment following a serious burn injury. Compensation can also include getting paid back for time missed at work, future lost income and pain and suffering. To find out if you qualify to recover compensation for your injury, please contact a San Diego burn injury lawyer for a free consultation.