Each year, millions of burn injuries occur that will require emergency room treatment. Burn injuries can range from minor, or first degree, to severe, or third degree. There are numerous causes of burn injuries and many are the result of negligent behavior. Burns can be extremely painful, require long recovery times, require surgical repair and more. The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, have helped several clients suffering from burn injuries. We understand that burn injuries can be among the most serious of all injuries. Depending upon the severity of the burn, burn victims might never fully recover from their injuries and will be left with permanent scarring or loss of feeling. If you suffered from burn injuries because of the negligence of another person or party, you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney who cantake the necessary steps to protect your rights.
Causes of Burn Injuries
Burns can result from accidents caused by a broad range of negligent behavior. When a burn injury results from negligent behavior, the victim deserves compensation for the cost of their medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional, physical or psychological damage.
Potential causes of burns include, among others:
- Car Accidents – Serious car accidents can result in burn injuries due to the presence of flammable gasoline. Fires and explosions can transform a car accident into a deadly flammable situation quickly. If the car accident was the result of a negligent driver, the driver should be liable for compensation to the burn victim.
- Electrical Burns – Electrical burns can be caused by electric shock. These burns can result in internal damage, including cardiac arrest, as well as external burns. Electrical burns most often result from workplace accidents.
- Chemical Burns – Chemical burns are caused by caustic chemical compounds. These burns are severe and, depending upon the toxicity of the chemicals, can quickly burn to the bone. These injuries can be the result of any number of accidents. Truck accidents in which the truck was carrying a toxic chemical can result in burn injuries. Workplace accidents can similarly result in chemical burns due to a lack of proper safety equipment or unsafe workplace conditions.
Treatment of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result in scarring and hold the potential for infection. Severe burns might also result in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in which severe burns cause the lungs to fail. Treatment for burn injuries will depend upon the degree of the injury. Third-degree burns will likely require skin grafting or artificial grafts. Treating burns can be complex and could also require multiple procedures and a long recovery time.