Have you been burned in an accident? Did a loved one die in an accident that involved a burn injury? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you may be eligible to file a burn injury lawsuit. When you reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707, we can assess your case and let you know if you have enough evidence to file a suit. If so, you may able to recover damages for lost wages, all medical costs, and your own pain and suffering.
Can you guess how many people sustain burn injuries each year?
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than two million people who seek out medical treatment due to a burn each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did their own study and found that around 50,000 burn injuries result in long-term hospital stays each year. Tragically, almost 15,000 people lose their life from burn injuries each year, or their complications such as infections.
The most common cause of burns isn’t a surprise
No one would likely be surprised that the most common cause of a burn is a fire. However, other causes may surprise you. For example, exposure to chemicals or radiation can be just as dangerous. Explosions are another top cause of burn injuries, and they can lead to other serious injuries such as head trauma, amputation, and injury to the spinal cord.
There are four different degrees of burn
Not all burn injuries are created equal. A first degree burn involves only the top area of skin and may appear red. It can be painful but it will require only very minor medical intervention. Those with a first degree burn can expect it to heal within a week.
A second degree burn also involves the top layer of skin but it also involves the reticular dermis and papillary. This type of burn is often moist and typically comes with a blister. This is also a painful burn and medical attention is required within the first few weeks it’s healing. Infection can result and scarring is often a reality.
A third degree burn goes through the entire skin and all its layers. This type of burn is white and looks a little leathery. It requires excision to get it off. If a third degree burn happens in certain areas, then amputation may be required. Scarring and a loss of function can also result.
A fourth degree burn goes below the layers of skin and can affect muscle and bones beneath. It looks black and must also be excised to be removed. Treatment options include amputation, and even if a limb is saved, loss of function is likely. Fourth degree burns often end in death.
If you’ve lost a loved one to a burn injury, or you’ve suffered one yourself, then you may be eligible for compensation. Reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free consultation and find out what your options are.
