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Burns

One of the most painful injuries that someone can suffer in a personal injury accident is burns. According to the American Burn Association, 398,000 fire or burn-related injuries occurred in 2021, in addition to 252,000 injuries related to hot objects or substances.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault that resulted in burns, it’s vital that you understand the path ahead.

Table of Contents

Classification of Burns

Burns are generally classified by their depth, known as degrees, corresponding to the layers of skin affected by the burn.

The degrees of burns include the following:

First-degree burns: A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. These burns are typically indicated by red, painful, and dry skin.
Second-degree burns: A second-degree burn extends to the epidermis and the dermis, the next layer of skin. These burns are usually indicated by red and blistered skin. They may be swollen and painful.
Third-degree burns: A third-degree burn is of full thickness. The damage extends past the epidermis and dermis, possibly into the subcutaneous tissue, the innermost layer of skin. These burns appear white or blackened and charred.
Fourth-degree burns: A fourth-degree burn destroys all the layers of skin and underlying tissue, possibly reaching muscle and bone. Because the nerve endings are destroyed, there is no feeling in the affected area.

Seeking prompt medical treatment following a burn injury is critical to accurately diagnosing your condition and

Common Types of Burns

There are several different types of burns, including the following:

Thermal burns: Thermal burns are caused when someone has direct contact with a heat source, which raises the skin’s temperature and causes tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, open flames, and steam are known to cause these types of burns.
Electrical burns: A person can sustain an electrical burn when they come into contact with a live electrical line or current.
Chemical burns: Chemical burns occur when the skin comes in contact with caustic chemicals, acids, or bases.
Radiation burns: Radiation burns are caused by prolonged exposure to radiation, such as X-rays or ultraviolet rays from the sun.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your claim and determine who is responsible for your injuries.

Common Causes of Burns

Burn injuries can occur for various reasons. They can occur when someone comes in contact with a flame or something hot. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of burn injuries, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, or truck accidents, when a victim comes into contact with hot metal or when there are explosions or fire. Train accidents, plane accidents, boating accidents, and bus accidents can also result in similar injuries.

Burn injuries can also occur due to medical mistakes, defective products, dangerous worksites, construction accidents, and hazardous conditions on property.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Burn Injury Claim?

Burn injuries can result in exorbitant medical expenses, but a personal injury claim may be able to provide financial compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment and transportation
Hospital stays
Burn center bills
Skin grafts
Plastic surgery
Rehabilitation and therapy
Follow-up visits with specialists or primary care physicians
Psychological counseling to help cope with the emotional trauma the accident caused
Vocational and physical therapy

Burn injuries may cause significant injuries and medical complications that lead to long-term absences from work or permanent disability. You can seek compensation for lost wages and any reduction in your permanent earning capacity caused by the accident. Additionally, you can pursue compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries.

What Is My Burn Injury Case Worth?

Every personal injury case is different.

To determine the value of your claim, your personal injury lawyer may consider the answers to the following questions:

What type of burn did you suffer?
What is the degree of the burn?
What types of medical treatment did you require? What did this treatment cost? How long did you have to go through treatment?
Did the burn cause any permanent disabilities or impairments?
Who is responsible for your injuries? What type of insurance do they have?
Did you contribute to your injuries?
What was the extent of your pain and suffering?
How have the burns affected your life?

After carefully reviewing these factors, we can give you a better idea about the potential value of your personal injury claim.

Contact Our Burn Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, the legal team at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.