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New York Burn Injury Lawyers
Wilson, Grochow, Druker & Nolet
Attorneys at Law
In
the United States, approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported
every year. Approximately 650,000 of the injuries are treated by medical
professionals; 75,000 are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 20,000
have major burns involving at least 25% of their total body surface.
Between 8,000 and 12,000 of patients with burns die, and approximately
one million will sustain substantial or permanent disabilities resulting
from their burn injury. (Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation,
May/June 1992) Burn injuries are second to motor vehicle accidents
as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
Types of Burns
There are four major types of burns:
- Thermal burns - caused
by contact with flames, steam, hot water (or other hot liquids), and
other sources of intense heat.
- Light burns - caused by
contact with sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
- Chemical burns - caused by contact with an acid or an alkali.
- Radiation burns - caused by contact with nuclear radiation
or ultraviolet light.
The severity of a burn injury will
fall into one of three categories:
- First-degree burns - only the first layer of skin is burned. First-degree burns are characterized by reddened skin that will heal in approximately one
week and may peel.
- Second-degree burns - the first and second layer of skin is burned. Second-degree burns are characterized by moist-looking skin and blisters.
- Third-degree burns - all layers of the skin are burned and the underlying tissue is damaged. Third-degree burns are characterized by a white or black
dry wound.
Permanent scarring is inevitable.
Burns are one of the most expensive
injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can
cost as much as $200,000 in initial hospitalization costs and for
physician’s fees. For extensive burns, there are additional
significant costs which will include costs for repeat admission for
reconstruction and for rehabilitation.
Compensation for burns, must consider
the impact upon the earnings and lifestyle of the victim. If a substantial
loss of earnings or capacity to earn results from such an injury,
or the victim must significantly alter his or her lifestyle as a result
of such injury, then the compensation to that victim must be accordingly
increased.
If you or one of your loved one’s
has been permanently scarred or burned as the result of an accident
please call or click here
to ensure you take the right measures. Our
expert New York burn injury lawyers will sit down with you and go
over the facts to see if you have a case. The initial consultation
with your local New York burn injury lawyer is free so call immediately.
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