What Type of Burn Injuries Can Occur as a Result of a Car Accident?

According to the America Burn Association (ABA), more than 480,000 burn or fire injuries are seen at emergency departments yearly. The leading causes of burn injuries, according to the association, include fire-flame, electrical, and chemicals.

The American Burn Association also states that approximately 96% of people treated today in burn centers across the nation will survive. Unfortunately, even when a victim survives a burn injury, the chances are, they’ll be left with severe scarring. Sometimes, people are even left with life-long disabilities. Such adverse effects of burn injuries can drastically change a victim’s life.

Types of Burn Injuries That Can Result From a Car Accident

Fires may be rare in car accidents, but they do happen. Also, after a Florida car accident, you could end up sustaining burns because of other reasons other than a car fire. After a car accident, a victim risks suffering a first-, second-, third- or fourth-degree burn.

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn is the least severe of burns. Such a burn only affects the skin’s outer layer. In the case of a car accident, a first-degree burn can happen when your exposed skin rubs against a seat belt. Such a burn can be painful. However, even though first-degree burns can be painful, it usually takes a few days for an accident victim to heal from such a burn.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are much more severe than first-degree burns. These burns affect the skin’s outer and second layers. If, after a car accident, a victim’s skin gets into contact with hot metal, the victim could suffer a second-degree burn.

Second-degree burns can take weeks to heal. Additionally, if you sustain a second-degree burn, you might need to undergo skin grafting.

Third-Degree Burns

A third-degree burn is more severe than a first- and second-degree burn. Such a burn destroys the skin’s outer and second layers and penetrates the skin’s innermost layer. Third-degree burns can even cause damage to nerve tissues.

Often, third-degree burn victims require skin surgery. Also, the healing process in a third-degree burn case doesn’t end after a victim leaves the hospital. Victims many times need to go through therapy after leaving the hospital.

Fourth-Degree Burns

A fourth-degree burn is the most severe of all burns. Fourth-degree burns invade all skin layers and extend to nerve tissue and muscles. Such burns can even damage bones. Unfortunately, fourth-degree burns can be fatal, and those that survive fourth-degree burns require extensive treatment.

Get Help if You Sustained a Burn Injury in a Car Accident

If, after a car accident, you sustain severe burns, seek medical attention immediately. After taking care of your health, you can think about seeking compensation for your burn injury if someone else’s negligence caused your injury. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm can help you deal with your personal injury claim’s legal aspects while you focus on healing. We can fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Our team of professionals also has experience in helping families after the wrongful death of a loved one. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas.

Resource:

ameriburn.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/nbaw-factsheet_121417-1.pdf