Suffering from a burn injury can be a life-changing experience. The physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term consequences can be overwhelming. If you have been a victim of a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable at (337)399-9000.
What are Burn Injuries?
Burn injuries are soft tissue injuries that can range from mild to severe. Depending on the type and severity, burns have potentially dangerous and life-changing long-term effects. Understanding the different types and degrees of burns can help you grasp the nature of your injury and what to expect during recovery.
How Common Are Burn Injuries?
In 2021, there were nearly 400,000 fire and burn-related injuries and 252,000 contact burn injuries, according to the CDC. In a single year, there were almost 700,000 burn-related insurance claims.
In 2021, 3,800 people were killed by fires and smoke inhalation. This included 3,010 structure fires and 680 motor vehicle fires.
Types of Burns
Burns can be classified by their type of cause. The cause or type is one of the most important considerations when treating a burn injury.
Types of burns include the following:
- Thermal burns. These are the most common burns and occur when skin comes into contact with hot objects, like flames, boiling liquids, steam, or hot surfaces.
- Electrical burns. Caused by an electric current passing through the body, these burns can cause significant internal damage even if the skin appears only slightly injured.
- Chemical burns. Resulting from exposure to acidic or alkaline substances, these burns can damage the skin, eyes, and even internal organs. Alkali burns are usually more serious than acid burns because they liquefy the skin and penetrate deeper into the tissue.
- Friction burns. These occur when skin rubs against a rough surface, causing both abrasion and heat damage. Motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and sports injuries are common causes.
- Radiation burns. These burns result from exposure to sources of radiation, such as the sun (UV rays), or medical treatments like radiation therapy.
About 86% of burn injuries are thermal injuries. Another 4% are electrical, and 3% of burns are chemical. Flames and scald burns are the top causes of burns in adults and children.
Degrees of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are classified into three or sometimes four degrees.
Classification is based on the severity and depth of the damage based on the American Burn Criteria:
- Superficial or first-degree burns. Affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing redness, minor swelling, and pain. They usually heal within a week without scarring.
- Partial-thickness or second-degree burns. Impact both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). They cause blisters and severe pain and can result in scarring.
- Full-thickness or third-degree burns. Destroy both the epidermis and dermis, extending into deeper tissues. The skin may appear white, charred, or leathery, and nerve damage can make these burns less painful initially.
- Fourth-degree burns. Sometimes, a fourth degree is added for the deepest injuries. The most severe, these burns extend into muscles, bones, and nerves. Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and can lead to significant disability or death.
Burns covering 20% or more of the body are considered severe. Significant burns to the face, genitals, and hands can also be severe.
What Are The Long-Term Consequences of a Burn Injury?
Burn injuries can have profound long-term effects on a victim’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Victims also face a high risk of complications, such as:
- Infection
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
- Amputation
- Burn shock
- Respiratory conditions
- Heart problems
- Mobility issues
- Vision loss
Severe burns can be catastrophic and life-changing. On top of these serious complications, which may have life-long effects, victims often struggle with chronic pain due to nerve damage or scar tissue. Many struggle with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the traumatic nature of the injury and its effects. Even first- or second-degree burns can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, which may amplify emotional turmoil.
What Causes Burn Injuries?
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries include:
- House fires
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective products like appliances, heaters, and commercial equipment
- Contact with chemicals. This is most common in industrial and manufacturing occupations.
- Contact with hot machinery or equipment
- Electrical malfunction or contact with live electrical wires
- Explosions
Many burn injuries involve workplace accidents. Anywhere from 10 to 45% of all burn injuries happen on the job. About 42% of work-related injuries and 10% of work-related deaths involve burns. Thermal, electrical, and chemical burns are common in the workplace.
Certain industries have an increased risk of burn injuries. High-risk industries include construction, industrial and chemical plants, food preparation, manufacturing, automotive servicing, and transportation. Specific occupations with a high risk of burn injuries include welders, electricians, food service workers, mechanics, laborers, and industrial workers.
What Is My Burn Injury Case Worth?
Here are some key elements that a personal injury lawyer may consider:
- What is the severity of the injury?
- How is your daily life affected?
- Will you be able to return to your job or any gainful employment?
- What were the circumstances of your accident?
- Do you share some fault for your accident? Louisiana’s pure comparative fault system means your compensation can be reduced based on your share of liability.
- How strong is your evidence to prove the other party’s negligence?
- What insurance coverage is available?
Every personal injury case is unique. There are many other factors that may affect what your case is worth.
What Compensation Can I Recover For My Burn Injury In Lafayette, Louisiana?
Louisiana law allows burn injury victims to seek compensatory damages after proving the other party’s negligence or strict liability. This includes economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic losses are the damages you suffered with a clear financial value. Non-economic losses are damages with no intrinsic financial value, such as pain, anguish, or impact on your daily life.
Here are some common examples of damages you may recover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to work or perform the job you once did
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages may only be awarded in limited cases involving drunk drivers, domestic violence, and a few other circumstances.
Contact Our Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Burn Injury
If you have suffered a burn injury in Lafayette, Louisiana, you do not need to take on the insurance company alone. Kenny Habetz Injury Law is here to help you fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Lafayette burn injury lawyer at (337)399-9000.
