Though everyone will sustain a minor burn injury from cooking or hot liquids at some point, these can be small inconveniences. When you endure a burn on a large scale, however, it can have life-changing effects. Keep reading to learn how these burn injuries happen and how a Maryland personal injury attorney can help you receive the justice you deserve.
How Do Burn Injuries Occur?
The most common burn injury occurs when the skin encounters a hot surface or substance. These are known as thermal burns and can range in severity from minor skin damage to severe destruction of the epidermis.
Another common type of injury is chemical burns. These occur when harsh substances meet the skin. Unfortunately, many household products like certain cleaners, hair dyes, and paint thinners contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin.
Finally, electrical burns can occur when currents contact the skin. Not only can this damage your epidermis, but electrical burns can also cause internal organ damage as the shockwaves travel through your body.
What Kind of Treatment is Necessary?
You will receive treatment depending on the type of burn and its severity. For example, you may not need to go to the emergency room for a minor first-degree burn, but a third-degree thermal burn will likely require extensive treatment. Care includes debriding the wound and using a skin graft to cover the area where the tissue has died.
Other burns, like electrical or chemical injuries, also require medical attention. Because electricity can damage your organs, going to the emergency room is vital, as they will likely need to perform imaging to determine if there is any internal injury. Chemical burns need to be thoroughly cleaned, which may need to be done by a medical professional. This is because some substances aren’t easily rinsed from the skin and can cause further damage.
Do I Need to Contact a Lawyer?
When you sustain a burn injury as the result of another party’s negligent actions, you’ll want to reach out to an attorney. Unfortunately, burn injuries can be severe, causing you to incur astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For example, if you are burned because a coffee shop heats your coffee over the legal temperature of 205 °F, you can file a lawsuit to receive compensation due to the negligence of the establishment.
You should never try to navigate a legal battle on your own. Instead, you’ll want to reach out to the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz to contact a seasoned attorney. Our firm has the experience necessary to represent you during your claim. We will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case.
