Overland Park Burn Injury Attorneys
Skilled representation for thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiation burns in Kansas
Burn injuries are a catastrophic injury that can result from large explosions and fires, causing significant damage to different layers of the skin. Like many catastrophic injuries, burns have the potential to cause monumental trauma, both physical and emotional. Immediate care and action after a burn injury can be the difference in saving someone’s life.
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, our seasoned Overland Park burn injury attorneys understand how a serious injury affects every aspect of your or your loved one’s life. We can help your family handle insurance companies or employers that are not taking your injury seriously, and work to secure the financial compensation to which you are entitled. For three decades, we have been fighting for the rights of burn patients, and select cases in which our experience can make the most impact. As a result, we are able to provide close personal attention and significant resources to the clients we represent.
What are the different types of burn injuries?
Medical professionals classify burn injuries based on degrees, and on how deep the into the skin the damage has gone.
- First-degree burn. This is the mildest kind of burn that only damages the epidermis (the first layer of skin). These types of burns do not leave a scar, and cause the victim to experience pain and redness around the skin. Under this type of burn, the skin will not break or blister but will need about 3 to 5 days to heal.
- Second-degree burn. This is a burn that damages both the epidermis and the dermis (second layer of skin). These types of burns are painful, and the injured area has the potential to appear red and blotchy with blisters. Unless the skin becomes infected or the injury is deep enough within the skin, the damaged skin can grow back.
- Third-degree burn. This is a burn that is able to reach all the way down to the fat layer beneath the skin. The burned areas may appear black, white, or brown. The injured area may be numb, and nerves are in danger of being destroyed.
- Fourth-degree burn. This is a type of burn that causes damage between the fat, bone, muscle, and skin. These burns are extremely severe and can be fatal.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 180,000 deaths every year around the world associated with burns. Burn injuries have the potential to become worse if left untreated, typically risking serious infection.
What are the main causes of burn injuries?
Burn injuries can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Coming into contact with chemicals.
- Experiencing an electrical current traveling through your body and heating up your skin and underlying tissue.
- Coming into contact with fire.
- Coming into contact with hot steam or liquids.
- Coming into contact with hot grease.
- Physical abuse.
- Being exposed to radiation.
Do I have a case?
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How are burns treated?
The type of treatment that a person will get for their burn injury is based on the cause of the injury and the severity. Depending on the severity of the burn, the correct bandages and ointment will be needed to clean and dress the wound. Burn injury victims and medical professionals want to make sure that they are continuing to check the wounds for signs of infection. The following treatments apply to each degree:
- First-degree burns. The first step is to run cool water over the burn. If a person suffers from sunburn, applying aloe vera gel can help reduce the pain. Another treatment for burn victims with thermal burns is antibiotic cream, along with a gauze bandage.
- Second-degree burns. Second-degree burns have a similar treatment to first-degree burns. The only difference is that a doctor should provide treatment. The doctor may recommend a stronger antibiotic, like silver sulfadiazine that can kill bacteria.
- Third-degree burns. Third-degree burns can produce serious or even fatal injuries for burn victims. These may require skin grafts to properly treat the injured areas. Skin grafts are a type of treatment that replaces damaged tissue with healthy skin from another area of the body. Patients also receive IV fluids to keep blood pressure steady and prevent shock.
What are some of the complications of third-degree burns?
Third-degree burns can be life-threatening. Even first- and second- degree burns can cause scarring and disfigurement when left untreated. Some of the complications of severe or third-degree burns include:
- Arrhythmia, also known as heart rhythm disturbances
- Disfiguring scars
- Pneumonia
- Edema, also known as excess fluid and swelling around the tissues
- Organ failure
- Low blood pressure
Who can be held liable for an Overland Park burn injury?
Depending on how the burn injuries were caused and the nature of the incident, several parties can be held liable for a burn injury. For example, a construction worker could be electrocuted while operating a power tool. Upon further investigation, it is discovered that the power tool was defective. The construction worker could hold manufacturer liable for his or her injuries under product liability law.
Other parties that can also be held liable for a victim’s burn injuries are employers, homeowners, and property owners who have an obligation to provide safe, hazard-free environments for both employees and visitors.
Who can file a burn injury claim in Kansas?
Anyone who has suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party can file a personal injury claim. Victims of burn injuries want to keep in mind to file a claim within the statute of limitations, which in Kansas is two years from the date of injury.
Do you have a burn injury attorney near me?
Our Overland Park office is located at 11900 College Blvd, next to Central Bank. It is available to you through appointment. We also maintain additional offices throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Our Overland Park burn injury attorneys are here to help
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we know that you need to get back to the life you had and find the best way forward for you and your family. That is why our Overland Park burn injury attorneys move aggressively from the start to investigate how your accident happened and to determine who is responsible. Our experienced attorneys have been fighting for burn injury victims for 30 years.
While we are always ready to try your case before a jury, we have a track record of strong settlements and verdicts. Our lawyers are respected across Kansas and Missouri for our dedication to our clients, our tenacity working on cases, and our persuasive abilities in boardrooms and court rooms. To discuss your burn injury claim, call us at 816-290-7621 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Overland Park Office
11900 College Blvd, Suite 301
Overland Park, KS 66210