Nearly half a million people were treated for burn injuries in 2016. Burns are some of the most painful injuries a person can endure. The suffering that accompanies burn injuries is extreme, and the damage can be lasting. If you suffer burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact a qualified injury attorney in Alaska immediately to discuss your legal options.
THE SEVERITY OF BURNS
There are three degrees of burns: The more severe the burn injuries are, the greater the medical costs, and the greater the pain and suffering.
- First-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of the skin and require minimal aid in healing. These usually do not have any lasting effects.
- Second-degree burns affect the deeper layers of the skin. They can cause serious pain and leave scarring.
- Third-degree burns are the most serious. They affect all layers of the skin as well as the tissue underneath and can even damage nerves, tendons, and muscles. Oftentimes, third-degree burns can be nearly painless; this is because the burn destroys all the nerves that would otherwise trigger the pain. Third-degree burns require immediate medical assistance and frequently require reconstructive surgery.
THE CAUSES OF BURNS
Fire is the number one cause of burn injuries. In the United States, 46% of burn injuries are caused by fire. In Alaska, unattended cooking is the primary cause of home fires; whereas smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are the leading cause of fire fatalities.
Other common causes of burn injuries include:
- Electricity
- Explosives/fireworks
- Hot liquids and objects (such as hot water, ovens, stoves, irons)
- Overexposure to UV light (including sunlamps)
- Steam (from radiators, boilers, pipes, etc.)
- Chemicals
BURN VICTIMS AND FATALITIES
Fatalities often occur due to complications from burns. Over 90% of people afflicted with burn injuries survive the trauma; however, victims may die from shock, respiratory failure, brain damage, or sepsis. When large sections of skin are burned off, it creates an environment for infection. Sepsis is the body’s reaction to this infection and can be deadly.
If you are a victim of a burn injury due to the fault or negligence of another, you deserve restitution for your pain, suffering, and medical bills. Merdes Law Office is Board Certified and ready to help. For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact the highly experienced and reputable Alaskan personal injury attorneys at Merdes Law Office at 866.452.3741 or visit www.Merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
