Car Accident Burn Injuries and Treatments
Burns can comprise some of the most painful injuries from car accidents. Fire is not the only factor in an accident that causes burns. Chemicals and electricity can have the same effect. Breathing smoke can damage the lungs and lead to serious breathing problems. This is why contacting paramedics after a serious car accident that involves any of these factors is important. If you were in a car accident caused by someone else, be sure to contact a Central New York Car Accidents Attorney to talk about your options.
Types of Burn Injuries from Car Accidents
Burns can be caused by hot steam or liquids, fires, and certain chemicals that are corrosive to the skin. The three main types of burns involve different degrees of damage to the layers of skin and tissues underneath. They are called first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.
First-degree burns only damage the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns impact the dermis, the inner layer of skin, and epidermis. These burns can cause pain and suffering until medical attention is sought and medications are administered. Third-degree burns are the most severe because they breach through the entire layer of skin and damage any tissues underneath. The tissues underneath may include nerves, muscles, fatty tissues, and other tissues.
Common symptoms of burns are severe throbbing pain, swelling, serious scarring, and blistering. Some people may go into shock from the extent of the pain and in rare instances, may die from the intensity or an infection.
Treatments for Burn Injuries
Treatments for burns need to be sought immediately afterward to avoid the possibility of infection or shock. Depending on the severity of the burn, a doctor may administer bandages, prescription-strength medications, and surgery to repair or remove damaged tissues. These are done to lessen pain and decrease the chances of infection.
In serious cases, skin grafts may be used to cover massive areas of lost skin tissue. In terms of long-term management, you may go through a series of wound dressing changes to clean the areas of damage. This often involves burn creams, medications for pain, anti-anxiety medicine, and powerful antibiotics administered through an IV. The IV also serves to prevent dehydration while you rest and heal.
Burn Injuries Lawyer in New York
You should not have to pay for the damages caused by a negligent driver. Insurance companies are obligated to cover you after an accident, but the coverage may not be enough for the severity of your injuries. Burn injuries often cause a great deal and pain and suffering that will include long-term treatments and recovery. In situations like these, you will likely be unable to work for a significant period of time. Talk to a Liverpool Burn Injuries Lawyer about compensation for lost wages.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have years of experience with personal injury and car accident cases. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation today. We are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Our goal is to help you earn the compensation you need to fully recover.