You may expect a motor vehicle accident to cause severe injuries like brain or spinal cord trauma, but devastating burns are also a risk.
Severe burns can have life-long consequences for victims. They cause immense physical pain but also lead to long-term medical treatment, psychological trauma and significant financial burdens.
Types of burns
Understanding the different levels (degrees) of burn injuries can help you seek the financial compensation needed to cover the associated medical expenses. These include:
- First-degree: Affects only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain
- Second-degree: Extends to the dermis, causing blistering and severe pain
- Third-degree: Affects all skin layers and possibly underlying tissues, leading to extensive skin damage
- Fourth-degree: Impacts muscles and bones, causing charring and loss of sensation
Burns in the fourth, fifth and sixth degree are the most severe, often causing permanent physical damage and requiring long-term medical treatment. They can also pose a risk of death.
Causes of vehicle accident burns
Auto accident burn injuries can result from several causes, including:
- Fuel-related fires: Ruptured fuel lines can ignite spilled fuel.
- Electrical fires: Short-circuited wiring components may start fires.
- Hot surfaces: Engine or exhaust parts become dangerously hot in a crash.
- Airbag deployment: Chemicals and friction from airbags cause burns.
- Explosions: High-speed or multiple-vehicle crashes can result in explosions.
The treatment of severe burn injuries involves immediate medical intervention, including stabilization, wound care and pain management. Long-term treatment may include surgeries, skin grafts, physical therapy and psychological support. Recovery can be a lengthy process, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Your Connecticut car accident claim can help you obtain the financial resources necessary to get the medical care you need for recovery. Legal representation can help to ensure your injury claim reflects the full extent of your crash-related suffering.
