Almost everyone has experienced the minor burn from sun exposure, but when burns are caused in accidents, the damage can be far more severe. Beyond the initial pain, serious burns may leave a person permanently scarred or disfigured. If you or a loved one has suffered significant burns in an accident, you should reach out to a Charlottesville burn injury lawyer to discuss your case. While you focus on your medical recovery, we can investigate liability, gather documentation, and pursue the damages you are entitled to.
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Common Causes of Burns
- Scalding liquids or steam
- Chemical burns from solvents, acids, or detergents
- Electrical burns
- Burning metals, such as from machinery
- Friction burns from crashing a motorcycle or bicycle
- Inhalation burns from breathing in toxic chemicals
- Workplace fires
- Defective products that spark or improperly heat
The Different Classifications of Burns
- First Degree Burns—These burns are superficial and, according to Healthline, most first-degree burns will heal in 7-10 days without scarring. If the burn covers a large area, is on the face or a joint, it is still important to seek guidance from a doctor. Signs of first-degree burns include redness, pain, and swelling.
- Second Degree Burns—Also known as a partial thickness burn, these affect some of the second layer of skin called the dermis. These burns frequently blister and will be painful unless the nerve endings have been destroyed.
- Third Degree Burns—These are considered full-thickness burns. In addition to fully destroying the dermis, there is potential for damage to the muscle, bone, and tendon underneath. The skin will look charred and could be white or blackened. Since nerve endings will have been damaged in the burn, the immediate area will not feel painful.
- Fourth Degree Burns—After burns like these, a patient will require surgery and may have to adjust to permanent disfigurement. According to Stanford Health Care, burns that cover over 10 percent of a child’s body or 15-20 percent of an adult’s body will require hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation.
Recovery from more severe burns can mean years of medical treatment. The victim may require reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, and both physical and mental health therapy to cope with the initial damage. Even less extensive burn victims will experience pain and suffer psychologically, and should receive compensation for their injuries.
Contact a Charlottesville Burn Injuries Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Compensation can help cover medical treatment, lost wages from time away from work, therapy for emotional distress, and more. A knowledgeable Charlottesville burn injury lawyer at MichieHamlett can review your case and explain the next steps for filing a comprehensive claim. For guidance and support, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
