According to the American Burn Association, there were over 650,000 burn injuries reported in the United States last year which required medical attention. Of these injuries, approximately 43% were from a fire injury, 33% from a scald injury, 9% from a hot object injury, 4% from electrical injury, and 3% from a chemical burn injury. A different report from the CDC states that about 1.1 million burn injuries require attention every year in the United States. Of that 1.1 million, up to 10,000 end up dying due to burn-related infections. It is clear that burns can severely injure people and should be taken seriously. Burn Injuries are generally classified into three categories:
- First-degree burns only involve the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. These burns may cause redness, swelling, and pain. Healing generally occurs within 3-5 days.
- Second-degree burns involve the entire epidermis and upper layers of the dermis, which is the middle layer between the epidermis and fat. Wounds will be pink, red in color, and appear wet.
- Third-degree burns involve all layers of the skin and underlying fat. Muscle and even bone may be affected. Burned areas may be charred black or white.
These burns can be extraordinarily painful and can lead to infection, complications, disability, and in some cases, death. The most common complications from a burn injury include cellulitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, wound infection, septicemia, arrhythmia, and bacteremia.
Burn-Caused Cellulitis, Septicemia, Arrhythmia, and Bacteremia
Cellulitis occurs when an opening in the skin allows bacteria to enter the body. Many things can signal the presence of cellulitis such as: red skin, swelling, warmth, and blisters. If not treated properly, cellulitis can become a life-threatening infection.
Septicemia, also known more commonly as sepsis, can occur from burn injuries because the skin has been damaged and is usually the first layer of protection against bacteria entering the body. Preventing sepsis from your burn injuries is crucial and can be done with closing the burn and if needed, surgical procedures.
Arrhythmia is defined as an irregular heartbeat and is a very common condition in the United States. According to NCBI, was found in 34% of burn patients and 28% of trauma patients.
Bacteremia is simply referred to when bacteria is present in the bloodstream. Similar to septicemia and cellulitis, if left untreated, bacteremia can spread through the body and could be fatal or seriously live altering.
Burns Resulting From Negligence
When these injuries are the result of negligence, our experienced Atlanta burn injury lawyer will work tirelessly to achieve the compensation you deserve. Sometimes, determining who is responsible for a person’s burn injuries is difficult. Ponton Law will ensure a detailed investigation takes place. For example, in a car accident, burns may not necessarily be entirely the fault of the party that caused the accident. The manufacturer of the victim’s automobile, or one of its parts, could be equally or fully liable for placing a defective product on the market. Burn injuries may be caused by chemicals or by fire. Fires can start because of any number of hazards including faulty or defective wiring in an apartment, condominium, home, or commercial building, from defective propane tanks, downed power lines, or arson. We make sure that we explore all potential sources to maximize your recovery.
Damages arising from burn injuries include:
- Medical expenses (past and future);
- Lost income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Disability or physical impairment;
- Loss of ability to enjoy life; and
- Among other elements of damage under Georgia law.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed as a result of a burn injury, contact an Atlanta burn injury lawyer at Ponton Law or call 404-902-3154 to speak with an attorney today.
