While a number of accidents result in concussions, broken bones, and other contusion-related injuries, burn injuries make up a good majority of accident injuries as well. Burns are in a different scale of injuries since they require more extensive medical care as well as long-lasting treatment. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a burn injury, you know all too well the lasting results of any burn, especially very serious burns.
Rate of Burn Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 1.1 million people are injured by burns each year which are severe enough to require medical attention.[1] Out of this number, approximately 20,000 cases involve severe burns which cover at least 25% of the body surface. Burn injuries can stem from severe car accidents which involve explosions or from workplace accidents that lead to chemical burns.
Regardless of the type of accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries after a terrible accident leading to burn injuries. Burns are not an injury that can be put into a sling for recovery. Victims of burn injuries often must live with the scarring of the accident for the rest of their lives.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns are classified by level of degree: first degree, second degree, and third degree.
First degree burns are the most minor type of burns and only involve the top layer of skin. Sunburns are common types of first degree burns. First degree burns are typically treated with at-home remedies and do not typically require medical treatment.
Second degree burns involve the top two layers of skin and require further medical care. Second degree burns could potentially lead to the loss of some skin. The burn must be immediately immersed in cool water or with cool compresses after the injury occurs and an effort must be made to prevent the victim from going into shock. Serious second degree burns require immediate medical care to prevent further complications from arising.
Third degree burns are the most serious types of burns. These burns will penetrate all skin layers and result in the loss of tissue. It is important to take immediate steps after the burn injury occurs to prevent future damage from occurring. Surprisingly, third degree burns are often painless – the only pain a victim will experience is that caused by surrounding second and first degree burns.
It is important that you recognize the type of burn injury immediately after it is received so you and any witnesses can assist you in receiving the appropriate medical care.
Burn Injury Recovery
Burn injuries can be the result of car accidents, construction accidents, work accidents, or other types of accidents that involve chemicals or fuels. These terrifying accidents are often preventable, and therefore were caused by one party’s negligent behavior. The responsible party should be held accountable for their actions. As the victim of a burn injury, you are entitled to seek the following from the responsible party:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
An experienced Omaha personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in calculating the full amount of damages you are entitled to receive based on your burn injuries.
The Knowles Law Firm | Omaha, Nebraska
If you or a loved one were injured in a burn accident, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of the Knowles Law Firm. Our attorneys have years of experience in handling severe burn injuries, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our Omaha, Nebraska office today for your initial free consultation.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf
