First degree burns generally heal within 10 to 20 days, assuming there is no infection. These burns affect the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin. Symptoms include pain and redness.

Second degree burns may take a month or longer to heal. A second degree burn exposes the dermis, a layer of skin under the epidermis. Victims may have pain, redness, and blisters that ooze and are slow to heal.

These burns harm both layers of skin and may also harm your bones, muscles and tendons and nerve endings. Third degree burns may require skin grafts and take several months to heal.

The most serious type of burn extends through the skin and internal tissue causing permanent damage to muscles and bones. Fourth degree burns may never heal.

Deep burns can lead to a host of complications. Pneumonia is the most frequently seen complication and occurs in 5.9 percent of burn cases. Short-term complications, which may result from burn injuries include:

Infections. Scarring on the skin can leave the victim vulnerable to infections. Damaged skin can also increase your risk of sepsis.

Low blood volume. Burns can cause loss of fluid due to damaged blood vessels. This can result in low blood volume, which can affect the body’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Hypothermia. When the skin is damaged, it loses its ability to retain heat. This can result in hypothermia.

Long-term complications may include:

Joint problems. Scar tissue can limit the movement of joints and cause the skin and muscles to tighten. This can pull joints out of position.

Psychological complications. Psychological trauma resulting from the burn injury can affect the individual’s life negatively. Many burn injury victims are susceptible to difficulties with self-esteem and self-image after the burn accident.

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Common Burns And Burn Injury Statistics

The American Burn Association reports that in 2014:

• Fire/flame injuries represented 43% of all burn injury cases
• Scald injuries represented 34% of cases with a known origin
• Contact with a hot object accounted for 9% of cases with a known origin
• Electrical injuries represented 4% of cases with a known origin
• Chemical injuries represented 3% of cases with a known origin
• Scalding from grease or oil tends to be worse than being scalded from water
• Burns from electrical sources include electrical flash burns and voltage conduction injuries
• Nearly 69% of burn patients are male with the mean age being 32 years old
• Children under the age of 5 accounted for 20% of all burn victim cases in 2013
• The mortality rate for all cases was 3.4%
• 72% of burns occurred in the home.
  

  Burn Victim Frequently Asked Questions

• What kinds of accidents result in serious burns?

  The leading causes of Louisiana burn injuries include:

  • Refinery accidents
  • Industrial accidents
  • Car, truck and motorcycle accidents
  • Boating accidents
  • Shipping and other maritime accidents.

  What types of compensation are available to me for my burn injuries?

  Many burns require lengthy hospital stays and years of rehabilitation, skin grafts and medical treatment for muscle and bone injuries. Disfiguring scars may harm self-confidence and psychological treatment may be an important part of the recovery. Our lawyers can help you recover compensation for your medical treatment and medical bills, including money for surgery and in-home care. We’ll also help you recover for your lost income and pain and suffering.

  How does workers’ compensation affect my claim for damages?

  Many burns occur in Louisiana’s gas, oil and maritime industries. If you are burned on the job, your employer may tell you that you do not have any claim other than workers’ compensation. That is not necessarily the case. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit may be allowed outside the workers’ compensation system. Consult with one of our personal injury attorneys so we can review the facts of your case and advise you of your legal options.

  What is my burn claim worth?

  The value of your claim depends on the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding how you were burned. Many burn victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain, disability, disfigurement, future medical bills, and loss of earning capacity. Due to the long-lasting physical and emotional effects of burn injuries, it is advised that you speak with an experienced injury attorney regarding your case.

  Who is responsible for my burn injury?

  The party that is responsible for your injury will be held liable for damages. This is determined by establishing the liability in the case. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this may be the manufacturer of a product, an employer, an individual, a corporate entity, a government entity, a landlord or anyone other party that may have some level of responsibility for what occurred.

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  Professional, Experienced, And Trusted Fire Accident Lawyers

  If you have been seriously burned at sea, on an offshore oil rig or in an industrial accident, the burn injury attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can help. Our lawyers have the resources and experience to prepare an effective case strategy for you and your family. Results are how we measure success; we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom and we’ll put our experience and legal skills to work on your behalf.

  We help victims in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Monroe, Lafayette, Alexandria, and across the state of Louisiana. Dealing with your injuries should be your focus. Let the attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault handle your legal issues and aggressively pursue fair compensation for you. Contact us today so that we can review the circumstances of your injury and get started right away.