Traffic accidents in Chicago are an unfortunate part of life and sometimes injuries happen. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 313,316 crashes in 2015 with 91,675 injuries, including a variety of burn injuries. Whether your burn is mild or severe, always consult with a doctor for treatment and a Chicago traffic accident lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Types of Burns
There are several types of burns you can suffer in a car or bike accident. The most common are heat or scald burns, which can be caused by direct contact with open flames, extreme heat or hot steam, liquids or surfaces. Even with safety measures in place, injuries happen.
Electrical burns also occur when you come into contact with electricity from the electrical systems inside your vehicle or external electrical equipment or power lines. Chemical burns are the final category and may occur when your body comes into contact with any caustic chemical.
Four Degrees
First and foremost, a medical professional should assess your burn injury for how best to treat you to encourage healing, minimize damage and prevent infection. Usually, treatment is largely based on the degree of the burn, with four degrees classifications.
First-Degree Burns
While still painful, first-degree burns are considered superficial or minor. These burns only affect the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. This skin is red, but blister-free, with minor swelling likely. These burns annoy more than they hurt.
To cool the burn and ease your pain, run cool water over it or apply a clean, wet towel or cool compress to it. Speed healing with Aloe Vera gel or an over-the-counter burn cream. Even cover it with a dry, cotton dressing to protect it from friction.
First-degree burns should heal within a few days with consistent at-home treatment, but seek medical care should it remain unhealed after two weeks. Also if you experience other symptoms.
Second-Degree Burns
These burns damage the epidermis and the dermis. Thus, second-degree burns are sorted into superficial and deep categories.
Superficial second-degree burns typically show up red with blisters. Usually, they heal without any need for surgery and can be treated at home much like first-degree burns. You may experience swelling, blisters and blanching with applied pressure.
Deep burns are more severe, are white or yellow in color, will likely require surgery and skin grafting and take several more weeks to completely heal. You may also experience blistering, but less blanching. With deep burns, scarring is common. These burns hurt.
Third-Degree Burns
Destroys all layers of skin and extends into tissues, and potentially even further to the nerves, muscles and bone. Skin appears leathery and may be white or charred. Third-degree burns are usually painless, because of a loss of sensation. Usually, they require excision and skin grafting. If you suffer nerve, muscle or bone damage, doctors usually recommend extra surgery or rehabilitation. Healing takes several months and is usually incomplete with permanent scarring highly likely.
Fourth-Degree Burns
These have all the characteristics of third-degree burns, but much more catastrophic, with permanent nerve, muscle and bone damage likely. Since nerve endings are
destroyed, there is no sensation, and thus no pain. Fourth-degree burns appear black and charred, and require immediate excision for healing to begin.
Unfortunately, skin grafting is a given and significant impairment or amputation of affected limbs is common. Even worse, nerve damage may cause a lifetime of pain and deformity. Infections require specialized care and extensive treatment. In severe cases, death may occur.
Why Use a Chicago traffic accident lawyer?
Pain and suffering fluctuates based on the severity of your burn(s). But, there is good news. The greater your pain and suffering, the more compensation a Chicago traffic accident lawyer will demand in your settlement.
In other words, hire a top Chicago traffic accident lawyer today. Because your pain and suffering deserves justice.
Have you suffered a burn in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence?
Lerner and Rowe will help you get the compensation you deserve and an experienced Chicago traffic accident lawyer will help you today.
This includes seeking damages to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Burns are particularly traumatic; trust us by your side to get the compensation you deserve.
In a wreck? Need a check?™ We bring experience, skill and passion to your case. Also, we provide free consults and no fee, unless we win your case! Contact us through our LiveChat online or visit our office from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are also available 24/7 to take your call at 844-977-1900.