Having a burn injury is an incredibly painful experience. If you have been injured in a fire or accident, you will want to consult with an attorney to find out what your legal options are. A good burn injury attorney can assist you with getting the compensation you deserve.
First-degree burns
Unlike second-degree burns, first-degree burns don’t usually have blisters or scars. However, if left untreated, they can lead to infection and scarring. They are typically mild, painful, and swollen.
First-degree burns are often treated at home, but if they are large or severe, it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room. Symptoms of first-degree burns include pain, redness, and swelling. The pain and redness can be relieved by applying a cold compress.
First-degree burns usually heal on their own. You’ll want to take extra care to prevent the burn from getting infected. Besides washing the burn with cool water, you should remove any clothing that may have become wet. You should also avoid using oils on the burn. These oils can prevent the skin from healing.
After first-degree burns, you’ll want to wash the area with cool water and soap. Apply a moisturizer to reduce the itchiness and help the skin heal. You should also avoid scratching the area. Scratching can damage the skin and may lead to scarring.
First-degree burns can take up to 20 days to heal properly. However, if you notice any symptoms, like swelling or a bluish fingernail, it’s a good idea to get medical care.
Second-degree burns, on the other hand, are more painful than first-degree burns. They involve damage to the outer layer of the skin and may affect the dermis. Second-degree burns can be covered with a non-stick bandage, and you can apply an antibiotic ointment.
Cost of treatment
Despite their low prevalence, burn injuries are among the most expensive injuries to treat. The average cost of burn treatment is estimated to be $10.4 billion per year. Burns cause complications that can result in prolonged hospitalization, physical rehabilitation, and expensive medications. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment can cost more than $1 million.
Burn patients often stay in the hospital for more than a week. In addition, they may require costly treatments like skin grafts and blood transfusions. Moreover, burns can cause permanent disfigurement. Patients may also require respiratory intubation and laboratory services.
Major burns usually require surgical intervention. Patients also incur high costs due to infections and disfigurement. Infections can be expensive and cause organ failure, sepsis, pneumonia, and other complications. In addition, burn patients are at risk for psychological complications.
Major burns may require serial debridement and skin grafting. Skin grafts take skin from areas of the body not affected by the burn. However, skin grafts are not always successful on their first attempt. Failure of a skin graft may prolong the healing process. In addition, burn patients may need psychological and physical rehabilitation.
The cost of treating burn injury may be difficult to quantify. Various methods have been used to calculate the cost of burn care. However, using a standard approach can improve insight into the costs of burn care.
Loss of income
Getting compensation for a burn injury can be challenging. It’s not uncommon for burn victims to end up with huge medical bills. Not to mention the financial burden placed on family members. Burn victims can also find themselves out of a job. The good news is that most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It’s also a good idea to talk to an attorney about the viability of your case.
The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to miss your entire salary. In most cases, a burn victim is only eligible for a percentage of their weekly paycheck. If you were the main source of income for your family, you may be looking at losing your home or being unable to pay for your loved ones’ college tuition.
A good burn injury lawyer will take the time to analyze your case and see if you are eligible for compensation. You may have a case against the product manufacturer, a negligent fire setter, or your employer. In many cases, the plaintiff may be able to recover lost wages and medical expenses from their employer’s insurance plan.
Getting compensation for a burn injury may also mean you are entitled to other forms of compensation, such as property damage or pain and suffering. Depending on the nature of the accident, a burn victim may need expensive medical treatment, a lifetime of therapy, or both.
If you need a burn injury attorney in Phoenix, AZ contact Gary Phillips Accident Law for a consultation.
