Lake Charles Burn Injury Lawyer
Burn injuries are among the most severe a person can sustain. In fact, they are considered “catastrophic” injuries in many cases. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, a burn injury can have a devastating, long-term impact on the victim. Not only are there physical damages with a burn injury, but emotional and psychological suffering as well. Burns can happen to anyone, regardless of their profession. However, there are a handful of trades and industries that are more susceptible to these types of injuries than others. More on that later.
Burn Injuries Lawyer
According to the American Burn Association (ABA) [1], there are more than 500,000 burn injuries every single year in the United States. Burn injuries carry a 94 percent survival rate, which makes this type of injury amongst the most serious anyone can live through. From cooking fires to electrical fires and many others in between, a lot can lead to a burn injury. Texas is home to one of the largest industrial industries, which means that a good percentage of workers have high-risk jobs. Over the years, we have worked with numerous burn survivors and their families in burn injury cases right here in Texas. These injuries are often catastrophic and lead to severe external burns, as well as emotional scarring and long-term psychological damage.
If you live in Texas and have been injured in an explosion, chemical spill, home fire, oil and gas accident, or any other type of burn accident, give us a call. Our lawyers are prepared to discuss your case with you and will do everything we can to ensure you recover damages for your losses. If you have lost a loved one in a burn accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. To learn more about your options, contact Shamieh Law to schedule a free consultation.
What Are The High-Risk Jobs For Burn Injuries?
Some trades and industries are considered “high risk” for workers. Often, these workers suffer serious burn injuries. If a workplace isn’t correctly maintained, or if safety protocols are ignored, it can create a potentially toxic environment. Not only is burn a possibility but damage from toxic smoke inhalation and other chemicals. In some cases, the damages from these types of accidents take years to show up.
The industries and trades with the highest risk of burn accidents and injuries in Texas include:
- Electrical workers
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Electrical engineers
- Maintenance workers
- Welders
- Frame cutters
- Structural metal workers
- Sheet metal workers
- Painters
- Construction workers
- Ironworkers
- Boilermakers
- Steamfitters
- Mechanics
- Furnace repairmen
- Heavy equipment operators
- Technicians
- Plumbers
- Cable linemen
- Roofers
- Shipyard workers
- Industrial plant workers
- Oil refinery workers
- Industrial engineers
- Drill press operators
These are just a handful of trades that see burn injuries regularly. Giving the inherent dangers of these types of jobs, it is of the utmost importance that safety is always a top priority.
Types Of Burn Injuries
Because burn injuries usually have long-term damage that may require surgery, intensive hospital care, and around the clock medical care, they are typically considered catastrophic. To understand why burns are so serious, let’s look at the different types of burn injuries:
- Electrical burns – When the body comes in contact with a live electric current, and it enters the body, it can cause substantial damage. Electrical burns are considered very serious because they can cause sub-dermal damage or damage under the skin. If a worker comes in contact with an extension cord while building a house, for example, it can cause an electric current to run through the body. In addition to tissue damage, electrical burns can also lead to severe organ damage, brain damage, or a heart attack.
- Thermal burns – When you come in direct contact with fire or flame, it is considered a thermal burn. These types of burns typically cause damage to the different layers of the skin. The extent of damage depends on the temperature and how long the person was in contact with the source of heat. In addition to the skin, nerve endings, blood vessels, glands, muscles, and bones can suffer in a thermal burn. Examples of sources of thermal burns include:
- Fire
- Hot, molten liquid
- Steam (scald)
- Cooking pans, irons, heated appliances, and other hot objects
- Chemical burns – This type of burn is very common in the workplace, especially in Texas. Chemical burns happen as a result of strong acids that can kill cells. Common substances that can cause a chemical burn include:
- Battery acid
- Chlorine
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Harsh cleaners
- Hot liquid burns – Burns from hot liquids are very common amongst children. Also referred to as scald burns, they can vary from mild to life-threatening.
- Radiation burns – Radiation burns also happen in the workplace, especially in environments where you work closely with radiation. When this type of injury occurs, the radiation can interact with cells in the body and damage them. Often, people will experience redness around the damaged area that requires medical attention.
How Are Burn Injuries Classified?
Now that you understand the different types and causes of burn injuries, let’s discuss how burn injuries are classified:
- First-degree burns – The least severe of burn classifications, first-degree burns usually damage the outer layer of skin. They usually heal on their own in about a week and do not require medical attention. A sunburn, for example, is considered a first-degree burn.
- Second-degree burns – These types of burns cause damage to the outer layer of the skin and the layer underneath it (the dermis). In some cases, second-degree burns will require a skin graft that will cover the burn and allow it to heal.
- Third-degree burns – Third-degree burns are more severe and cause a great deal of damage to both layers of the skin. In addition to the skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and other tissues can also sustain damage.
- Fourth-degree burns – Severe injury and damage are guaranteed with fourth-degree burns. Victims usually require long-term rehabilitation and may lose the affected body part.
- Fifth-and-sixth degree burns – Victims of fifth or sixth-degree burns usually do not survive because the heat causes so much damage to internal body organs.
If you suffered a burn injury from a preventable accident in Texas, contact Shamieh Law today. Burn injury victims have certain rights and require a great deal of support. To learn more about these types of accidents and what you can do to protect yourself, give us a call.
