Burn Injury Attorneys in St. Joseph, MO
Skilled representation for victims of burn accidents in Missouri
When a person suffers a burn injury it is considered a catastrophic injury. These injuries often happen after an explosion or fire. Burns can cause severe damage to the skin and even go as far as reaching the bones. What is particularly traumatic about these injuries is that you will be left with permanent scars or disfigurement as a result. This does not only leave victims with physical pain but emotional pain as well.
Such a serious injury requires immediate medical attention as this can make a difference in the person's chances of recovery and survival. Many of the accidents that cause serious burns often result in the death of those involved. The time after a burn accident is very chaotic and overwhelming. The St. Joseph burn injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys understand the implications that these accidents bring which is why we work to defend our clients vigorously.
What are the degrees of burns?
Medical professionals categorize burns in the following degrees:
- First degree: When it comes to degree burns, the first degree is typically the mildest kind of burn. Only the epidermis is damaged, and scarring is minimal. Typically, recovery takes three to five days, and the skin doesn't often blister or break.
- Second degree: When it comes to a second degree burn the epidermis and the dermis are damaged. These burns are more painful than a first-degree burn and blisters will appear. The skin will also become red and blotchy in some instances. In most cases, the skin will grow back and there may be minimum scaring.
- Third degree: While not the worst possible burn, third-degree burns are severe. They can affect the fat layer that is under the dermis. Nerves can be damaged and there can be a numbing sensation.
- Fourth degree: These are the most extreme burns, and they often have fatal consequences. If you do survive, the burn causes damage under the skin between fat, bones, and muscles. Recovery options are minimal.
If a burn is not treated right away or correctly, then this can lead to permanent injury, infection, and disability. It is critical to seek medical attention if you have been involved in a burn accident.
What causes burn injuries in St. Joseph?
We briefly mentioned that burns are caused by explosions and other serious accidents. However, there are many ways that a burn injury can happen including:
- Contact with fire
- Contact with chemicals
- Exposure to radiation
- Contact with hot grease
- Contact with hot steam or other liquids
- Electrocution
While there are a few examples these are not the only ways that you can be burned. No matter the cause, you will need to discuss your legal options with a St. Joseph burn injury attorney.
Do I have a case?
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How are burns treated in St. Joseph?
Since burn injuries are complex, treatment will vary from burn to burn as well as the degree of the burn. You should not try to treat a bun on your own and should always take the advice of a medical professional who is trained in burns. It is also important to monitor burns to avoid infections. Treatments are often administered as followed:
- First degree: These burns can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter or at-home remedies. You can apply cool water to the burn, aloe vera gel, and antibiotic creams to treat the burn. You will also need to cover the burn with a gauze bandage.
- Second degree: Treatment often looks similar to first degree burns with the exception that a doctor must administer treatment. They will also prescribe stronger treatments than what can be found over the counter or at home. This might consist of antibiotics and silver sulfadiazine.
- Third degree: These burns cannot be treated at home and if left untreated they can result in fatal injuries. A skin graft may be needed to treat the affected area. You will also receive IV fluids for blood pressure and to prevent shock.
- Fourth degree: Survival is rare for fourth degree burns, but if a victim is still alive, the immediate treatment plan is much the same for third degree burns. In many cases, doctors will need to amputate a body part with a fourth degree burn.
You will need to follow your doctor’s recommendations to the letter to get the best recovery results.
Who can be held liable for a burn injury in St. Joseph?
Accidents that lead to burn injuries are often complex, unexpected, and avoidable. There can be several parties that can be held liable for a burn injury, and it is important that they are. If the accident was caused by a defective product, a product liability claim can hold the manufacturer culpable. In other cases, a property owner, employer, or other party may be liable. The correct party must be held responsible for their role in causing you harm and injury.
It is important to remember that a claim must be filed within the statute of limitations, two years from the date of the accident. If a claim is not filed, then you may be unable to obtain compensation or justice for your accident. Any person or party that has sustained a burn injury due to the negligent actions of another party or entity is eligible to file a burn injury claim.
Do you have a burn injury attorney near me?
Our St. Joseph office is located at 2501 Frederick Avenue Suite 100 by appointment. We also see clients throughout Missouri and Kansas.
How a St. Joseph burn injury attorney can help
For the past three decades, Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys have been fighting for the rights of burn victims. We will work to protect your rights against insurance companies, employers, and other negligent parties to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We provide close personal attention to each client and case which has shown to make the difference in winning cases.
Our experience is essential in moving your case forward and garnering the results you need for your recovery and future. When you have been involved in an accident resulting in burns, your life is altered, for the worst. Even if you do recover, you can be left with scars and disfigurement. This will continue to cause emotional trauma for the rest of your life.
Any expenses you incurred due to the accident and burn should be compensated. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, then you may be entitled to loss of future earning potential damages. Depending on your particular circumstances the compensation you are entitled to will vary. You will need to discuss compensation and your legal options with a St. Joseph burn injury attorney.
Work with experienced burn injury lawyers serving St. Joseph
At Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, we have decades of experience handling burn accident injuries. No matter who is liable for your injuries, we can help you get the compensation you need. Call us at 816-290-7621, or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
St. Joseph Office
2501 Frederick Avenue, Ste. 100,
St. Joseph, MO 64506
