The Impacts and Complications of Burn Injuries

Aug 22 2023      On Behalf of  David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.      Personal Injury

The statistics are startling; approximately 486,000 fire or burn injuries were treated in emergency departments between 2011 and 2015, and there were 3,390 civilian deaths from fires in 2016 alone. If you or someone you love has suffered a severe burn, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Missouri Burn Injuries: Impacts and Complications

Burns are potentially one of the most catastrophic injuries someone can sustain. They can have a long-lasting effect on the quality of a burn victim’s life, including persisting issues related to scarring, disfigurement, contractures, weakness, body temperature regulation, itching, pain, sleep, body image, and psychosocial well-being.

Besides these direct consequences, intensive care treatment can also result in cognitive, affective, or behavioral difficulties. Frequently, burn injury victims report limitations in health-related quality of life compared to the general unaffected population. Complications of burn injuries might involve:

  • Bacterial infections, which can cause a bloodstream infection known as sepsis
  • Fluid loss
  • Decreased blood volume
  • Critically low body temperature, commonly referred to as hypothermia
  • Breathing problems from exposure to hot air or smoke
  • Keloids or scars resulting from an overgrowth of scar tissue
  • Bone and joint problems, such as when scar tissue causes the tightening and shortening of soft tissues
  • Nerve damage
  • Loss of mobility
  • Psychological trauma

Burn injury victims can pursue the compensation they deserve for the severe implications of a burn injury. At David M. Duree & Associates, we know how traumatic these injuries can be, and we work hard to obtain maximum financial recovery for your burn injuries.

Liability in Missouri Burn Injury Lawsuits

Liability refers to a legal responsibility arising from negligence. If someone acted negligently, causing your burn injuries, they are liable for your injuries and damages. The liable party will depend on the situation that caused your burn. Burn injury lawsuits involve all kinds of circumstances, including car accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. Professions with a high risk of burn injuries include:

  • Construction workers
  • Restaurant employees
  • Plant workers
  • Oil field employees
  • Electricians
  • Laboratory researchers

Damages for Burn Injuries

If another person or party caused your burn injuries, you are entitled to receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. These include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Lost future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium

Your skilled Missouri burn injury lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf to maximize your damage recovery.

Have You or a Loved One Suffered From a Burn Injury? Missouri Burn Injury Lawyer Today

After suffering a severe burn injury, you should speak to a Missouri burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. Burn injuries often have life-changing implications. While you can’t erase your injuries or undo the circumstances that caused them, you can rely on our firm to provide you with the legal representation you need. To receive a no-obligation consultation, call David M. Duree & Associates today at 618-628-0186 or complete an online intake form.