Burn injuries caused by auto accidents are some of the most excruciating and costly. According to the National Institutes of Health, the United States alone sees about 1,250,000 burn injuries each year which require treatment and care by a medical professional.
Due to the presence of gasoline and other flammable elements, car accidents, truck accidents and motorcycle accidents can lead to serious third-degree burns. If you’ve experienced burns as result of a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery.
Degree & severity of burn injuries
A first degree burn or “superficial burn” causes the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) to become damaged. The affected area often becomes red, and swelling and pain are likely present.
When the epidermis is burned through and the dermis becomes damaged, the burn is classified as a second degree burn. A second degree burn is often characterized by a high pain level, swelling, and blistering.
In a third degree burn or “full thickness burn”, the skin is damaged completely, reaching the underlying tissue. Beyond damage to the skin and underlying tissue, muscle tissue, tendon, fat, and even bones may become damaged. In some cases, they may be completely destroyed. The burned area may appear white or charred.
Complications from auto accident burn injuries
Not only can a burn cause harm to the skin, tissue, muscles, nerves and bone, they can lead to even further consequences, including:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Infection
- Emotional harm
- Psychological harm
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe cases
Medical treatment options for third-degree burns
While first and even second degree burns may heal over time, third degree burns require grafting of the skin, and in some cases, artificial coverings to protect the burned area.
Even so, the skin graft may not be “accepted” by the injured skin. Due to the severity of third degree burns, the complications that can arise, and the lengthy and painful treatment and recovery process, some burn victims are in the hospital for more than one year.
If you or someone you care about has been the victim of a burn caused by another driver’s negligence or wrongdoing, call or text us at (505) 247-2774 a free, no-obligation auto injury consultation.