Burn Injuries: Causes, Dangers, and Compensation Options
Burns are one of the most painful and traumatic injuries a person can suffer. They can cause severe physical and emotional damage and have long-term effects on a person’s life. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you need to know the compensation options available.
Reach out to our Brandon personal injury attorneys at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., to discuss your situation and explore your options for compensation together. We can help you pursue the compensation to which you are entitled.
What is a Burn Injury?
A burn injury is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, sunlight, or radiation. The severity of a burn injury depends on the depth and extent of the burn. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, burns are classified as:
- First-degree burns only affect the outer layer of the skin and manifest in the form of redness and swelling.
- Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying layer of the skin and cause blisters, severe pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burns affect the innermost layer of skin as well as subcutaneous tissue.
- Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and go through all layers of the skin and underlying tissue.
A burn of any degree is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
There are many causes of burn injuries, but the five most common are:
- Fire and flames. This is the leading cause of burn injuries and results from exposure to open flames, explosions, fire pits, and hot objects.
- Scalding. This occurs when hot liquids or steam encounters the skin, causing burns.
- Chemical burns. This type of burn occurs when a corrosive substance, such as a cleaning product or battery acid, meets the skin.
- Electrical burns. This type of burn is caused by exposure to electricity, either by contact with a live wire or a lightning strike.
- Sunburn. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to sunlight and can cause painful, blistering burns.
For example, victims of car accidents can suffer burn injuries from the fire and flames at the scene and electrical burns due to contact with exposed currents from the vehicle’s active electrical system.
The Dangers of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects. Depending on the severity of the burn injury, there may be scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and disability. Burn injuries can also put a person at risk for infection, dehydration, and shock. In addition to the physical effects, burn injuries can also have a significant emotional impact, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Compensation Options After Suffering a Burn Injury
If you have suffered a burn injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. The most common options for compensation are insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits. Insurance claims involve filing a claim with your insurance company or against the at-fault party’s insurance company to cover the costs of your medical treatment and other covered damages.
If the other party is at fault for your burn injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. You might want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get a Free Consultation From a Brandon Burn Injury Attorney Toady
If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury, our attorneys at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., can review the facts of your case and determine the compensation options available to you. Reach out to our offices in Brandon or Tampa to schedule a free consultation.