Burn Injuries and Litigation

Jarrett Uncategorized

It may not be obvious but hot coffee, batteries, crock pots and fires all have a common theme: burns. With so many factors and possibilities, sometimes being careful isn’t enough to avoid injury. Improper temperature, broken devices, explosions, chemical spills and other accidents aren’t always in our control and can cause serious injuries, even death. There are many types of burns that could potentially result in hospitalization:

• Thermal burns: Burns due to external heat sources that raise the temperature of the skin and tissues. These burns also cause tissue cell death or black charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames, when coming in contact with the skin, can cause thermal burns.
• Radiation burns: Burns caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. Also caused by exposure to other sources of radiation such as therapeutic cancer treatments or nuclear power plant leaks.
• Chemical burns: Burns caused by strong acids, alkalis, detergents, or solvents coming into contact with the skin or eyes.
• Electrical burns: Burns from electrical current, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
• Friction burns: Burns from direct damage to the cells and from the heat generated by friction. Examples include children falling on or touching a treadmill in motion. Or a rope burn from a rope sliding through the hands.

Burns are generally painful and their severity can be classified by different degrees, as defined below. A first-degree burn is not as serious as the greater degrees of burns, and would not be a concern for potential disfigurement and other long-term medical issues. Proper treatment of any burn site is necessary to prevent other issues, such as infection or scarring. Keeping wounds covered and clean would be advice that a doctor could provide when seeking help while caring for a burn. 

• First-degree (superficial) burns: First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and often consists of an increase or decrease in skin color.
• Second-degree (partial thickness) burns: Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the lower layer of skin, the dermis. The burn site looks red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
• Third-degree (full thickness) burns: Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They may go into the innermost layer of skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site may look white or blackened and charred.
• Fourth-degree burns: Fourth-degree burns go through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, possibly involving muscle and bone. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Depending on the severity of the burn, treatment could require intensive surgeries and hospitalization to recover from the injury. While not all burns will require assistance from legal counsel, Ellzey & Associates, PLLC has experience taking care of clients when hospital bills begin to accumulate after seeking care. Workplace accidents, explosions and mishaps have caused our clients extreme injuries. Ellzey & Associates, PLLC, is experienced in helping clients navigate complex situations that require attention to detail and in-depth research. Our lawyers have litigated cases and helped our clients settle with companies that weren’t willing to listen. 

Clients who have experienced burns at work after surviving accidents, like explosions, find comfort in knowing their case is being handled by the best. Employees can hold their employer responsible for unsafe working conditions and injuries caused by dangerous environments. Suffering from burns while on the job should be the last concern on someone’s mind while working at a power plant. When power plant explosions occur, employees should find an attorney focused on taking care of their needs and fighting for the best case results. Surviving an explosion is traumatic and companies should be held responsible when employees are faced with diagnoses and injuries like burns, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and psychological trauma like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and survivor’s guilt.

Large companies protect themselves by hiring large law firms to litigate these cases. Ellzey & Associates, PLLC, has experience fighting large law firms and securing verdicts with our trial lawyers. Injured employees should find a lawyer that will help them during a stressful time. Our law firm is dedicated to finding their clients the best possible outcome in any situation, protecting their claims. Fighting to protect our injured clients will always be our priority, making sure they have the best possible outcome for their case.