A burn injury is known as one of the most painful injuries a person can endure – the victim’s skin is damaged, nerve endings are burnt off, and the pain is extreme. Severe burn injuries can have devastating consequences for the victims and their loved ones, often resulting in tremendous pain, scarring, and permanent disfigurement. At Williams Iagmin, LLP we provide caring and considerate legal advocacy for burn injury victims, fighting for the full compensation they deserve.
Burn injuries are typically classified by three categories – thermal, chemical, and electrical burns. Thermal burns are caused by an external heat source such as an open flame or steam. Chemical burns are caused by acidic or caustic chemicals contacting the skin or eyes. Electrical burns are caused by making contact with an electric current.
In addition to type, burn injuries are also classified by degree. A burn injury is classified as either a first, second, or third degree burn. A first degree burn injures only the outer layer of skin and is characterized by red, painful skin. A second degree burn injures the outer layer and inner layer of skin, and it is characterized by red, painful skin and blisters. A third degree burn is the most severe type of burn injury, where the outer and inner layers of skin are burned along with the underlying bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Third degree burns are characterized by the injured area appearing white, leathery, or charred.
The treatment for burn injuries can be lengthy, costly, and extensive. For the most serious burn injuries, a victim may need to go through a process called debridement, which involves the surgical removal of dead tissue. Surgical skin grafts may also be required to heal the burned area, where a piece of skin from an unburned area of the body is transplanted to the burned section. If the burn victim is a child, the skin grafts may need to be replaced over time, as grafts do not expand with the growth of the child.
Scarring and disfigurement following a burn accident can also severely limit mobility, which requires extensive rehabilitation after an accident. In addition to physical therapy, many burn accident victims require psychological therapy to work through their trauma. Burn injuries also affect many other bodily functions and systems, such as nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, regulating body temperature, joint function, and fluid balance in the body. These issues all require additional medical treatment, medication, and rehabilitation for burn injury victims.
Treatment and rehabilitation for burn injuries can take years, and oftentimes burn accidents result in permanent damage that affects a victim for the rest of his or her life. The total cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other monetary damages can be astronomical, and it is vital that you have an experienced personal injury representing your best interests against the insurance companies as well as in court. Burn injury victims are entitled to out of pocket medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of earning ability, scarring and disfigurement, and emotional distress.
At Williams Iagmin, LLP we understand the physical, emotional, and psychological toll a serious burn injury can have on its victims, and our office is here to provide compassionate advocacy for your case. Call our office or contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your claims.