Burn Victims

Anoka Burn Victim Attorneys

You Deserve to be Compensated

Burns can be the most serious and painful injuries one can receive. In the United States, nearly 500,000 people suffer burns each year requiring medical attention, including over 40,000 hospitalizations and nearly 3,800 deaths.

At Bolt Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact burn injuries can have on your life. From mounting medical bills to the emotional and physical pain, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering. We take the time to understand your unique situation and fight to hold those responsible accountable, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. Let us help you seek justice and rebuild your life.

Call (763) 292-2102 or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation.

Types of Burns

Burns are categorized into different degrees based on the severity of the damage they cause to the skin and underlying tissues. Here are the main types of burns:

  • First-Degree Burns: These are the least severe and affect only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, minor swelling, and pain, similar to a mild sunburn. First-degree burns usually heal within a few days without scarring.
  • Second-Degree Burns: These burns affect both the outer layer of skin and the underlying layer (dermis). They cause blisters, severe pain, redness, and swelling. Second-degree burns can take several weeks to heal and may leave scarring, depending on the severity and treatment.
  • Third-Degree Burns: These are serious burns that damage all layers of the skin and may extend into the fat layer below. The affected area may appear white, blackened, or charred, and nerve damage can result in numbness. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention and typically involve surgery, such as skin grafts, for recovery.
  • Fourth-Degree Burns: The most severe type, fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin and fat into muscles, bones, and tendons. These burns can lead to permanent damage, loss of function in the affected area, and may even be life-threatening. They require extensive medical treatment, often involving multiple surgeries and long-term care.

Burns can result from various sources, each requiring different treatments. The common types of burns include:

  • Thermal Burns: These are caused by direct contact with heat sources, such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects like metal. Thermal burns are the most common type and range from minor to severe.
  • Electrical Burns: Electrical burns occur when a person comes into contact with electrical currents. These burns can cause both external and internal injuries, as electricity can damage internal organs and tissues. They often require specialized medical treatment.
  • Chemical Burns: These burns result from exposure to corrosive substances, such as acids, alkalis, or industrial chemicals. Chemical burns can continue to damage the skin and tissue long after the initial contact, making it crucial to neutralize the chemical as quickly as possible.
  • Radiation Burns: Exposure to radiation, such as from the sun’s UV rays or medical treatments like radiation therapy, can cause burns. Sunburn is a common example, but more severe radiation burns can occur with high levels of exposure.
  • Friction Burns: Caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface, friction burns are a combination of heat and abrasion injuries. They are common in motorcycle accidents, where victims are dragged along the pavement.
  • Cold Burns (Frostbite): Although typically associated with extreme heat, burns can also result from extreme cold. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.

Each type of burn requires unique medical care and, depending on the cause, may involve legal action if negligence is involved.

Causes of Severe Burns

Fires start for many preventable reasons, including:

  • Undetected gas leak in a home or office building, causing an explosion
  • Furnaces and water heaters can malfunction due to improper maintenance or design
  • Malfunctioning furnaces and water heaters because of improper maintenance or design
  • Products that either burn hotter or more rapidly than expected
  • Out-of-control campfires or bonfires
  • Improperly designed gas cans or other receptacles
  • Poorly labeled clothing that unexpectedly combusts

The Heavy Cost of Burns

Burn injuries are traumatizing, painful, and disabling. They can result in disfigurement and require extensive reconstructive surgeries. Many burn victims endure prolonged treatments during healing, including frequent debridement of the affected areas and skin harvesting and grafting from unharmed parts of the body.

Besides of the heavy physical and emotional costs endured by burn victims, there is an economic burden. Patients often need special treatment in burn centers, including surgery, wound management, and long periods of rehabilitation. Total charges for surviving burn patients with burns on over 10% of their total body surface area averages nearly $270,000. Charges for non-surviving patients exceed $360,000.

Why Treating Burn Injuries Is So Expensive

Severe burns affect many body systems and tissues, causing numerous medical challenges. Having to manage multiple medical issues at once is why costs to treat burn victims can be so high.

Some related and derived injuries associated with burns include:

  • Damaged skin
  • Damaged nerves
  • Damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons
  • Damaged bones
  • Damaged eyes and vision
  • Damaged organs, such as the lungs

Multiple medical professionals may be required for treatment of the following:

  • Wound care
  • Pain management
  • Reconstructive surgeons
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Psychological therapists
  • Social workers

If you or a loved one were injured in a fire due to a defective product or the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to compensation.

The attorneys of Bolt Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your losses, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Disfigurement
  • Wrongful death
  • Funeral expenses

Contact Bolt Law Firm to schedule your free consultation.

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