There are many ways a person can become the victim of a burn injury. Whether it happens during a fire, is a chemical burn, or is another type of burn entirely, it may be that a personal injury attorney can help you. Keep reading to find out what California laws say about burn injury victims and the compensation they may be entitled to. Then contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation.
Do Not Discount the Seriousness of Burn Injuries
Many people who suffer what they consider to be a “minor” burn do not get medical care and this can lead to infection. Even if the burn was mild in the first place, an untreated infection could lead a stay in the hospital. This is just one of the reasons that we suggest having a medical professional look at your burn earlier rather than later.
Burn Accident Statistics
The American Burn Association reports there are around 485,000 burn injuries that require medical attention in the United States each year. Just over 2,740 people die in residential fires, an average of 310 people die in vehicle fires, and about 220 people die in other fire-related accidents. There are more than 40,000 admitted to the hospital for burn injuries in the average year.
The Four Types of Burns a Person Can Experience
Burns are broken down into four main types. Thermal burns, which are most common, are those that are caused when the skin comes into contact with something hot, like fire, hot liquid, or team. A light burn is caused by sun/UV light and a radiation burn is caused by coming into contact with radiation. Finally there are chemical burns, which are caused by being exposed to a chemical, like acid.
The Levels of Burns
In addition to several types of burns, there are also several levels of burns. First-degree burns are those in which just the top layer of a person’s skin is damaged. This can generally be treated at home. Second-degree burns involve the layer below the top layer and can take weeks to heal entirely. Third-degree burns are the worst burns and damage all layers of skin. These can be white, black, or even charred. They can cause permanent damage and require extensive medical treatment.
Call Us Now to Find Out More About Compensation Eligibility
If you have suffered a burn injury in an accident, and someone else was at fault for that accident, then you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. You can get the facts about your options and request a free legal consultation by calling Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600.
