Of all the injuries we see, burn injuries are some of the most haunting. Whether caused by explosions, defective products, or car accidents, burn injuries can leave their victims physically immobile and emotionally scarred. If you have been burned through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to compensation.
Burn injuries are classified by how deeply they penetrate the body. Generally, there are three types of burns:
All burns—even first-degree burns—are serious and should receive prompt medical treatment. Generally, you can treat a first-degree burn by applying cold compresses and taking over-the counter pain medication. You might also apply an antibiotic ointment to the burn.
A second-degree burn might require a trip to the hospital, especially if the burn is larger than three inches in diameter or if it occurred on your face, hands, feet, buttocks, or over a joint. Your doctor can clean the burn to make sure that it does not get infected while assessing whether other treatment is necessary.
Third-degree burns might require skin grafts to the affected area. If the burn is particularly bad, then the affected limb might need to be amputated. Third-degree burns over a large percentage of the body are often fatal.
Burn injuries leave more than physical scars. Doctors and therapists have carefully documented the emotional distress that follows bad burns. For example, a burn victim might suffer from:
Emotional distress is particularly acute immediately after the injury, as the patient has little to do other than reflect on their burn. Over time, the distress might lessen, but many burn victims continue to deal with repercussions, such as:
Burn victims and their family members often benefit from support groups where they can talk to other burn victims. Frequently, burn survivors require psychotherapy and medication to manage psychological distress.
Medical and psychiatric treatment cost a considerable amount of money, and burn survivors will need financial resources to pay for it. Although your medical insurance might cover a portion of this treatment, you might need to bring a lawsuit to receive full compensation for your injuries.
At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, our lawyers have helped multiple burn survivors receive the financial compensation they deserve. To schedule your free consultation, please reach out to us today.