Venice Burn Injury Attorney
Burns are considered to be one of the most devastating types of injuries that a person can sustain, as they are both painful and extremely difficult to treat. These injuries also tend to occur more often than most people realize. In fact, the American Burn Association estimates that as many as 1.1 million people seek medical attention for serious burns every year.
Sustaining this type of catastrophic injury is always devastating for the victim, but can feel even more unfair when the injured party was not at fault for the accident that caused the burns. Fortunately, it is possible for those who suffer these kinds of serious injuries, to obtain compensation for related losses, so if you or a loved one were recently injured in an accident, you should speak with an experienced Venice burn injury attorney who can help you file a claim.
BURN CLASSIFICATIONS
Burn injuries generally fall into one of three categories: first degree, second degree, and third degree burns. First degree burns are the least serious of the three categories and only result in damage to the top layer of a victim’s skin (i.e. a sunburn). Second degree burns, however, are much more serious, as they involve damage to two layers of skin, leading to blisters, open wounds, and hair and skin loss. Unlike first degree burns, second degree burns require immediate medical attention. Finally, third degree burns, which are the most severe, are characterized by damage to the skin, as well as underlying muscle, tissue, and even bone. Sadly, third degree burns often prove to be fatal, especially if they cover large portions of a person’s body, as this leaves victims extremely susceptible to infection.
COMMON CAUSES, TREATMENT, AND COMPENSATION
Second and third degree burns are typically associated with explosions, but can actually be attributed to a number of different causes, including:
- Coming into direct contact with fire through engine fires;
- Direct contact with hot liquids or surfaces, including boiling water or hot oil;
- Exposure to electricity from collapsed power lines or defective household products; and
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, which can cause burns so severe that they permanently damage the internal organs, bones, and deep tissues.
Treating these types of severe burns is expensive, as it usually involves multiple surgeries, prolonged hospitalization in a clean room, the use of medication to ease pain, reduce swelling and scarring and protect from infection, and physical therapy to help victims regain movement. Paying for this kind of expensive and long-term treatment should not be shouldered by victims alone, especially by those who were not responsible for their injuries. Instead, burn victims can and should consider seeking monetary compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress from the at-fault party.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY
To speak with one of the experienced Venice burn injury lawyers at Hale Law about recovering compensation for your own burn injuries, please call our office at 1-800-800-1414 or send us an online message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.