Burn Injury Attorney in Denton, Texas
Every year, an average of nearly 500,000 people seek medical treatment for injuries and scarring caused by burns. An average of 3,000 to 4,000 people tragically lose their life from burn injuries every year. Even with first-rate medical care and attention, burn victims often experience permanent injury, including disfigurement, permanent scarring and the inability to function normally. Additionally, burn injuries are some of the most painful and emotionally devastating injuries that a person can sustain. They can lead to a lifetime of complications including pain, suffering and psychological issues for the victim, as well as their family.
Burns are typically categorized as one of four types, depending upon the severity of the burn:
- First-Degree burns are the most mild form of burn injury, and result in only pain and reddening of the outer layer of skin (also known as the epidermis).
- Second-Degree burns are more severe, and effect both the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and the lower layer of skin (the dermis). Second-degree burns usually result in severe pain, swelling, blistering, and irritation of the skin.
- Third-Degree burns are the most severe kind of burns, and go through both the epidermis and dermis (outer and inner layer of skin). Third-Degree burns affect the deeper tissue of the body, and usually result in charred or blackened skin. Healing time for a third-degree burn can easily take several months to more than a year. Additionally, these type of burns often result in permanent scarring that will never go away. Plastic surgery can sometimes help to reduce to the appearance of these scars, but many will always remain.
- Fourth-Degree burns extend through both layers of skin, and deep into the underlying fat, muscle, and bone. These burns often result in functional impairment, permanent disability, and sometimes even death. Nerve endings are destroyed, and skin, tendons, muscles, and bones are often damaged beyond repair. Organ damage is also common. Obviously, the result of a fourth-degree burn (if the person is lucky enough to survive) is catastrophic, and can cause both physical and psychological injuries that will almost certainly remain with a person for the rest of their life.
- In addition, although not commonly referenced, burns can be classified as Fifth and Sixth-Degree, as well. These types of burn injuries generally include all of the above damage, and more. These burns can often result in the death of a person.
CAUSES OF BURNS
According to recent studies, most burns are caused by an external source classified as Thermal (heat-related), Chemical, Electrical and Radiation.
Thermal Burns from fire and hot liquids are the most common types of burn injuries in the United States. House fires are some of the most frequent causes of injuries and deaths of this nature. People inside a home are often inured, as well as firefighters attempting to extinguish a fire or save another person trapped in a home.
Scalding is another form of Thermal burns, and is often caused by hot liquids, bath water that has become dangerously over-heated, cooking oil, or steam. Injuries involving scalding are most common among children under 5 years old, and generally result in first or second-degree burns. Third and fourth-degree burns are less common, but certainly possible.
Chemical Burns cause approximately 5 to 15% of all burns, and can contribute to as many as 40% of all serious burn-related injuries and deaths. Common causes of chemical burns include toxic acids commonly found in household cleaners, bleach and paint solvents. These acids can cause very deep burns which may not produce immediate symptoms. It is important that burns of this type are carefully monitored long after the initial contact is made. Additionally, certain acids can break down and destroy red blood cells, leading to serious complications, including death.
Electrical Burns are caused by exposure to high voltage, and are often caused by faulty electrical cords and outlets. Children are often inured by these kinds of burns. Bone fractures, dislocations, and muscle damage can often accompany burns of this kind. In addition, contact with both high and low voltage can result in heart conditions, and even cardiac arrest.
Radiation Burns are often caused by extended or over-exposure to ultraviolet light. Tanning beds, welding equipment, and X-ray equipment often cause these types of burns. The most common cause of radiation burns is sun exposure. Failure of companies to provide proper sun protection (either through the use of sunscreen, sun-shielding equipment and clothing, or protected work-areas) is often the reason for these kinds of burn injuries.
Non-Accidental Burns are generally recognized as those caused by the criminal actions of another. These can include child abuse, elder abuse, spousal abuse, or any other form of assault against another person. Domestic violence often results in non-accidental burns, as well.
Types of Burn Injury Accidents
Our Dallas/Fort Worth burn injury attorneys represent individuals who have been burned or experienced serious scarring due to:
- Workplace injury
- Truck accident
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Electrical cord fires
- Defective products
- Tanker explosions
- Oil and gas rig accidents
- Locked fire exits
- Scalding water accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Recreational fire accidents
- Firework accidents
Burn Injury Treatment & Complications
Burn injuries can cause a wide array of injuries, ranging from a simple swelling to death. Surgery, skin grafts, and rehabilitation are all common with burn injuries. Victims often experience intense pain and suffering, and can have severe scarring and disfigurement which can last their entire lives. Cosmetic and plastic surgeries are often necessary in an attempt to address and repair extensive damage. The physical and emotional damage caused by burn injuries can be absolutely debilitating.
Prosthetic devices, wheelchairs and disability accommodations are often required to get a person back into everyday life. Of course, these can come at a very considerable cost. In addition, victims of burn injuries can experience severe psychological and emotional distress, and may suffer from things like Depression, Anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What Can the Denton Texas Burn Injury Attorneys at Ross Law Offices, P.C. do for you?
Because burn injuries can include extremely severe injuries, with both physical and psychological ramifications, it is extremely important to have attorneys fighting for you who understand what you are going through.
At Ross Law Offices, P.C., we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and go over every option you may have. Don’t hesitate. Contact us online now or call us at (940) 230-2400.