According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.1 million Americans suffer burn injuries that require serious medical attention each and every year. To put this alarming data into perspective, one person throughout the United States suffers severe burn injuries every 23 minutes. Severe burns can drastically alter a person’s quality of life, by limiting mobility, damaging nerves, and even leading to chronic pain. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe burn injury, it is essential that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Can a Burn Really Lead to Lifelong Complications?
When many people think of burn injuries, they think of minor first-degree burns that heal within a week. Unfortunately, severe burns are much more common than most would like to assume. Second- and third-degree burns penetrate the skin at a deeper level and can lead to long-term health complications and even death.
According to the CDC, more than 20,000 Americans suffer burn injuries that cover over 25 percent of their body on an annual basis. Burns of this magnitude can significantly impact a person’s physical appearance and motor skills. While medical treatments and physical therapy regimens can help some severe burn victims return to a life of normalcy, an alarmingly high number of cases experience ongoing chronic pain. It should be noted that it is not uncommon for severe burns to leave damage to the muscular and respiratory systems.
Third-degree burns can destroy sweat glands, hair follicles, as well as surrounding tissue. The vast majority of third-degree burns will result in significant scarring and require skin grafts. One of the most common health complications related to burn injuries is infection. Due to the damage suffered by the top layers of skin, many burn victims suffer from dangerous infections during the healing process. The body’s defense mechanisms may work too hard to fight off infection from bacteria, and result in damage to the heart or other organs. Significant burn injuries can also result in shock, which can be deadly if medical attention is not received immediately. According to the CDC, more than 10,000 Americans die from infections caused by burn injuries, each year.
Contact an Appleton Burn Injury Lawyer
Whether your burn injuries occurred at work or in a motor vehicle collision, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our firm is dedicated to helping families receive the compensation they deserve after a loved one has suffered severe burns. Regardless of how the injuries occurred, burn victims and their families can be forced to pay thousands of dollars in medical costs and have a significant loss of income. To schedule a free consultation with a diligent Green Bay personal injury attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf