Burn injuries are more common than most people think. Burns can also be much more painful than other types of injuries and can cause permanent damage to victims. If you’ve recently suffered a burn injury, you may wonder if you are eligible for compensation for the damages. To learn more, read this blog or reach out to one of our Queens Personal Injury Attorneys today!
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BURN INJURIES?
The four main types of burn injuries are:
- Thermal burns are caused by heat sources (like fire or hot liquids) that raise the temperature of skin tissue and cause cell death and charring
- Chemical burns occur when strong acids, detergents, solvents, or alkalies come into contact with the skin or eyes
- Electrical burns are from an electrical current (like an exposed wire) and are most common in the workplace.
- Radiation burns are due to prolonged exposure to sources of radiation like X-rays or the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
You’ve also probably heard of the various degrees of burns. First-degree burns are the least severe because they only damage the top layer of the skin and heal on their own fairly quickly. Meanwhile, second-degree burns damage the first two layers of skin and cause painful blisters. Third-degree burns destroy the first two layers of your skin and damage nerve endings. Lastly, fourth-degree burns are the most severe because they destroy all layers of your skin and can possibly damage your bones and muscles too. Fourth-degree burns have the potential to be life-threatening.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A BURN INJURY?
Unless you suffered a mild first-degree thermal burn, you likely need to seek medical attention immediately. To prevent infection, you should always make sure to keep the area clean and bandaged. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, you might need to undergo a skin transplant procedure, also known as skin grafting. If the accident that led to your burns was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should keep medical records indicating the extent of your injuries in the event that you file a personal injury claim.
IS MY INJURY ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION?
This depends on what led to your burns. If your injury was caused by another person or party, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An attorney can help you gather evidence to prove another person’s negligence is responsible for your injuries. You could also be eligible for workers’ compensation if your burn injury occurred in the workplace. Burns may be more likely for employees who work with heavy machinery or chemicals.
Are you a recent victim of burn injuries? Are you seeking a talented personal injury attorney that has your best interests in mind? Look no further because the Law Offices of George Poulos is here to fight for you! Contact our experienced team today for an initial consultation.
