Burn injuries may occur for a variety of reasons and situations. Unfortunately, often, these injuries are the result of negligence, and could be prevented. At Kherkher Garcia, LLP, our burn injury attorneys have helped many burn injury victims file claims against negligent employers, drivers, manufacturers, and others.
Below, we discuss burn injuries and the most common questions we are asked about the injuries and filing claims. If you still have questions or would like a case review, contact us!
What are the Most Common Types of Burn Injuries?
Thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury, but they are certainly not the only one that leads to serious injuries. Burn injuries can result from a wide range of incidents and situations, including:
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- Thermal Burns: These are due to contact with a heat source, such as flames, scalding liquids, hot surfaces, or steam.
- Chemical Burns: Exposure to acids, alkalis, or other harmful chemicals can cause chemical burns. These types of burns can also result from inhalation of toxic fumes or gases.
- Electrical Burns: Electrical currents can cause serious burns, especially high-voltage currents. These types of burns can result from electrical accidents, such as contact with exposed wires, lightning strikes, or electrical malfunction.
- Radiation Burns: Exposure to high levels of radiation, such as during cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, can cause radiation burns.
- Friction Burns: These are due to contact with a rough surface, such as road rash or carpet burns.
- Sunburns: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburns. Sunburn can range from mild to severe and can cause long-term damage to the skin.
- Hot Liquids and Steam: Contact with hot liquids or steam, such as spilled coffee or a hot shower, can also cause burns.
Overall, the severity of a burn injury depends on the degree of the burn, the extent of the affected area, and the location of the burn on the body. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for any serious burn injury.
Is a Burn a Traumatic Injury?
Yes, a burn is a traumatic injury. Trauma is any injury or wound that is caused by a physical force. Burns are caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation, and they can cause significant damage to the skin and other tissues. The severity of a burn injury can vary depending on the depth of the burn, the size of the area that is burned, and the age and health of the victim.
What is Considered a Major Burn Injury?
A major burn injury would be one that affects the deeper layers of the skin and tissue, such as a second- or third-degree burn. Severe burns can be life-threatening, and can also lead to long-term complications, such as scarring, disfigurement, and disability.
What are the Degrees of Burns?
Burn injuries are classified into different degrees based on the severity and depth of tissue damage caused by the burn. The three degrees of burns are:
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the mildest type of burn injury and only affect the outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Symptoms of first-degree burns include redness, swelling, and pain. These types of burns usually heal within a few days and do not require medical attention.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns are more severe and affect the deeper layers of the skin, including the dermis. Symptoms of second-degree burns include blistering, severe pain, and swelling. These types of burns can take several weeks to heal and may require medical attention to prevent infection.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe type of burn and involves damage to all layers of the skin, as well as underlying tissue, such as muscles and bones. Symptoms of third-degree burns include charred or blackened skin, numbness, and severe pain. These types of burns require immediate medical attention and may require skin grafts or other treatments to promote healing.
It’s important to note that the severity of a burn injury is not always related to the size of the burn. Even a small burn can be very painful and require medical attention if it is a second- or third-degree burn. If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further damage and promote healing.
What Kind of Symptoms do Burns Cause?
Here are some of the general signs and symptoms of a burn:
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- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Charring of the skin
- Smoke inhalation
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know has a burn injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of a full recovery.
How are Burn Injuries Treated?
The treatment of burns depends on the severity and location of the burn. In general, treatment may involve the following:
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- First Aid: The first step in treating a burn injury is to cool the affected area with cool running water or a clean, damp cloth. It is important not to use ice or apply any creams or ointments to the burn.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Dressings: Depending on the severity of the burn, dressing materials such as gauze, non-adhesive bandages, or special burn dressings may be used to protect the affected area from further damage and to promote healing.
- Medications: If the burn is severe, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Tetanus shots may also be necessary.
- Wound Care: In severe burns, wound care may involve debridement, a process of removing dead tissue to promote healing. In some cases, skin grafting may be necessary to replace damaged skin.
- Rehabilitation: Burn injuries can cause scarring and limited mobility. Physical therapy may be necessary to help patients regain function and mobility.
It is important to note that severe burns require specialized medical care, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know has suffered a severe burn.
Who is Legally Liable for a Burn Injury?
The legal responsibility for a burn injury would depend on the circumstances of the injury. In general, the person or entity responsible for causing the burn injury may be held legally liable for the damages you suffered. For example:
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- If the injury is due to a defective product, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable for the injury.
- If the injury happened in the workplace, the employer may be held responsible if the injury resulted from a violation of workplace safety regulations or negligence on the part of the employer.
- If the injury is the result of a car accident, then the driver of the car and/or their insurance provider may be liable.
- If the injury is due to the intentional or negligent act of another person, that person may be held responsible for the injury.
In some cases, multiple parties may be held responsible for a burn injury. Ultimately, the determination of legal responsibility for a burn injury would depend on the specific facts of the case.
Should I Call a Burn Injury attorney?
If you have suffered a burn injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, it is advisable to consult with a burn injury attorney. Burn injury cases can be complex, and a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you pursue compensation for your damages.
At Kherkher Garcia, our attorneys provide valuable assistance in several ways. For example, we can help you:
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- Determine who is responsible for your injuries: An attorney can investigate the circumstances of your injury and determine who may be held responsible.
- Understand your legal rights: A burn injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and the types of damages you may be eligible to pursue.
- Negotiate: An attorney will negotiate with insurance companies or other parties on your behalf.
- File a claim for compensation: An attorney can help you file a claim for compensation.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
Our attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation for your damages. If you have suffered a burn injury, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
What Damages May be Available to Burn Injury Victims?
Burn injury victims may be eligible for several types of damages, depending on the circumstances of their injury. Some of the common damages that may be available to burn injury victims include:
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- Medical Expenses: Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, skin grafts, and ongoing care. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the cost of their medical treatment.
- Lost Income: Burns can be debilitating and may require victims to take time off work. Victims may be able to recover compensation for the income they lost while unable to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Burn injuries can be extremely painful and may cause physical and emotional distress. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Burns can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. This can have a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life. Victims may be eligible for compensation for the physical and emotional effects of their scarring and disfigurement.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Burn injuries can significantly impact a victim’s ability to participate in activities they previously enjoyed. Victims may be eligible for compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
The specific damages available in a lawsuit will depend on the facts of the case. A qualified personal injury attorney can help burn injury victims determine what damages they may be eligible to pursue, and how to do so.
Get a Free Burn Injury Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love is suffering from a burn injury caused by negligence, call Kherkher Garcia today for a free case evaluation. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping clients with all manner of injuries, including burns. We fight aggressively for the rights of our clients and the justice you deserve.
For your free case evaluation, call us at 713-333-1030, complete the contact form on our website, or chat live with us.
