Columbus Burn Injury Attorneys

Degrees of Burn Injuries

Burns are classified into separate classes, depending on their type and severity. In general, there are three types of burns: First degree, second degree, and third degree.

The degrees are as follows:

• First-degree burns: Only the outer epithelial layer of the skin is damaged, causing the affected areas to redden and become painful to the touch. First-degree burns are equivalent to a dry sunburn without blisters, and generally heal within a period of three to five days.
• Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns cause damage to the epithelium and the top portion of the dermis, causing oozing blisters to form. The affected areas will be pink or red and will blanch when pressure is applied. Second-degree burns can be either partial or full thickness, and are excruciatingly painful.
• Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns are the most serious, classified by the destruction of all layers of the skin. Burns of this degree involve the destruction of nerves, causing a loss of feeling. Third-degree burns have a leathery, charred, or white appearance.

While burns can exceed these levels into the fourth degree, most of the public and medical community does not typically use this term. Fourth-degree burns extend beyond the skin and cause damage to the underlying tendons and bones. Fifth and sixth burn degrees also exist, but they are not considered survivable. Understanding the severity and treatment options for each burn degree is essential for proper medical and legal handling, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive care and adequate compensation for their injuries.

The Impact of Permanent Scarring from Burn Injuries

If a burn injury victim is fortunate, the physical harm caused will not permanently damage their muscles, nerves, and other deep tissues. Irreversible scarring is likely to still occur, however, in any sort of accident that causes a burn injury. Given enough time, the scar tissue will no longer be sensitive to heat and touch, but the victim is not fully recovered.

They may experience a lowered self-esteem or diminished value of their own looks and identity. The result is physical scarring that leads to mental scarring, as well. Any compensation earned through a lawsuit must keep these damages in mind, which are sometimes called nominal damages. Psychological support becomes an integral part of recovery, helping victims rebuild their confidence and regain control over their lives. Addressing mental health is as important as physical health in recovering from serious burn injuries, and legal strategies often include considerations for long-term emotional wellness.

Effective Treatments for Burn Injury Victims

When a burn injury can be improved through medical treatments and medicine, it is often a costly process that may take months to finalize. An effective yet expensive option for people who have suffered third- or fourth-degree burns is skin grafting, which will use their own skin from unaffected body parts and apply it to the burn for gradual healing and replacement. Skin grafting often requires numerous procedures as the healing process continues, with each session costing thousands of dollars. Without compensation won through a lawsuit, you may be paying for your recovery out of your own pocketbook.

Contact Our Columbus Burn Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire or explosion, it is necessary to hire attorneys who have significant experience in handling fire cases. These cases are complicated and require immediate investigation in order to make sure that the necessary evidence is properly preserved.

Contact us online or by calling (614) 321-3212 today!

FAQs About Burn Injury Cases in Columbus

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Burn Injury?

After sustaining a burn injury, your priority should be seeking medical attention to assess the severity of the damage. Once your immediate health needs are addressed, document everything related to the incident, including photographs of injuries, medical records, and witness accounts. Reporting the injury to relevant authorities like fire departments or work supervisors is crucial. If the burn injury is due to negligence, the involvement of competent Columbus burn injury attorneys such as those at Rourke & Blumenthal can assist in collecting and preserving evidence, offering a clearer path to potential compensation. These initial actions strengthen your legal standing and ensure you are on the right track to handling the repercussions efficiently.

How Long Do I Have to File a Burn Injury Claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including burn injuries, is generally two years from the date of the incident. This timeline is essential and starting your legal process as soon as possible is beneficial. However, certain circumstances may modify this timeline, such as cases involving minors or instances where the injury wasn't immediately apparent. Consulting with a burn injury lawyer promptly ensures you won't miss critical deadlines and helps in gathering vital evidence while it's fresh. Understanding these timelines and their implications with the guidance of legal professionals can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

What Compensation Can Be Sought for Burn Injuries in Columbus?

Victims of burn injuries may seek compensation for a variety of damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some situations, punitive damages could be pursued if the negligence was especially egregious. Compensation often aims to cover ongoing treatment costs such as future surgeries or rehabilitation, all reflecting the lifelong impact of the injury on the victim's personal and professional life. Legal counsel from Rourke & Blumenthal ensures comprehensive evaluations of your entitlements, maximizing your financial recovery through strategic litigation tailored to your unique circumstances.