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The lasting effects of burns, scarring and disfigurement

On Behalf of | Oct 11, 2018 | Uncategorized |

The day probably started like any other. You got up, got ready for your day and maybe had some breakfast and coffee before heading out. At some point during your day, you became involved in an accident and suffered serious injuries.

Whether you were the victim of a motor vehicle accident, a work-related accident or some other calamity, you suffered moderate to severe burns. These burns affect your quality of life from this point forward, and you may wonder whether you can pursue compensation from the party or parties responsible for your current and future health issues. In order to find out, you may want to consult with someone experienced in personal injury claims.

Facts about burns

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Because they affect the most visible part of the body, burns can be devastating to their victims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Burn Association reported the following data regarding victims of this type of injury:

  • Approximately 1.1 million people seek medical attention for burns each year
  • Around 50,000 people’s burns range from moderate to severe
  • Approximately 20,000 people suffer burns over a minimum of 25 percent of their bodies
  • Around 3,400 people die from the severity of their injuries.

Medical advancements have significantly decreased the mortality rate that used to exist for those who suffered moderate to severe burns.

Facts about the lasting effects of burns

Even with the advances in burn care, doctors can only do so much to alleviate conditions that could arise in the aftermath of a burn injury. Many patients who suffer moderate to severe burns end up spending days or weeks in the hospital. Even after a release from the hospital, this doesn’t mean that you won’t continue to experience medical issues such as the following:

  • Victims of moderate to severe burns continue to suffer from:
    • Infections
    • Immobility
    • Disfigurement
    • Permanent scarring
    • Psychological issues
    • Chronic and acute pain
  • Other lasting issues that burn victims could experience include the following:
    • Stiffness
    • Chronic itching
    • Numbness
    • Freezing or cold sensation
    • Cramping
    • Warmth

Even though burn injuries make up only around 1 percent of the injuries that occur across the country, including here in Texas, they represent a significant amount of the health care costs. For example, if you suffered severe burns but were lucky enough not to suffer from any complications, your total health care costs could reach around $1.6 million. Complications could easily increase the costs to approximately $10 million.

It’s bad enough that you may be scarred or disfigured for the rest of your life, but you may also suffer substantial financial losses due to medical bills, lost income and, perhaps, counseling costs. It may be in your best interest to explore your legal options and gain an understanding of your rights. Your next step could involve filing a lawsuit against the parties believed responsible for the accident that caused your injuries.

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