The Basics of Burn Injuries
In addition to being painful injuries, burns often involve other complications such as infection and disfigurement. Pain management is also a frequent issue with burn injuries. How do burn injuries commonly occur? Actually, burns can occur in many situations including in the workplace and during car accidents. If you believe your burn injuries are the result of the negligence of someone else, then you should speak to a Rogers personal injury accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your possible claims.
Recognizing the Different Degrees of Severity
As most people know, there are different degrees of severity of burn injuries. A burn is defined as an injury that is caused by exposure to heat, flames, or in some cases, chemicals. The degrees of severity are categorized by the amount of damage to the skin skills and underlying tissues. A fourth degree burn, which is the most severe, affects all skin layers and underlying tissues, including muscles and organs. Fourth degree burns are most often fatal.
A third degree burn is the most severe and is often referred to as “full thickness” burns because they affect both layers of skin along with the tissues beneath and often result in nerve damage. There may not be any pain because of the nerve damage. Skin that has suffered a third degree burn will appear blackened.
A second degree burn, or partial thickness burn, is serious but not quite as severe as a third degree burn. It also affects both layers of skin but does not damage the nerves. Skin that has suffered a second degree burn will appear red, swollen and blistered. A first degree burn is the least severe and only affects the first layer of skin. There will still be pain, redness, and swelling. One individual can suffer various degrees of burns over their bodies from the same injury. In other words, certain parts of your body could be burned more severely than others.
The Scope of Compensation for Burn Injuries
It goes without saying that burn injuries require immediate medical treatment. Health care providers will need to first assess the severity of the burns in order to determine the proper plan of treatment. Treatment of burns will often include infection control and prevention, pain management, and maintaining skin integrity.
If your burns are the result of someone’s negligent actions, then it is also important for your health care providers to document the extent of your injuries. Always be proactive about your injuries and seek medical treatment. You may not realize how serious your injuries actually are.
Burns are Often Considered Catastrophic Injuries
It is very common for serious car accidents to result in physical and emotional injuries, as well as economic loss. However, a catastrophic injury is quite different from typical physical injuries. Catastrophic injuries are significantly more severe and often involve long-term care or permanent disability. The impact of a catastrophic injury is also more significant for the family members of the victim. This article will discuss some of the basic information regarding a catastrophic injury and how to handle your claims. Some of the most common examples of other catastrophic injuries include back, neck and brain injuries. Spinal cord trauma and brain damage, for example, usually result in permanent physical or cognitive injuries.
Compensatory Damages in Personal Injury Cases
In most personal injury cases, the injured party will seek compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of their injuries. This is the primary component of damages in a personal injury case. Reimbursement for medical treatment typically includes compensation for treatment already received, as well as the estimated costs of any medical care that may be required in the future. Additionally, the injuries suffered can have a substantial impact on the victim’s ability to return to work, either temporarily or permanently. In that case, damages may include future income.
If you have questions regarding compensation for burn injuries or any other personal injury matters in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a free consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us toll-free at (800) 364-8305.
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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