Burn Injuries and Their Frightening Aftermath

Approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. receive treatment for burn injuries each year. These injuries can cause immense physical, emotional and financial hardship. Understanding the different types and severity of burns, the treatment options available and the potential legal recourse for victims of burn injuries is crucial for anyone who has suffered them.

Burn injuries can occur in a variety of accidents and situations. The following are among the most common types of burns and their causes:

• Kitchen mishaps — Scalding from hot liquids or steam is a leading cause of burns, especially among young children and older adults.

• Fire incidents — House fires, workplace fires and even small cooking fires can inflict serious burns.

• Chemical burns — Exposure to harsh chemicals like acids or lye can cause severe tissue damage.

• Electrical burns — Contact with electricity can lead to deep burns and internal injuries.

• Sunburn — Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause significant burns, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

The severity of a burn is determined by its depth and affected area. Here's a breakdown of the different burn degrees:

• First-degree burns — These involve damage to the outer layer of skin (epidermis), causing redness, pain, and mild swelling. They typically heal within a week or two without scarring.

• Second-degree burns — These extend deeper, affecting both the epidermis and the underlying dermis. They cause redness, blistering, severe pain and swelling. Healing takes longer, and scarring may occur.

• Third-degree burns — These are the most serious, destroying both the epidermis and dermis, and often reaching the fatty tissue below. They appear white or charred, with minimal to no pain due to nerve damage. Extensive medical treatment is required, often involving skin grafts to repair the damage.

The course of treatment for burns depends on the severity. Minor first-degree burns can often be treated at home with cool compresses, pain medication, and OTC ointments. Second-degree burns may require professional care to manage blisters, infection risk, and pain. Third-degree burns are medical emergencies and necessitate hospitalization, often in specialized burn units. Treatment may involve extensive surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy.

Burn injuries can lead to significant legal damages recoverable through a lawsuit. These damages can be broadly categorized into economic and noneconomic losses.

• Economic damages — These are tangible costs resulting from the burn injury. They can include medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, rehabilitation costs and the need for future medical care.

• Noneconomic damages — These encompass the intangible suffering caused by the burn. This may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you have suffered a burn injury due to someone else's negligence, an attorney experienced in burn cases can be essential in obtaining the full measure of damages to which you are entitled.

Rich & Rich, P.C. in midtown Manhattan represents victims of burn injuries throughout the New York metropolitan area. Please call 917-746-3358 or contact us online for a free consultation.