New York Burn Victim Frequently Asked Questions

Statistics report that there are 1.1 million burn injuries every year in the U.S. Of these, 4,500 die from their injuries and 45,000 require hospitalization.

Burns are classified by their cause. There are as follows:

• Thermal: These types of burns are caused by heat sources. In this kind of burn, the temperature raises in the skin and causes death to the tissue. Common examples would be burns from fire, hot metals and scalding liquids.
• Chemical burns: This burn is caused by alkalis, detergent, acids or solvents coming into contact with the skin.
• Electrical burns: These are caused by electrical current passing through the body.
• Burns are then categorized by degree, which include:
• First degree: These burns cause superficial damage. The skin is red and painful.
• Second degree: These burns involve burning of the outer layer or epidermis, and the second layer of the skin, the dermis. These burns will be red and painful, and the skin will blister.
• Third degree: These are also caused thickness burns. This burn affects both layers of the skin and often the underlying bone, muscle and tendon. The skin will appear white or charred. Often these burns aren’t painful as the nerve endings have been destroyed.

If it is a serious burn, doctors may need to remove dead tissue, which is called debridement If the skin is so damaged it can’t heal, a skin graft may be needed. Usually a patient will need physical therapy to ensure the tissue stays flexible and to minimize scarring.

• Emotional trauma;
• Disfigurement;
• Organ damage;
• Lasting pain;
• Changes in body chemistry; and
• Sensitivity to temperature.

• Workplace accidents;
• Truck accidents;
• Car accidents;
• Electrical fires;
• Locked fire exists;
• Recreational fires;
• Defective products; and
• Apartment fires.

It is possible if the landlord breached a duty to keep the premises safe, and the breach caused your injury. Some of the responsibilities a landlord would have in this instance includes:

• Maintain fire escapes;
• Ensuring electrical wiring is safe;
• Installing fireproof doors;
• Having properly maintained fire extinguishers; and
• Keeping escape routes clear of debris.

• Infection;
• Low blood pressure;
• Hypothermia;
• Post-traumatic stress disorder;
• Hypothermia; and
• Respiratory problems.

If you have suffered a serious burn injury, your world has likely been turned upside down. These injuries are extremely painful and can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. The medical expenses associated with this injury is very high. You also may have missed a substantial amount of work, and will be unable to work in the future. Generally, if successful with your claim, you could receive reimbursement for your current and future medical expenses, reimbursement for your lost income and income in the future should you be unable to work, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

Yes. Because these cases can involve high dollar amounts, and they can be quite complicated, it is highly recommended that you seek the guidance of a lawyer. The sooner you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, the sooner they can create an action plan moving forward and get you the compensation that you and your family deserve. Contact our office today and speak with one of our experienced lawyers to learn more about your legal options. Your first consultation is completely free of charge.