In our previous blog, “Top Causes of Catastrophic Injuries,” we discussed the legal definition of catastrophic injuries and the leading causes of such injuries. Among the common types of catastrophic injuries are burn injuries, which can be caused by any number of negligence-related accidents or actions, including:
- Reactional activity accidents (i..e cooking classes, bonfires, barbecues, etc.).
- Medical procedures.
- Instances of violence.
- Gas explosions.
- Flammable liquids.
- Flammable clothing.
- Electrocutions.
- Defective products.
- Chemical accidents.
- Car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicular accidents.
- Building fires.
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns are typically categorized as catastrophic injuries because they are the most severe burns. Third-degree burns can cause the skin to appear leathery, red, white, or black, and they can affect the layers of your skin, nerves, bones, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Fourth-degree burns affect those same areas as well as your organs and can often require special treatment or the amputation of the affected area.
If your burn injuries were sustained because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Below, we will discuss the common types of burns that a person can sustain in fire or flammable material-related accidents.
Types of Burn Injuries You Can Sustain
There are different types of burn injuries that a person can sustain in an accident. Here are five common types of burns:
- Thermal burns. Reportedly, thermal burns are the most common type of burn injury people sustain, and these burns account for nearly 86% of burn patient center admissions. Thermal burns can be caused by contact with excessive heat from fire, steam, hot liquids, and/or hot surfaces.
- Chemical burns. Chemical burns are burns that lead to tissue damage and are caused by exposure to harmful chemical components or substances, such as strong acids, drain cleaners, paint thinner, and gasoline. In some cases, if the chemical is mild, a person may not realize they have suffered a burn, and the burn damage may only be superficial. However, in other cases, the burn can be major and may require medical treatment.
- Electrical burns. Electrical burns are sustained in accidents where a person’s skin or body comes into contact with electricity (i.e. lightning, stun guns, household or job site currents). While your skin may seem fine after an electrical burn, injuries from this type of burn can often be internal. In severe cases, damage occur to the skin, muscles, nerves, and/or blood vessels.
- Radiation burns. Cancer patients or those exposed to radiation during treatments can suffer from radiation burns that lead to skin sores, peeling, itching, and red skin. However, medical malpractice claims can arise if the burns and injuries are more severe than necessary. For instance, if your oncologist incorrectly determined the amount of radiation you needed or the machine was not properly calibrated, you may be able to seek compensation.
Skilled & Reliable Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Our firm is equipped to handle catastrophic injury claims, including burn and disfigurement injuries. The attorneys at Eliot Reiner, APLC can help you understand your legal rights and options and make informed case decisions.
Catastrophic injury victims can be compensated for their economic and non-economic damages. Many clients wonder how much their claim is worth; however, it can be hard to offer a general figure as a variety of factors impact the value of your case, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The impact the injuries have had on your lifestyle
- The long-term medical care you will need and its cost
- The cost of your incurred medical expenses
- The determination of whether you are still able to work in any capacity
- Your insurance coverage
- The strength of your case and evidence
- Your comparative liability
Our attorneys can also help you calculate your damages. In many cases, insurance companies offer clients lowball settlements as calculating damages, especially noneconomic damages (i.e. pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, etc.), can be challenging.
You don’t have to pursue compensation alone. Contact our firm online or via phone (916) 778-3228 to discuss your case with a member of our team.