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Seattle Burn Injury Lawyers
Seattle-area burn injury attorneys helping you move forward
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, you're likely facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Smith McBroom is here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve. Talk to our Seattle burn injury lawyers today for help with your severe burn injury. We can help.
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What are the different types of burn injuries?
Depending on the degree of the burn, burns can be considered to be catastrophic injuries. Burns are classified based on the depth and severity of the damage they cause to the skin and underlying tissues. Here's a breakdown of the different types of burn injuries.
First-degree burns
- Depth: Affect only the outermost layer of skin (epidermis)
- Symptoms: Redness, mild swelling, pain, and tenderness
- Appearance: Similar to a sunburn
Second-degree burns
- Depth: Affect both the epidermis and part of the dermis (the second layer of skin)
- Symptoms: Redness, blisters, swelling, pain, and sensitivity to touch
- Appearance: Blisters may be clear or filled with fluid, and the skin may look white or mottled
Third-degree burns
- Depth: Destroy the epidermis, dermis, and deeper tissues, including hair follicles and sweat glands
- Symptoms: Deep, charred appearance, white or leathery skin, numbness, and minimal pain due to nerve damage
- Appearance: May look waxy or dry, and sometimes leathery
Remember, if you or a loved one experiences any type of burn injury, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, especially for severe burns or those affecting large areas of the body.
How do burn injuries occur?
Burn injuries can occur through various means, with the causes often classified into different categories based on the source of the burn.
- One common type is thermal burns, which result from exposure to heat or flames. This can happen in incidents such as house fires, construction accidents involving combustible materials, or contact with hot surfaces like stoves, cooking utensils, or heated objects. Additionally, scalding from boiling water, hot beverages, or steam can lead to thermal burns.
- Chemical burns, another category, are caused by exposure to corrosive chemicals. This can occur in industrial settings where workers may come into contact with acids, bases, or other harmful substances. Household accidents involving strong cleaning agents or other chemical products can also lead to chemical burns.
- Electrical burns result from contact with electrical currents. Causes include accidents involving faulty wiring, electrical appliances, or outlets. Lightning strikes, either direct or indirect, can also cause electrical burns. These burns can be particularly dangerous, as they may not always present visible external injuries, and the damage may occur internally.
- Radiation burns are caused by exposure to ionizing radiation. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to sunburn. Additionally, medical radiation therapy, which involves high doses of radiation for cancer treatment, can cause radiation burns.
- Friction burns occur due to friction or abrasion against a surface. Examples include motorcycle accidents resulting in road rash, or abrasions from sports injuries such as sliding in baseball or falling during various activities.
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What is the treatment for burn injuries?
The treatment for burn injuries is contingent upon the severity of the burn, which is categorized into three main types: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns.
- First-degree burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), typically involve relatively mild symptoms. Treatment often involves the application of cool compresses to the affected area to alleviate pain, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and the avoidance of irritants. Additionally, it's important to protect the burn from further irritation, and wearing loose clothing over the affected area may be recommended.
- For second-degree burns, which penetrate both the epidermis and part of the underlying dermis, more extensive care is needed. Cool water soaks or compresses can be applied for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and ease pain. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be used, along with prescription creams or topical antibiotics to prevent infection. Elevating the burned area can help minimize swelling.
- Third-degree burns, the most severe type, necessitate immediate medical attention. Emergency medical care may include intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration, wound cleaning and dressing to minimize infection risk, and pain management with stronger prescription medications. In some cases, surgical procedures like skin grafts may be performed to replace damaged skin with healthy tissue.
In general, preventing infection is an important aspect of burn injury treatment. This involves keeping the burn clean and covered with sterile dressings, as well as administering antibiotics — either topically or orally — as prescribed. Pain management is also a priority, with the use of medications and non-pharmacological approaches such as distraction techniques.
Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and occupational therapy, may be necessary for functional recovery, and psychological support can address the emotional impact of burn injuries. Long-term care often involves scar management, potentially including compression therapy or surgery, to optimize healing and minimize the impact of scarring.
What is the value of my Seattle burn injury claim?
Determining the value of a burn injury claim is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The severity of your burn. More severe burns that cause lasting damage or require extensive medical treatment will generally have higher claim values.
- The size of the burn. The larger the area of the body burned, the higher the potential value of the claim.
- The location of the burn. Burns on the face, hands, or other visible areas may have a higher value due to the potential for scarring and disfigurement.
- The medical expenses you've incurred. The cost of medical treatment, including surgery, skin grafts, and rehabilitation, will be factored into the value of your claim.
- The lost wages you've suffered. If your burn injury has prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages in your claim.
- The pain and suffering you've experienced. Burn injuries are often very painful, both physically and emotionally. You may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering in your claim.
It's important to speak with an experienced Seattle-area burn injury attorney to get an accurate estimate of the value of your claim. The attorneys at Smith McBroom can review your case and help you understand what damages you may be entitled to recover.
Do you have a Seattle burn injury attorney near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington, 98188. We’re right off I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office, and we offer free on-site parking.
Burn injury attorneys advocating for clients in Seattle and throughout the state
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else's negligence, it's time to take action. The dedicated team of Seattle burn injury attorneys at Smith McBroom is here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Burn injuries can result in extensive medical bills, ongoing treatment, and emotional distress, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable. To schedule a free consultation with a member of our team, call our Tukwila-based offices or fill out our contact form today.