Virginia Burn Injury Attorney

Burns are some of the most horrific and excruciating injuries a person can suffer. According to the American Burn Association, roughly 450,000 people seek medical treatment for burn injuries each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, about 40,000 of them are serious enough to require hospitalization.

If you have reason to believe another party’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your burn injuries, an experienced Virginia burn injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the losses you have incurred. Therefore contact an injury lawyer in Virginia to learn more. En Español.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

In addition to being classified by degree, burn injuries are also classified by the type of substance that caused the burn. Each of the following types of burns can be the basis for a civil suit depending on the circumstances, so call a Virginia burn injury attorney to proceed to the next step in gaining compensation for your injury.

Thermal Burns

When most people think about burn injuries, thermal burns come to mind. Thermal burns are caused by heat, such as flames, fire, scalding liquid or hot objects, and are the most common type of burn. Steam, boiling water, stove burners, pans, griddles, curling iron barrels, radiators, exposed pipes, and cooking grease can all cause thermal burns. If you receive this type of burn due to wrongdoing of another person a burn injury lawyer in Virginia may be able to help.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns happen when caustic substances come into contact with a person’s body. Chemical burns mostly occur in the workplace, particularly in certain fields where chemicals are handled frequently, such as construction, agricultural, mechanical, factory, automotive and health care industries.

People also can experience chemical burns in or around the home. Many household substances can cause chemical burns, including nail polish remover, hair dye, household cleaners and disinfectants, gasoline, tar, wet cement, and pesticides.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are about as common as chemical burns, and they occur when a person receives an electric shock, causing electric current to pass through their body. Electrocution can cause a host of both internal and external injuries, including burns to the skin and mucus membranes. Some electric currents can even cause clothing to catch on fire, resulting in thermal burns, in addition to electrical burns.

Fraying wires, overloaded outlets and power strips, unsafe contact with electric sockets, batteries, faulty appliances and, of course, lightning can all cause electrical burns.

Other Types of Burns

Though less common, a small percentage of burns are the result of other causes. Frostbite is a type of cold burn that can cause just as much damage as heat-related burns. Friction burns occur when skin comes into contact with another substance causing friction that results in injury, such as rug burns, carpet burns, or rope burn. Radiation – from tanning beds, x-ray machines, or even cancer therapies – can also cause burn injuries. To learn about these other types of burns and see if you have a case for compensation, contact a Virginia burn injury attorney.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accident fires are responsible for about  10 percent of all fires and burn injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Design flaws can lead to malfunctioning vehicle parts that, in turn, can cause fires. Even though a collision may have set the fire in motion, a design flaw can make a fire more likely or more deadly once it starts. Fuel leaks, hazardous drips, faulty wiring, electrical system failures, leaking coolant, overheating catalytic converters or engines, and problems with the battery can all contribute to fires.

If a manufacturing or design defect was responsible for causing a fire that might not otherwise have occurred and you suffered a burn injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation from the car company.

Medical Treatment for Burn Injuries

Burn injuries require specialized medical treatment to manage pain, prevent infection, and promote healing. The severity of the burn determines the treatment approach, which can include surgery, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing care.

Surgery

Severe burns often necessitate surgical intervention. Procedures such as skin grafting, where healthy skin is transplanted to the burn area, are common. In cases of deep burns, debridement, the removal of dead tissue, may be required to prevent infection and facilitate healing. Reconstructive surgery might also be necessary to improve function and appearance.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is crucial for burn injury recovery. Physical therapy helps restore mobility and strength, especially when burns affect joints or large muscle groups. Occupational therapy assists patients in regaining the ability to perform daily activities. Psychological support is also essential, as burn injuries can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges.

Assistive Devices

Assistive devices play a critical role in the recovery process. These may include compression garments to minimize scarring, splints to maintain proper joint alignment, and mobility aids for those whose movement is impaired by their injuries.

Ongoing Care Needs

Long-term care is often necessary for burn injury survivors. This can include regular follow-up appointments, pain management, and additional surgeries or treatments to address complications or improve function and appearance. Skin care routines and specialized wound care are vital to prevent infections and manage scarring.

Legal Considerations

Burn injury victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and ongoing care needs. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, consulting with an experienced Virginia burn injury attorney is essential to understand your rights and secure the necessary compensation for comprehensive medical care.

Contact With a Virginia Burn Injury Attorney

Regardless of the type of burn injury you have suffered, an experienced Virginia Burn Injury Lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. If another party’s negligence was responsible for causing your injuries, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process of recovering your medical costs and other losses. Contact us.