Burn injuries are among the most painful and severe injuries from auto accidents. While some burns can be minor and cause temporary discomfort, others can cause permanent disfigurement and disability and require extensive treatment and recovery. If you suffered burns in an auto accident, knowing you don’t have to face this challenge alone is important. A burn injury lawyer can pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact the dedicated and experienced Lakewood burn injury lawyers of The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs today for a free legal consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
About Car Accident Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are among the most devastating traumas an individual can experience. Approximately half a million 486,000 people in the US seek medical care for burn injuries every year, according to the American Burn Association (ABA). The ABA also estimates 3,275 deaths occur due to fire or smoke inhalation in the US each year, with 310 deaths occurring due to vehicle fires. This means that one person dies due to a fire every 2 hours and 41 minutes, according to the ABA.
Types of Burns
Burns from car accidents can have varying levels of severity, depending on the situation and the degree of exposure to heat or flame. Generally, there are three types of burns, depending on the layer of skin affected and the intensity of the burn.
- 1st Degree: First-degree burns are the mildest type, usually affecting only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling.
- 2nd Degree: Second-degree burns are more serious, affecting both the outer layer of skin and the underlying dermis. Symptoms include redness, blisters, severe pain, and possible discoloration.
- 3rd Degree: Third-degree burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin and sometimes even bone and muscle tissue. Symptoms include charring, numbness, and white or black patches on the skin.
Causes of Car Accident Burns
Some of the most common causes of burn injuries that occur in car accidents include:
- Explosions: A gas tank can rupture or malfunction in a car accident, causing a serious explosion. The flames from the explosion can cause severe burns to those involved in the accident.
- Heat transfer: In some cases, heat transfer between two metal surfaces can cause a severe burn. For example, when two cars come into contact with each other at high speeds, the heat generated from the friction can cause serious burns.
- Flammable liquids: Cars carry flammable liquids such as gas and oil. When these liquids spill due to a collision, they can cause a fire which may result in burns to passengers and bystanders.
- Electrical fires: An electrical short circuit or exposed wiring can cause an electrical fire. These fires often spread quickly, making it difficult for people to escape without sustaining a burn injury.
- Fireworks: If someone transports fireworks in a vehicle involved in an accident, the impact can set off the fireworks, which can cause severe burn injuries.
Treatment for Burn Injuries
Burns can range from mild to severe, and treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Generally, treatment aims to reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen should help with pain relief for mild burns. Additionally, keeping the affected area clean and covered with a sterile bandage to protect against infection would be best.
For more severe burns, hospitalization may be necessary. In some cases, medical professionals may cover the burned area with a special dressing to help the skin heal and protect it from further damage. In extreme cases, burn victims may require skin grafting or plastic surgery to reduce the appearance of scarring.
It is important to note that severe burn victims often require long-term care and rehabilitation. This can include physical therapy, psychological counseling, occupational therapy, and other therapies depending on the severity of the injury. Burn victims may also require frequent follow-up visits with their doctor or healthcare team to monitor their progress.
Types of Compensation Available for Car Accident Burn Victims
When you are a victim of a car accident resulting in burn injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault party. Compensation for burn injuries from an auto accident may include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for any medical treatment related to the burn injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: Burn victims may receive compensation for lost wages, bonuses, and fringe benefits due to their inability to work due to their injury.
- Pain and suffering: Victims may receive compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the burn injury.
- Loss of consortium: Family members may be able to seek compensation if the victim’s burns affect their relationship with them.
Navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim after a car accident can be confusing and overwhelming. However, an experienced Washington car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your burn injuries.
How a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The help of a Washington car accident lawyer is essential when seeking compensation for burn injuries caused by an auto accident. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney will understand the ins and outs of injury law and can help you identify the potential sources of compensation. They can help you evaluate the strength of your case, provide legal advice, negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary. With our help, you can be sure you are getting the best outcome for your burn injury claim.
Speak With a Lakewood Burn Lawyer Today
If you suffered from burn injuries caused by an auto accident, contact The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs today to discuss your legal options. Our experienced burn injury attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping victims of car accidents seek the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (253) 588-6696 to learn how we can help you and your family recover after an auto accident through a free legal consultation.
