Burn Injuries

Thousands of people each year are seriously burned in accidents resulting in painful injuries, scars, and disfigurement. Burn injuries are among the most painful and long lasting injuries that a person can suffer. Serious burn injuries usually involve long-term rehabilitation. Few people know that burn injuries are second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Burn patients often require long term hospitalization and burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can cost as much as $250,000 in initial hospitalization costs and physician fees. For extensive burns, there are additional significant costs that will include costs for repeated hospitalizations, skin grafts, scar revision surgery, and quite often treatments for infections and other complications.

The majority of serious burn injuries are caused by car accidents, gas explosions, scalding water, electrical accidents, industrial accidents, gasoline spills, household fires, candles, and lighters and matches.

Burns are categorized according to their severity as first, second, or third degree burns. First degree burns are minor burns involving only the top layer of skin. Sunburns are examples of first-degree burns. This type of burn is red and hot, but there is no swelling or blistering. Second degree burns involve the top layer of skin and the layers underneath. The skin is light red and blistery, somewhat swollen and moist, and oozing. The pain is extremely severe. Third degree burns involve all the layers of the skin. The burn will destroy the nerves and the blood vessels in the skin. There is very little pain at first, but the pain will become severe. The burn area is white, yellow, black, or dark red. The skin will be dry and leathery. As the burns heal there will be dense scarring and possible skin grafting. Often patients with third degree burns will suffer from serious infections, organ failures, and other complications.

Severe burn injuries are excruciatingly painful and can result in horrible scars and skin grafting, causing permanent disfigurement. This is what some of the best burn doctors call "the unseen injury." For the best chance of recovery, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment after suffering a burn injury. Photographs of the victim at every stage, including his or her recovery, and while undergoing treatment, are critical to properly documenting the extent of the injuries. Only a trained legal photographer should be used for these types of "documentary" photographs.

The attorneys at Sweeney Julian are experienced with burn injury cases. They know how to properly handle a burn injury case so that evidence is secured and your rights are protected. If you feel you have been the victim of such an injury, and the injury resulted from the careless or negligent actions of another, it is important that you consult with an attorney immediately. We have the confidence and experience to handle your case and achieve the outcome you deserve.

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