Are Burn Injuries Catastrophic?

 Posted on June 03, 2024 in Burns

While many of us may have experienced a slight burn from cooking or working, burn injuries that are sustained in accidents or occur as a result of another party’s reckless or negligent behavior can be very serious. Burn injuries can have life-changing effects in addition to being incredibly painful and difficult to recover from. Because burn injuries have the potential to alter how someone lives his or her life permanently, they can be considered catastrophic in many circumstances.

If you have experienced a burn injury that has resulted in severe effects or a life-changing condition, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. A skilled Illinois burn injury lawyer can answer your questions about this process.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries vary in their effects, and their severity depends on how deep a burn goes through the layers of skin. Even though mild and slightly painful burns are somewhat common, severe burn injuries can be very painful and catastrophic.

The main types of burn injuries include:

• First-degree burns – These are the least severe, and there is generally only a small amount of pain, swelling, or redness. These injuries heal fairly quickly.
• Second-degree burns – These burns occur when a burn reaches the dermis, the second layer of the skin—a second-degree burn results in blisters, severe redness, pain, and swelling.
• Third-degree burns – This type of burn is very severe, and it affects the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Skin may appear white, charred, or blackened, and nerve damage, scarring, infections, severe pain, and other complications are possible.
• Fourth-degree burns – These burns damage all layers of the skin in addition to muscle and bone. They often result in serious health complications.

In general, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree burns are the types of burns most likely to cause long-lasting injuries and can typically be considered catastrophic.

Catastrophic Effects of a Burn Injury

Burn injuries have the potential to leave victims with catastrophic effects, such as:

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Disfigurement and deep scarring
• Chronic pain
• Amputations
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death in cases where burns are extensive and lead to fatal complications

Additionally, recovering from certain types of burn injuries can be incredibly emotionally traumatic and lengthy, not to mention expensive in terms of medical bills.

Contact a Winnebago County, IL Burn Injury Lawyer

Burn injuries are difficult to deal with, and if you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury because of the reckless or negligent behavior of another party, you might be able to pursue a claim. An experienced Rockford, IL burn injury attorney will provide further guidance about your legal options.

At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, our attorneys have extensive personal injury knowledge and a strong record of success with personal injury claims. Call us at 815-215-7561 for a free consultation on your case.