Charleston Burn Injury Lawyer

Burns are among the most dangerous injuries you can suffer from an accident. A serious burn can cause disfigurement and require ongoing medical care. It can greatly reduce quality of life.

If you were burned due to someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, you have a right to pursue compensation. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney has the experience and team around him to aggressively seek burn injury compensation in Charleston. Call us at 843-701-8029 to request an evaluation of your burn injury case.

What Are the Different Types of Burn Injuries?

Burns can be minor and superficial, or they can go through layers of skin causing significant damage. They are categorized as follows:

• First-Degree (superficial burns): This most minor type of burn affects the epidermis (outer layer of skin). It causes pain and reddening.
• Second-Degree (partial thickness burns): A second degree burn will affect the epidermis and the dermis (lower layer of skin). It will cause redness, inflammation, blistering and pain.
• Third-Degree (full thickness burns): These burns go through the dermis damaging the skin tissue. The skin will become white or black, and charred and may be numb.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: Fourth degree burns are an even deeper type of burn. They can affect the muscle and bones. They can also destroy nerve endings so there will be no feeling at the site of the burn.

When someone is burned badly, they may go into shock. Their skin may get pale and clammy, and they may have a bluish tint on their lips and fingernails. They may also show a lack of alertness.

First- and second-degree burns will typically go away on their own, but a third- or fourth-degree burn will require medical attention. Second degree burns should also be watched. You may want to call a doctor if your second-degree burn doesn’t seem to be improving on its own.

Causes of Burn Injuries in Charleston

There are many types of accidents that can cause burns. Here are some of the most common:

• Fiery car crashes: High-speed accidents in Charleston can cause leaks, fluid spills, heat and smoke — all prime conditions for a fire to occur. Those burned in a car accident may make contact with hot car parts and liquids.
• Road rash: Often, when a bicycle or motorcycle crash happens, the momentum sends the rider skidding along the road. The friction of the road can burn skin. In most instances road rash is superficial, but if it’s more severe it can cause a hypertrophic scar which will require skin grafting, dermabrasion, or free flap procedures.
• Chemicals: Some chemicals may be strong enough that they eat through your skin. A chemical burn can occur in a work-related incident or by interaction with a faulty product. If this is the case, you may be able to go after your employer or a product manufacturer for damages.
• Fire: If you were burned by a fire that was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, they may owe you compensation.
• Electricity: Electric burns may also come about due to defective product and work-related causes.

Common Burn Complications

Some burns will go away on their own. Others will require ongoing medical care and may lead to complications such as:

• Sepsis: This is a type of infection that occurs when bacteria get into the bloodstream. It causes mental decline, severe pain and discomfort, and shortness of breath.
• Tetanus: Tetanus is a disease that happens when bacteria get into your body through an open wound. It causes the jaw to lock up so it’s difficult to breathe or swallow.
• Hypovolemia: Hypovolemia occurs when you lose blood and other bodily fluids. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and fatigue. The victim may also go into shock which is potentially fatal.
• Hypothermia: Hypothermia happens due to a severe drop in body temperature and may be caused by the shock of a burn. If your body temperature drops too low, it may cause organs to stop functioning which can be fatal.
• Respiratory issues: Respiratory issues may occur due to breathing smoke or hot air.
• Bone and joint problems: These may be caused by the scar tissue in the body interfering with bone and joint function.

What Damages Am I Owed for a Charleston Burn Injury?

Damages available for compensation will vary by the extent of your burn injury and your personal and professional situation. Here are some you are likely to be compensated for:

• Lost wages: This will cover any wages lost due to taking off work to recover from your injuries.
• Lost earning potential: If the injury is so severe that it causes the victim to take a lower paying job or to be unable to return to work on a permanent basis, the defendant may be required to compensate them for any discrepancy in earnings.
• Medical expenses (current and future): This includes medical expenses incurred directly after the accident as well as ongoing medical expenses for the injury.
• Emotional pain and suffering: Severe injuries can lead to ongoing trauma. It is difficult to find a monetary value to cover these types of losses, but your Charleston burn injury lawyer will determine an amount that is fair.

Choose a Charleston Burn Injury Lawyer With Experience

A burn can be a very serious injury that will greatly reduce your quality of life. If you or a loved one are severely burned due to someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, take the first steps to seek compensation with a Charleston injury lawyer’s help.

Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney is a lawyer who brings individualized attention to each burn injury case. We aim to hold negligent parties accountable and seek justice on your behalf. Trey helps manage your case so you can focus on recovery.

Request a consultation from us today. Don’t delay, call Trey.