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Definition of Burn Injury
A burn injury refers to damage caused to the body’s tissues by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. There are several types of burn injuries, classified based on the severity and depth of the damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
Based on a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association in 2014, the likelihood of a U.S. resident succumbing to fire, flames, or smoke exposure is 1 in 1442. [1]
Types of Burns
Burn injuries can be categorized into different types, depending on the cause and severity. Based on the cause, here are the common types of burns:
- Thermal Burns: These burns occur due to exposure to hot objects, flames, or scalding liquids, like boiling water or steam.
- Radiation Burns: Radiation burns are caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, nuclear radiation, or radioactive materials.
- Chemical Burns: Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive substances, like acids, alkalis, or strong cleaning agents.
- Electrical Burns: Electrical burns occur when an electric current passes through the body, causing tissue damage. These burns can result from accidents involving faulty wiring, lightning strikes, or direct contact with power sources.
Burn Severity
Burn severity is classified into four types or degrees:
- First-degree burns: These are superficial burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness, pain, and minor swelling.
- Second-degree burns: These burns go deeper, damaging both the outer layer and the underlying layer of skin. They result in blistering, increased pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burns: These burns are severe and destroy the full thickness of the skin, causing charring or white patches. The underlying tissues may also be affected.
- Fourth-degree burns: This is the most severe type of burn, mostly accompanied by chronic pain, extending beyond the skin and damaging muscles, tendons, and bones.
These catastrophic injuries can cause intense pain, scarring, infections, and impairments in mobility and functioning. Psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, can also occur.
Long-term complications may include nerve damage, limited joint mobility, and the need for ongoing medical treatment.
Causes of Burns
Burns can be caused by a variety of factors and situations.
- House and Apartment Fires - House fires and apartment fires are common causes of burns, often resulting from faulty wiring, cooking accidents, or electrical malfunctions. Fires in car accidents can also lead to severe burns, particularly if the victim becomes trapped inside the vehicle.
- Lack of Safety Equipment - Lack of safety equipment when working with chemicals or electricity can also contribute to burn injuries. Without proper protective gear, individuals may be exposed to corrosive substances, hot surfaces or electrical currents that can cause burns.
- Explosions - Explosions, whether from gas leaks, industrial accidents, or acts of terrorism, can result in significant burn injuries. The force of the explosion and the resulting fire can cause burns to the skin and underlying tissues.
- Defective Products - Defective products, such as malfunctioning electronics or electrical cords, can also pose a risk of burns. Products that overheat or lack appropriate safety measures have the potential to cause fires or electrical burns.
Burns can also occur from scalding water, radiation, or chemotherapy for cancer treatments and leaks from nuclear power plants. Fires in recreational places, such as campsites or amusement parks, can also lead to severe burn injury.
Possible Damages for Victims of Burn Injury
Victims of burn injuries may be entitled to seek various types of damages to help them recover physically, emotionally, and financially. When pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, burn injury victims can seek both financial and non-financial damages.
Here are the possible damages that burn victims can claim:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of all medical care related to the burn injury, such as hospital stays, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: If an employee is unable to work due to a burn injury, they can claim lost wages for the time they were unable to work.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage compensates the victim for the physical and emotional pain and suffering they have experienced as a result of the burn injury. This includes disfigurement, loss of sensation, permanent scars, and disability from the burns.
- Emotional distress: This is another non-economic damage that compensates the victim for the emotional distress they have experienced as a result of the burn injury, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of consortium: This is damage that compensates the victim's spouse for the loss of companionship and intimacy as a result of the burn injury.
- Property damage: If the burn injury damaged the victim's property, such as their home or car, they can claim damages for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful death: If the burn injury was fatal, the victim's family can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for their loss.
Benefits of Having Our Burn Injury Lawyer on Your Side
Burn injury cases can be complex and challenging to navigate. Our burn injury lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to handle burn injury claims caused by various factors such as car accidents, defective products, or negligence of property owners. We understand the specific laws and regulations pertaining to burn injuries and can effectively advocate for your rights.
Having our burn injury lawyer by your side provides you with an advocate who will fight for fair compensation on your behalf. We will assess the extent of your injuries and calculate the appropriate compensation you deserve, considering factors such as medical costs, physical pain, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life and long-term impact on your quality of life.
Our personal injury lawyers have the skills and resources to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove fault against the liable party. We will negotiate with insurance companies and handle all legal proceedings, ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your burn injuries.
Have You or a Loved One Suffered From a Burn Injury Due to Someone Else’s Negligence?
At Goldberg & Loren law firm, we specialize in burn injury accident cases and can help you seek the compensation you deserve. With years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes, our burn injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.
Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren law firm today to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Don’t wait, take action now.
Source:
[1] Burn Incidence Fact Sheet – American Burn Association. (n.d.). https://ameriburn.org/who-we-are/media/burn-incidence-fact-sheet/
If you or someone you care about experienced a burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Don't hesitate to contact us to assess if your case qualifies for a potential claim.
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