Car accident-related burns, while rare, lead to severe long-term complications. Most burns require extensive medical treatment, like reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and pain management.
An experienced car accident lawyer in Rock Hill, SC, can help burn victims recover fair compensation for the impact a fiery crash will have on their lives. Please contact us at Elrod Pope Law Firm to discuss the compensation you may be entitled to.
Types of Burn Injuries Resulting from Car Crashes
Explosions, fires, and exposure to hot metal may cause car accident burn injuries. Steam escaping from a broken radiator, contact with toxic chemicals, and friction from seatbelts or airbag deployment can all bring about some form of burns.
These injuries are classified as:
- First-degree burns that damage the top skin layer. Sunburn or scalds, characterized by a tender, inflamed, and red burn site, is an example of a first-degree burn.
- Second-degree burns that affect the second layer of skin, causing blistering, inflammation, and intense pain.
- Third-degree burns that ruin all skin layers, causing permanent tissue, blood vessel, and nerve damage.
All burns, particularly third-degree burns with the most life-threatening consequences, require immediate medical attention to prevent infection and scarring. Severe burns from a car accident can lead to medical complications such as bacterial infections that can progress to sepsis — a blood infection. Depending on the severity of the wound, some car accident burns can cause respiratory problems or permanent scars and amputation.
Available Treatment for Car Accident-Related Burns
Patients who sustain serious burn injuries that cover more than 10% of their body are typically admitted to a burn center for specialized care. Treatment may include IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-infective medications. Skin graft surgery or debriding to do away with the infected skin tissue may also be applicable.
Nurses often apply topical creams/ointments and sterile bandages to the burn sites to help with speedy wound healing. Patients may also receive the following:
- Counseling
- Physical therapy
- Amputation surgery
- Pain management medication
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
Burn injuries can culminate in excruciating physical pain. Some burn victims fall into comas and succumb to their injuries. Even with plastic surgery interventions, severe burns can forever alter a victim’s appearance. The trauma caused by a car accident can also have a lasting emotional impact on someone’s life, leaving them with crippling psychological distress.
Who is to Blame for Car Accident Burn Injuries?
A skilled car accident lawyer with experience in burn cases can assess your situation to help you prove that an at-fault driver acted carelessly. However, when multiple entities are involved in causing a car accident, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault.
If another person or entity—like a car manufacturer of defective parts or an establishment that overserved an intoxicated motorist—led to your crash, you may be entitled to compensation from their insurers.
Evidence of a traffic violation, such as drunk driving or speeding, may also persuade the court that the offender was acting negligently and is to blame for the incident.
Potential Compensation for Car Accident Burns
A car accident burn patient may be entitled to damages for past and future medical expenses, lost income, and other costs incurred due to the injuries.
Victims may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering or punitive damages for the at-fault party’s negligent conduct.
Collecting evidence is critical to determining the cause and consequences of a car accident. You must provide all relevant documentation and witness statements to support your injury claims and other damages. Your medical records, the police report, nearby surveillance footage, proof of property damage, and analysis from a forensic expert are vital evidence that should accompany your claim.
If You Suffered a Burn in a Car Accident, Contact Us in Rock Hill
Burn injuries can have long-term emotional and financial impacts on a victim’s life. If someone else’s negligence brought about your burn injuries, act now to start your claim within South Carolina’s car accident statute of limitations.
Call the offices of Elrod Pope Law Firm to schedule your free case evaluation.
Car Accident FAQs
I’ve suffered burns in a car accident. What should I do?
Seek immediate medical attention from a burn specialist to obtain hospital bills records and consult with an experienced burn injury attorney for counsel on your legal options.
How much compensation could I claim for car accident burn injuries?
The value of damages awarded is based on the severity of injuries, the percentage at which a negligence party contributed to someone’s injuries, the projected loss of future income, out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred, and others. For a better understanding, consult with a lawyer.
