Burns can be an excruciating injury to receive and can oftentimes be even worse during recovery. The costs of appropriate treatment and care can add up, leaving you with thousands of dollars of debt you should not be responsible for. At MartinWren P.C., we understand that an injury like this can put you in a terrible situation, and you deserve an experienced Harrisonburg burn injury lawyer to fight for you and the compensation you deserve.
Our team is dedicated to working for your best interest and the highest possible compensation. Our Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer was a part of firmwide recognition for achieving three of the highest verdicts in Virginia in 2023. Severe burn injuries can cause significant disruption in your life, and you should not have to shoulder that burden alone if someone else is responsible.
Understanding Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur through many mechanisms. Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses the causes of burns and wounds, which are categorized into four categories. These result in multiple types of burns, which may affect the way they are treated:
- Thermal: Caused by heat sources like an open flame or a hot stove
- Radiation: Prolonged exposure to the sun or other kinds of radiation like X-rays
- Chemical: Caused by contact with strong acids, solvents, detergents, or alkaline substances
- Electrical: Resulting from contact with a strong electrical current
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn is generally superficial, only affecting the top layer of skin with some pain. The area may be red and dry but should not have any blisters. Without complications, these burns heal in a few days on their own.
Second-Degree Burns
A second-degree burn descends to the second layer of tissue, the dermis. It may be slightly blistered, swollen, and painful to the touch. A second-degree burn should heal with minimal intervention after several days if it is kept clean.
Third-Degree Burns
A third-degree burn decimates the first two layers of tissue and may extend to muscle tissue and bone below. A burn of this severity will be blistered and may appear white or charred but may not be initially painful if the nerves are damaged. A fourth-degree burn needs immediate medical attention at a designated burn center.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
When to Seek Treatment for a Harrisonburg Burn Injury
Determining the appropriate treatment for a burn can depend on many things. Many less severe burns can be treated at home and will heal with no lingering effects. However, there are some circumstances in which you should be seen by a professional immediately:
- Concerns of a fourth-degree or full-thickness burn
- Burns affecting the airway
- Burns to the hands, feet, groin, genitals, or face. Or a burn that wraps entirely around the circumference of a part of the body
- Partial thickness burns over 10% or more of the body
- Chemical burns
- Electrical injury
This list is not exhaustive, so it is important to make your own decision about seeking care if you feel like you need it. A recent article on infections in burn patients noted that burns present a unique vulnerability to infection because our skin serves as a protective layer against infection. Even if you do not have a severe burn, signs of infection should be taken seriously.
Treatment and Recovery of Harrisonburg Burn Injury
Treatment for a severe burn injury frequently requires the support of an entire team familiar with burn care. Additionally, you may benefit from services you would not have otherwise expected to receive. When you seek treatment from a burn specialist, some of the services you may receive include
- Burn and trauma-focused medical care
- Wound cleaning and care
- Respiratory therapy
- Social workers
- Case management
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Speech-language therapy
- Plastic surgeon evaluation and treatment
Each patient will require a unique treatment plan so that you may encounter all, some, or other appropriate services. However, engaging in the necessary treatment to recover fully can be grueling. For many people, it significantly affects the individual and their families physically, emotionally, and financially.
Harrisonburg Burn Injury Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Long-Term Consequences of a Harrisonburg Burn Injury
The long-term effects of a burn can be devastating, which is why many people choose to consult with a Harrisonburg burn injury attorney. For a serious burn, most people will experience significant scarring, particularly if the burn requires a skin graft. Some Virginia burn centers offer treatments to minimize scarring and scar discomfort, but most scars will remain regardless of treatment.
Nerve damage can happen in a full-thickness burn. In some cases, this may recover fully, leaving the victim with full sensation and free of pain, but in many cases, they may experience ongoing problems related to nerve damage.
Physical symptoms are significant when it comes to recovering from your burn injury but experiencing an accident that causes severe burn injury can be a traumatic experience. If you have experienced heavy scarring or disfigurement, you may have difficulty coping with that stress in daily life. The Mayo Clinic suggests that burn injury victims who are struggling to cope seek a support group or safe place to share
Damages in a Harrisonburg Burn Injury
Damages in a burn injury case are calculated based on your costs and losses incurred. These may be something you discuss with your burn injury attorney in Harrisonburg so they can help you account for all losses and recover your maximum possible compensation. Some of the losses you may claim as damages include:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Supportive services
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and embarrassment
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Decreased quality of life
This list is not exhaustive, but it encompasses many of the common claims of burn victims who are unable to return to their lives as they once were. If someone else’s negligent behavior caused your burn injury, they should be held accountable for providing the support they need to return to a life that is as close to normal as possible.
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Call a Burn Injury Lawyer in Harrisonburg Today
Making the decision to call a burn injury lawyer in Harrisonburg can feel overwhelming on top of everything you are already dealing with. At Martin Wren P.C., we understand your and your family’s need for support and financial recovery. Our firm was recently recognized for three of Virginia’s largest verdicts in 2023, further demonstrating our commitment to our clients and efficiency in the courtroom.
You should not have to battle insurance companies or other lawyers’ strategies alone. When you work with us, we can handle the communication and legal work, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle the rest. Call us today.
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