Burn Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents in Minnesota
Each year over 500,000 patients are treated for serious burn injuries in the United States. Surprising to some, car accidents are a major source of burn injuries. Burn injuries are categorized in severity by "degree," including first-degree burns, second-degree burns and third-degree burns.
First-degree burns are the least serious of all burn injuries and involve minimal tissue damage to the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Symptoms include redness, swelling, a few days of mild pain and peeling of the skin. First-degree burns usually require little or no treatment, except for common over-the-counter pain medications. Common first-degree burns include routine exposure to the sun and sudden flashes of heat upon the skin.
Second-degree burns are more serious than a first-degree burn. These burns will cause damage to the skin's outer-layer (the epidermis) and a deeper layer of skin (the dermis). Symptoms of a second-degree burn include redness of the skin, intense pain, swelling and blisters. Second-degree burn injuries often affect not just the skin, but also hair follicles and sweat glands. Second-degree burn injuries are usually caused by contact with flames, scalding water or brief contact with a hot object.
Third-degree burns are the most serious of all burns and affect all three layers that make up the skin: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Charring of the skin is common and numbness to the burned area may result because damage to the nerves. Significant medical attention will be required if you have suffered a third-degree burn.
Burns typically arise from two scenarios in a car accident: direct contact with fire and airbag deployment. There are two ways that the inflation of airbags causes burn injuries. First, an airbag may perforate, resulting in the release of sodium azide or sodium hydroxide, which results in chemical burns when brought in contact with the skin. Second, the rise in temperature during inflation of the airbag often causes thermal burns.
Burns are some of the most horrific injuries a car accident survivor can suffer. Significant scarring and permanent impairments often result. If you have suffered a severe burn injury in a car accident it is important to speak with a lawyer you can trust to handle your case. The car accident attorneys with the Brown Law Offices, P.A. offer skilled, resourceful advocacy. Our lawyers are focused on helping through a difficult time and maximizing the compensation you receive for your burn injuries. You may reach us by calling (763) 323-6555.
