Serious burn injuries can have severe and life-altering effects on a victim. Many burn injuries result from negligence. In pursuing a case for compensation for a burn injury, it is important to take into account that the victim can suffer a lifetime of pain and discomfort as well as some type of disfigurement. There can be a long road of physical therapy and medical treatments.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns can result from contact with heat, chemicals, or electricity. Burn injuries generally fall within one of three categories:
- First-degree burns—are relatively mild and rarely lead to long-term consequences, and they typically heal in a few days. A sunburn is a good example of a first-degree burn.
- Second-degree burns—penetrate deeper into the skin and can lead to blistering and other problems. Second-degree burns are typically painful and can result in scarring. A skin graft may be required to adequately treat the burn.
- Third-degree burns—the most serious type of burn injuries. The entire skin has been penetrated, and underlying tissue may be damaged. Third-degree burns are potentially life-threatening and can result in destroyed nerve endings and significant disfigurement. There is also an extreme risk of infection.
In addition to their severity, burns can also be categorized based on their location and extent. A victim may have extensive burns over a large part of their body. A medical professional will determine the total body surface area of the burn.
Causes of Burn Injuries
In many instances, burn injuries are the result of negligence. Some common causes of burn injuries include:
- Car accidents involving fire
- Touching a hot surface that wasn’t labeled as hot
- Chemical spills or splash
- Exposure to hot steam or liquids
- High voltage shocks
- House or building fires
- Construction accidents
- Defective products that cause fires
Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve sustained a burn injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping negligence victims for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.