Causes of Serious Burn Injuries
Individuals may sustain burns for a variety of different reasons. These reasons can be the result of an accident, negligence, or a defective product. There are several different agents such as fire, heat, chemicals, or friction that may cause burns. Some of the common causes of burns include:
� Fires in a home or vehicle in which the victim is present
� Household chemicals such as laundry detergents, cleaning sprays and powders, etc.
� Defective household products which may cause electric burns
� Fireworks
� Radiation
� Scalding Liquids such as coffee and tea
The most common cause of burns is a fire or an open flame. The ABA estimates that fires/flames account for 43 percent of all burns.3
Receiving Compensation for Your Burns
Burn victims who sustain their burns as a result of someone else's negligence or a defective product may be able to receive compensation for the injuries. Some of the common damages for which burn victims may recover include:
Medical Expenses
Burn victims are often required to seek medical attention depending upon the severity of the burn they suffer. Burns not only affect the layers of skin but also the nerves, muscles, and even bones in the affected areas. Hospitalization may be necessary in order to help care for the burns and any potential complications that may arise in the affected areas. Depending on the cause of the burns, the victim may suffer collateral injuries such as smoke inhalation. The extent of damage caused by the burn may also require that a burn victim enter rehabilitation in order to regain mobility to strength in the affected areas.
The severity of burns can leave the victim with physical deformities and outward reminders of the burn. Reconstruction procedures such as cosmetic surgery and skin grafting may be necessary to restore normalcy of the victim�s appearance. It may also be important to do so in order to help quell any psychological issues which may be the result of the physical deformities caused by the burns.
Loss of Income
Hospitalization is expensive not only because of high costs. The high costs of hospitalization can also extend to an individual�s inability to earn income. Serious burn victims who require hospitalization may lose income as a result of their inability to work while hospitalized. The severity of the burn can also result in a permanent disability. This can result in the victim becoming unable to work and earn the same or comparable amount as before. Thus, it is important to consider the implications of both current and future loss of income.
Pain and Suffering
Burns may be both physically and psychologically painful. Although many recover from the pain of their burns, it is still possible to continue to feel pain in affected areas for extended periods of time. Additionally, many burn victims may find themselves dealing with emotional trauma caused by the burn.
Punitive Damages
Depending on the cause of the victim�s burn, a court may require the offending party to pay additional damages in order to help discourage the offender and others from repeating the act which caused the victim�s burns. This may be the case if the burns are due to arson, a drunk driving accident, or other offensive behavior.
Contact a Clearwater, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today
Burns are serious injuries that may cause long-lasting or permanent injuries. You may be entitled to receive compensation if your burns were caused by another person�s negligence. We at the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, Florida work tirelessly to zealously advocate on behalf of our clients. We will analyze your case in order to ensure that we can aggressively pursue all available claims so that you recover nothing less than the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 727-451-6900 and schedule a free consultation with one of our team�s skilled personal injury attorneys.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
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