More than two million people suffer from burn injuries each year. There are many ways that people can suffer serious burn injuries. One of the most common causes of burns in Virginia car accidents. Tragically, car accident burns are often severe, and many victims do not survive the injury. This is because of the combination of gasoline and other highly flammable and/or combustible liquids in vehicles. When these liquids ignite, the flames usually spread to all the upholstery and plastics in the interior of the vehicle, creating a death trap for anyone inside.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can be extremely painful and extremely dangerous because of the all the possible complications that can develop. The degree level of burns is a good indication of the type of recovery process the victim faces:
- First-degree burns: These burns are similar in nature to sunburns and will usually heal on their own.
- Second-degree burns: These burns often end up developing blisters and require a topical ointment to heal.
- Third-degree burns: These burns involve damage to the skin layers, as well as damage to tissues. Recovery involves skin grafts or artificial skin. Victims also require plastic surgery once they heal in order to help repair any scarring or disfigurement.
- Fourth-degree burn: These are the most dangerous and painful. There is damage to all the layers of the skin, all tissue underneath, and often damage to the bone. Many people who suffer from fourth-degree burns die from their injury, depending on what percentage of their body has been burnt. The other deadly risk is infection because there is no skin to protect from dangerous bacteria, which can now get into the body. Victims who survive these burns are kept in isolation in order to protect them from infections.
Financial Damages in for Car Accident Burns
Victims of car accident burn injuries often require a long and painful rehabilitation and recovery. When the crash was caused by another party, the victim is entitled to sue for damages. Some of the expenses that can be covered in a car accident claim include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages and loss of future income;
- Rehabilitation expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Special damages; and
- Punitive damages (under certain circumstances).
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If the victim dies from their injuries, their family can file a wrongful death claim. In addition to the above damages, funeral and burial expenses and other special damages can also be awarded.
Contact a Va. Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in a car accident, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have. We are available to discuss your case and advice what the best course of action may be.