Burns are known to be one of the most painful injuries a person can endure after an accident, and
they can occur in almost any situation. Vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, accidents at
home, and more can all lead to a victim suffering painful burns. At the Rocky Mountain Personal
Injury Center, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you after an
accident that caused burns. Call or contact us today to learn more.
Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can be caused in a number of different ways through many different types of
accidents. The most common causes of burn injuries include the following:
Dry heat: Caused by the heat of fire or explosions
Scalding: Caused by steam or hot liquids making contact with skin
Electrical: Caused by an electrical current passing through the body
Chemical: Caused by acidic or caustic chemicals coming in contact with the body
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns injuries are identified as one of three types — first, second, and third degree burns. A first
degree burn is the least severe and only damages the most outer layer of skin. A first degree burn
often causes some pain and redness that disappears in a few days.
A second degree burn damages the outer epidermis and the inner dermis layers of the skin. A
second degree burn can cause serious pain, redness, swelling, and blistering at the injury site. This
type of burn injury can cause some scarring and other permanent damage.
A third degree burn is the most severe and damages all layers of skin as well as other tissue like
nerves, muscles, and bone. This level of burn can result in charred or white skin and can be numb
if the nerve endings are destroyed by the burn injury. Third degree burns require significant
medical care to treat and victims must often undergo skin grafts and other procedures to recover.
Compensation is Critical for Burn Victims
Given the extensive medical treatment and lengthy rehabilitation that often comes with burn
injuries, the financial burden for victims can be significant. It is critical that burn victims get full
compensation for their injuries after an accident. Damages for a burn injury include payment for
all economic and noneconomic costs associated with the accident.
Economic damages compensate a burn victim for all current and future out-of-pocket costs caused
by the accident, which includes medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income and benefits, and
any property loss. Noneconomic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability,
disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Severe burn injuries often cause permanent
disfigurement and disability for victims, so noneconomic damages can be substantial in this type
of case.
In the worst burn accidents where the injuries prove fatal for victims, the family of the deceased
may also seek compensation for wrongful death. This includes compensation for all final medical
expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and payment for the loss of love, guidance, support, and
companionship of the victim.
Call or Contact Us Now
If you would like to speak with an expert in burn accidents, call the office or
contact us today at the Rocky Mountain Personal Injury Center to schedule a free consultation with
one of our highly qualified lawyers now.
