A burn injury is one of the most painful possible experiences that an individual can suffer. Victims have to deal with more than physical injury. Since the situation that caused the injury was likely traumatic, psychological issues are also common. The victim may have PTSD or other fears or anxieties related to the situation where their burn occurred. Besides mental and emotional health, a burn can have a major impact on financial wellbeing. On top of worrying about how to treat a burn, victims face steep financial costs. If your employer or landlord’s negligence caused your injury, our attorneys are Grabb & Durando are here to help!
All the concerns that follow a burn injury are a recipe for major stress and anxiety, but following a simple process can minimize your problems.
Here are three steps you can take when you suffer a burn:
1) Determine the Severity
Burns vary immensely in severity and each type requires unique action. Heat is the most common source and causes a thermal burn. However, chemical burns occur as well when dealing with harsh chemicals such as bleach. The degrees of injury are as follows:
- First-degree burns: These are minor and affect the upper layers of skin. Sunburns are a good example of this. They can be painful but are not usually serious enough to require immediate medical attention.
- Second-degree burns: This is also called a partial thickness burn, and affects both the upper layer of skin and the lower layer called the dermis. These are more painful and will often require more medical attention.
- Third-degree burns: These are also called full thickness burns, as they affect all layers of the skin as well as nerves. They require serious medical intervention to prevent permanent tissue damage.
- Fourth-degree burns: These are less well-known, as they are very rare. They not only affect the skin and nerves but also damage or destroy the muscle. They are the most severe type, and often result in death or permanent disability.
2) Seek Appropriate Medical Attention
Depending on what type of burn injury you sustained, you will want to seek the appropriate medical attention. For minor chemical burns, such as those in the first degree, you may only require basic first aid. The first step is to cool the burn, but be careful not to do this with ice water as this can cause further damage.
For simple injuries, antibiotic ointments can be helpful in preventing infection. However, you should avoid applying topical antibiotic or other creams to more severe injuries. The doctor will decide what treatment is necessary once they examine your burn areas, and may need to remove over the counter pain creams.
Severe injuries may require emergency transportation and treatment. When in doubt, call 911 and allow professional paramedics to assess your situation. It is better to be as safe as possible, as you do not want to have permanent damage.
3) Contact a Lawyer
Your first priority is your health and safety, so legal advice is likely the furthest thing from your mind when you are injured. However, treatment is often expensive. The National Business Group on Health estimates that a minor burn costs upwards of $200,000 to treat, and if it is severe it can cost over $1.5 million.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Burn
Burn injury costs can be staggering, and you need an injury attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve to cover medical costs, as well as for lost wages and for pain and suffering. If your landlord or employer ignored safety regulations, causing your burn, Grabb & Durando will give you the legal aid you deserve.
