Potential Causes of Burn Injuries
There can be many different causes of burn injuries. Serious auto and trucking accidents, as well as accidents involving buses and motorcycles, can result in serious burns due to the presence of large amounts of gasoline on the scene. Oil and gas are the leading cause of fire-related burns. Both of these substances are extremely flammable and prone to explosion under great pressure. Burn injuries also occur in the industrial or construction setting. In addition to fire exposure, burn injuries can result from exposure to chemicals, electricity, radiation and scalding liquids. Another rather common cause of burn injuries is defective products.
Medical treatment for catastrophic burn injuries
Similar to traumatic spinal cord and brain injuries, catastrophic burns often result in long-term or permanent disability. These injuries typically require years of rehabilitation and medical care, resulting in substantial medical expenses, at the time of the injury and in the future.
Secondary complications of burn injuries
Burns range from first degree to fourth degree. First degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. Whereas, third degree burns reach through the full depth of skin to the tissue. The worst burns, which typically result in loss of limbs, not only is the skin tissue destroyed, but the underlying tendons, bones and muscle tissue are also damaged.
In addition to the damage from the burn itself, victims of burn injuries become at higher risk of other serious medical conditions, including infections, severe scarring and permanent internal organ damage. When fire is involved, victims may also suffer from smoke inhalation, causing asphyxiation or severe injury to the lungs.
Nonphysical damages resulting from catastrophic burn injuries
Severe emotional trauma is very common with serious burn injuries, stemming from the event itself, as well as the resulting scarring or disfigurement. Immediate medical attention is critical to receiving proper care and minimizing the permanent impact of the injury.
Initial treatment for severe burns often requires a year of hospitalization, followed by years of additional treatment, including multiple surgeries, wound care therapy, and psychological counseling. Due to the intensive medical treatment required, burn injuries usually very expensive. The victims are very likely to miss a substantial amount of time from work, or may not be able to return to their employment.
If you have questions regarding burn injuries, or any other catastrophic injury issues, call the Cottrell Law Office at (888) 433-4861.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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