Serious burns don’t simply leave scars. Burn victims frequently have lifelong complications. This study, which examined the long-term effects of serious burns, reports that burns “may have long lasting impact…with persisting problems related to scarring, contractures, weakness, thermoregulation, itching, pain, sleep, body image and psychosocial wellbeing. In addition to the direct consequences of the burn, the intensive care treatment may also cause cognitive, affective or behavioral challenges.”
Burns can occur from exposure to heat, flames, radiation, electricity and chemicals. No matter what the cause, severe burns permanently affect the victim’s quality of life.
If you’ve suffered burns as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you deserve compensation. Here’s an overview of how burn injuries can affect your quality of life.
Physical burn injuries
Burns can leave lasting scars, especially if they penetrated through the skin and into the fat layer. These are considered third-degree burns, and often require skin grafts, since the skin can no longer provide moisture or protect against infection.
In addition to an increased risk of infection and permanent scars, severe burns can cause difficulties with regulating temperature, pain, itching, muscle damage and weakness and nerve damage. Victims may experience contractures, which happens when the muscles and skin tighten or harden. This inhibits movement. Electrical burns may even cause heart arrhythmia. Radiation burns can cause skin cancer.
Emotional and mental injuries resulting from burns
On top of physical injuries, severe burn victims often suffer mental and emotional damage. The change in appearance can cause negative body image issues as well as depression, anxiety and social isolation. Burn victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, and often have trouble sleeping. All of these conditions can lead to significant mood and temperament changes.
The study above also indicates that the number of surgeries required, pain levels and the patients’ support networks have a significant impact on how well the patient is able to emotionally and mentally recover. Patients often require mental health treatment to cope with their “new normal.”
What to do if you experience burn injuries
If you’re injured in a burn accident, seek medical attention immediately. Once your medical condition is stable, contact the Law Offices of Tim Misny for legal assistance. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, mental health treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, among other issues.
Discuss your burn injury with an Ohio personal injury lawyer
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your burn injury case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
