BURN INJURIES
The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting us from elements and keeping our other systems hydrated and protected from infections. But skin can be damaged easily, especially by heat, caustic chemicals, and electrical contact which can cause burn injuries.
People can suffer burns from any number of injuries, from staying in the sun too long to being burnt by hot liquid or steam.
Burn injuries can be life-threatening emergencies.
More than 480,000 patients sought treatment for burns between 2011 and 2015. Almost one-fourth of victims were under 15 years old.
Medical professionals classify burns by how deeply the skin is damaged. A first-degree burn typically causes redness and pain, but it only affects the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns extend further into the skin to the dermis, causing swelling, blisters, and red, white, or splotchy skin. These burns can cause severe pain and leave scars.
The most serious burns are third-degree burns, which extend to the fat layer beneath the skin. The skin may be discolored white, brown, or black. These burns often destroy nerves and leave burned areas numb. Some burns can develop symptoms over one or two days.
Medical treatment is critical when you have a severe burn or burns that cover a large area of the body. Infections can set in, complicating healing and treatment. Some injuries can result in burns to the airway, making it hard to breathe. If burns were caused by electricity or chemicals, there can be other injuries, as well.
Burn injuries often need ongoing care to maintain flexibility in the skin. Specialized care from burn centers can help patients survive and thrive. But medical care for burn victims can be expensive. In addition to immediate treatment, patients with burn injuries often require skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. A patient with burn injuries may face medical bills upwards of $360,000.
Burn injuries can happen at home or at work, due to faulty products or inadequate warnings on products, or in traffic accidents.
If you have suffered a burn injury, attorney Philip D. Burnett at Burnett Law in Crossville can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering. Mr. Burnett has more than 25 years of experience helping injured clients get the help they need to recover after a traumatic injury.