A burn injury is not a common occurrence in Phoenix, Arizona. However, thousands of people work in in high-risk industries such as construction, electrical, water sewage plants, welding, shipyard and the oil industries, to name a few, where the risk of burn injuries is quite high.
Getting a burn injury is not a trivial matter. Burn injuries can cause severe pain and in some cases, can also result in disfigurement and long-term disability. Also, people who suffer from a serious burn injury are also at risk of developing severe emotional distress, depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Burn injuries in the workplace are preventable. In most cases, they result because employers disregard safety measures. Burn injury victims can get compensation for their damages through personal injury settlements.
Ask an Arizona Lawyer: Burn Injury Classifications
There are four major classifications of burn injuries: First-degree burns, second-degree burns, third-degree burns and fourth-degree burns. A first-degree burn injury is the least serious while a fourth-degree burn injury is the most serious.
A first-degree burn is usually mild. It presents with immediate pain, redness, and tenderness to touch. These burns usually do not require medical care and resolve within a few days.
A second-degree burn presents with swelling of the skin, redness, and formation of blisters. The pain is intense. This type of burn can also burn off the hair follicles and damage the sweat glands. Second-degree burns require pain control and some patients may even require admission to the hospital. If a second-degree burn is left untreated, it can progress to a third-degree burn.
A third-degree burn usually is more severe and involves the deeper tissues beneath the skin. This injury destroys the pain nerves, so one is unable to feel any pain. The skin is often charred, and there is extensive tissue destruction. Most victims of third-degree burns end up with permanent scarring.
A fourth-degree burn is the most serious and involves the deeper ligaments, muscles, and sometimes, the bone. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require amputation of the extremity.
Burn injury victims should speak to a personal injury attorney to find out if they can recover damages through personal injury settlements.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries in Phoenix, AZ
Some of the more common causes of burn injuries include:
- House fire
- Explosion at work
- Electrical injury
- Chemical exposure
- Exposure to heat
- Scalding with hot liquids
- Gas explosions
Personal Injury Settlements for Burn Injuries
The amount that you can receive through personal injury settlements depends on the severity of the burn and any disability. In general, first degree burns are superficial and have no long lasting effects except for pain. Both second and third-degree burns are much more serious and can cause significant disability and require skin grafting and may limit function.
Another factor that determines the severity of a burn is the location and extent of the burn. Â Most victims of extensive second or third-degree burns require long-term, specialized medical care that can last months, or even years. Also, severe burns that affect the extremities and muscles require physical therapy to regain muscle strength and movement. All these factors are considered when determining personal injury settlements.
Personal injury settlements usually take into account the following:
- Cost of recent and future medical treatment
- Cost of future rehabilitation
- Cost of Counselling
- Cost of medications
- Decreased earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Emotional stress, depression, and anguish
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain
Consult with a Phoenix, Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Burn Injury
If you have been in a burn injury accident in Phoenix, Arizona and have suffered serious burn injuries, you should contact our personal injury lawyer at Warnock MacKinlay Law. Our dedicated lawyers in Phoenix, AZ are among the best in the area and will help you with your personal injury settlements. Our lawyers boast a high success rate, and we assure you that we can help you get the settlement you deserve to recover the damages that you may have incurred because of your burn injuries. Call us today at 602-600-6427 and our personal injury lawyers will be happy to assist you. Keep in mind that you don’t have to pay any fees unless we win and settle your claim successfully.
You should know that burn injuries are often the result of negligence. If you believe that your injuries were caused because somebody else disregarded your safety, you should seek compensation as that is your legal right. Our lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona can help guide you through the process if you are unsure as to how you should proceed. You need to know that people often settle for less if they do not consult with a personal injury lawyer. Call us today and let us help you get the settlement you deserve.
