Understanding Burn Injuries

August 29, 2023 | Burn Injury

Of all the different injuries a person can endure, burns rank among the worst. Aside from the extreme pain, treatments are often invasive, intensive, and come with lengthy recovery periods. Full recovery, of course, is never promised. Below our Dublin burn injury lawyer provides insights into these injuries.

Degrees of Injury

Burn injuries are classified into four different degrees. The higher the degree, the worse the burn. The Cleveland Clinic describes the different classifications:

• First degree burn injury: The surface of the skin is mildly damaged but a full recovery usually occurs within a few days or weeks.
• Second degree burn injury: Several layers of the skin are more seriously damaged and blisters may appear. A full recovery is likely, but permanent scarring may occur.
• Third degree burn injury: The damage is very deep and can affect deep tissues. The skin will become charred and permanent disfigurement is probable.
• Fourth degree burn injury: All layers of the skin are affected and tendons, ligaments, and bones can become damaged. Permanent disfigurement and even wrongful death are common.

What Causes Burn Injuries?

 Burn injuries have a multitude of causes, though the most common are:

• Defective products, such as baby clothes that are flammable
• Fires and explosions at car collisions
• Hot liquids
• House fires
• Tanning beds
• Surgical burns
• Industrial explosions

Regardless of what caused the burn, extensive and painful treatment will likely follow. The wounded skin may have to be scrubbed clean before skin grafts or plastic surgery. A burn injury may leave sufferers susceptible to dangerous infections. Recovery could span months or years, with some never fully regaining their health.

Can You Sue for a Burn Injury?

If another’s negligence caused the accident that led to your burn injury, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against them. A successful lawsuit will secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.

 When filing a claim, you must prove that another person was negligent, or careless, and that the negligent action caused an accident that resulted in your burn injury. Nevertheless, the negligent party may deny liability. If it is found that you were more than 50 percent at fault, then you will be barred from collecting any compensation.

Our Dublin Burn Injury Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case

Oliver Law Office understands the trauma of burn injuries and the challenges associated with filing a claim for compensation. Our experienced Dublin burn injury lawyer will work with you to overcome these challenges so that you obtain the maximum settlement you deserve. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to book a case evaluation and to learn more.

Sources:

codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.36

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns

Related Links:

• The Types and Degrees of Burn Injuries