Burns are one of the most painful and life-threatening injuries a person can suffer, as well as one of the longest types of wounds to heal. When burns are catastrophically severe, the healing can take years or even a lifetime. 

This pain is made worse when the victim and their family and loved ones know another person’s negligent action or inaction caused the injuries. Here are some factors to consider when determining if you need to speak to a burn injury lawyer if you’ve suffered a burn injury.

How Common Are Burn Injuries?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) over 398,000 Americans are treated in emergency departments for burn injuries each year. Of this number, at least 29,000 require hospitalization, 1,290 require surgical treatment and prolonged mechanical ventilation, and at least 745 die. 

Types of Burn Injuries

Though the public often considers third-degree burns the most severe type of burn, there are actually four degrees of burns. The different degrees can be defined as:

• First-degree burns can be treated with what is commonly found in a first aid kit and usually heal in a few days.
• Second-degree burns cause blisters, and can require professional medical care, especially if they cover over 10% of the body.
• Third-degree burns are the start of what are considered catastrophic burns. These permeate the skin to the layer of fat (adipose tissue) underneath and leave skin looking leathery, white, and waxy. Recovery may require skin grafts.
• Fourth-degree burns affect the muscle, organs, and bones, with the affected area often looking blackened or charred.

With both third- and fourth-degree burns, victims may not feel pain because of nerve damage. This is one of the symptoms that can help distinguish between a second- and a third-degree burn at home. It’s always best to consult with a medical professional if you are unsure of the severity of a burn or if a burn appears to be infected.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

The severity of a burn is only part of the equation in a burn injury lawsuit. How a burn injury occurs is also important, and can help your legal team determine who the at fault parties are and what compensation to pursue. Common burn injuries are:

• Thermal Burns: Occur when the skin comes into contact with heat sources such as open flames, hot liquids (scalding), steam, or hot objects like irons or stovetops. These are the most common types of burns and can vary in severity depending on the temperature and duration of exposure.
• Chemical Burns: Caused by strong acids, alkalis, or other corrosive chemicals, and can damage skin, eyes, and internal organs. Common sources include industrial chemicals, cleaning products, and batteries. Chemical burns can continue to damage tissue until the chemical is fully removed or neutralized.
• Electrical Burns: These occur when an electric current passes through the body, often causing deep tissue damage. Electrical burns can result from contact with faulty wiring, electrical outlets, or lightning strikes. The severity of the burn depends on the voltage, current, and duration of contact.
• Radiation Burns: Caused by exposure to radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from medical treatments like radiation therapy. Prolonged exposure to radiation can lead to severe burns and increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Friction Burns: These result from skin rubbing against a rough surface, such as road rash from a motorcycle or bicycle accident. These injuries can be a combination of abrasion and thermal burn due to the heat generated by the friction.

When are Burn Injuries Considered Catastrophic?

A burn is catastrophic when it results in severe or life-altering consequences. Since burns compromise the integrity of the skin — your body’s protection — these wounds are highly prone to infection. They often cause more long-term damage than people expect, including:

• Loss of motion
• Nerve damage
• Disfigurement
• Depression or PTSD
• Painful scar tissue
• Infection and other comorbidities
• Chronic pain
• Joint contracture
• Overheating (due to permanently melted pores)

These long-term effects are part of the reason severe burns are considered catastrophic. They typically require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.

How is Liability Determined in Burn Injury Cases?

Here are some situations where another party might be deemed liable for burn injuries:

• Car Accident: When a car or truck accident happens because of another driver’s negligence, they can be pursued for damages like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills. This includes circumstances where a driver or passenger suffered severe burns.
• Defective Products: Manufacturers and retailers can potentially be held liable when a defective product results in catastrophic burns. Examples could include a defective toy, improperly manufactured or stored cosmetics that cause chemical burns, flammable clothing, defective appliances, flammable mattresses or bedding, holiday decorations, electronics, and more.
• House and Apartment Fires: Faulty wiring and other improper contracting work or maintenance are common causes of house and apartment fires. When a landlord knew about these issues and did not address them, they are responsible for burns and other injuries, losses, or damages suffered in the fire. This concept is know as premises liability and also applies in instances like a contractor or home inspector that knew about an issue but did not fix it or make it known to the owners.

What is the Average Compensation for Burn Injury Claims?

In Indiana, compensation for burn injury claims varies widely depending on the severity of the burn and the circumstances of the injury. 

Compensation amounts typically increase with the severity of the burn injury, with fourth-degree burns potentially resulting in six-figure or higher settlements.

If you seek compensation for a burn injury, it’s important to prove how your injury has affected your quality of life. Whether you’re permanently scarred or suffering from psychological effects like depression, you’ll need to present evidence that backs up your claims.

How Can an Indiana Burn Injury Lawyer Help?

When another party’s negligence caused or contributed to catastrophic burn injuries, a burn injury lawyer can help Indiana residents seek justice in a few ways. Our team of experts have the compassion to listen fully to your story, and the insight to understand how the law applies to your case.

We may consult with your doctors, family, friends, and employer(s) to appreciate the full impact these injuries have had on your life or life of a loved one. This allows us to get a perspective on the extent of the damages you may be entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other future harms and losses. We know how to collect the evidence necessary to represent your story to its full effect under the law and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our Lafayette Indiana Burn Injury Attorneys Can Help You

Whether you know negligence contributed to your injury, or just have questions and need answers, the personal injury attorneys at Bennett, Boehning, and Clary have the experience and compassion to support you through this time. We believe that every injury case is unique and can be decided on the smallest of details. Reach out to us at 765-742-9066 if you need an advocate and someone to fight for you.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.