Burns are injuries where tissue is damaged by either contact with heat, exposure to chemicals, or electrical exchanges. According to the American Burn Association, 1.1 million burn injuries require medical attention each year.
Of those injuries, 50,000 require hospitalization. Even more troubling, the Center for Disease Control estimates that 10,000 people die each year from injuries related to burn infections. These statistics show that burn injuries are not only common but also potentially severe.
To understand the severity of burns, it is helpful to discuss the three main levels of burn injuries:
These types of burns damage the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Victims typically experience pain and mild discomfort, swelling, and reddening of the skin. First-degree burns are considered minor, and they typically heal within a week. An example of a first-degree burn is a typical sunburn.
Second-degree burns reach both the outer (epidermis) and the second layer (dermis) of the skin. Victims commonly experience severe pain, scarring, blisters, and whitening of the skin. In some second-degree burns, a skin graft is required to properly treat the wound.
These burns destroy the first and second layers of the skin. A third-degree burn may also cause nerve damage, leaving a victim numb to pain. The victim’s skin may appear dry, leathery, charred, and splotchy in some areas. One of the dangers of a third-degree burn is the risk of infection. Burning through the first and second layers of skin leaves one exposed to bacteria, toxins, and viruses. Proper treatment for severe burns almost always involves use of a skin graft. This treatment involves using artificial and natural skin to protect the open wound and allow it to heal properly.
The three most common types of burns include thermal burns, chemical burns, and electrical burns. While each of these burn types are different in nature, they are all capable of causing first, second, and third-degree burns.
Chemical burns result from contact with electrical currents. The severity of an electrical burn depends on the amount and length of time one is exposed to the electrical current. At high levels of electrical current, major organs can experience permanent damage.
Thermal burns are the most common type of burn. Thermal burns occurs when hot objects, flames, steam, or scalding liquids come into direct contact with the skin. Examples of where thermal burns may occur include kitchen incidents, vehicle collisions, and house fires.
Chemical burns are caused by chemicals that have strong acids or bases. One of the greatest dangers in chemical burns is that the chemical continues burning the body until it is completely removed. The eyes are particularly sensitive to chemical burns. Victims can lose their eyesight if the chemical is not quickly and completely flushed out of the eyes.
While burn injuries pose a danger to all individuals, certain groups are at a higher risk:
Certain items around the home can also be a risk factor for burn injuries:
Burn injury treatment has both long and short-term effects on a victim. Victims must endure painful treatment in the short-term and, in some cases, learn to live with permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Common treatment methods, such as skin grafts and reconstructive burn surgeries, are invasive and costly. If your burn injury was the result of somebody else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
This could include damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and lost wages. Call our experienced Austin Burn Injury Attorneys if you have questions regarding a potential burn injury claim.
Consulting with a qualified burn injury attorney can make a substantial difference in your case. Our Austin personal injury attorneys are experienced and will help you develop a strategy for bringing your case to resolution efficiently and effectively.
This includes helping burn injury clients make smart financial decisions, and educated decisions about their ongoing medical care while working to learn and prove the long-term consequences of your burn injury.
Every burn injury case should be evaluated on its own merits, especially because burn injuries can range so dramatically in severity. Your expected burn injury settlement will depend on several major factors:
Before you consider settling your burn injury claim, it is a good idea to have your case evaluated by an expert burn injury lawyer. Our burn injury lawyers at FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers will gladly consult with you at no cost.
First, seek immediate medical attention, even if the burn seems minor. Burn injuries can have long-lasting effects, and prompt treatment is crucial for recovery. Afterward, document the circumstances of the injury, take photos if possible, and gather contact information from any witnesses. Consulting a burn injury lawyer early on can help protect your rights and start the legal process.
Compensation for burn injuries can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any costs related to disfigurement or permanent disability. Each case is unique, so discussing your specific losses with an attorney is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. It’s important to consult a burn injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met and to give your attorney time to build a strong case.
A burn injury lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim, including gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing for trial if necessary. This support allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney pursues the compensation you deserve.
Yes, burn injury victims may be eligible for compensation beyond medical bills, including damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, future medical care, and any lifestyle adjustments resulting from disfigurement or disability. A lawyer can provide guidance on maximizing your claim.
Our team at FVF Law is here to support you through every step of the legal process. Call us at (512) 982-9328 for a free consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
