Types of Burn Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
The types of burn injuries caused by a car accident include scarring, disfigurement, muscle and tissue damage, and amputation. Below are details about these injuries and their impact on auto accident victims.
Scarring
A first-degree burn that occurs in a car accident typically heals on its own without scarring. However, an auto accident victim who suffers a second-degree burn may notice scarring that lingers for weeks or months. A third-degree burn usually requires months or years to heal. The burn can leave a car accident victim with a scar that lasts a long time. This individual may use a skin graft to minimize the appearance of scars.
Disfigurement
Sadly, an auto accident victim can suffer permanent disfigurement due to a burn injury. In this instance, the victim’s burn injury alters their appearance. The victim could experience physical, emotional, and psychological pain and suffering as a result of their disfigurement. These issues could affect the victim for the rest of their life.
Muscle and Tissue Damage
A car accident victim’s muscle and tissue can deteriorate if this individual is badly burned. This can lead to organ damage and failure. In addition, muscle and tissue damage can contribute to inflammation, hypermetabolism (when the metabolism works faster than it should), and insulin resistance.
Amputation
There are times when auto accident victims suffer burn injuries that require amputation of an affected body part. A doctor may advise a car accident victim to proceed with amputation if their burn injury puts them at a high risk of infection or if they are dealing with a low blood supply in certain areas of their body.
How to Deal with Burn Injuries Caused by a Car Accident
Give burn injuries from a car accident the attention they deserve. Meet with a doctor, as they can evaluate and treat your injuries. Depending on the severity of your burns, your doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Whirlpool baths and other water-based treatments to help get rid of damaged tissue
- IV fluids to protect against dehydration and organ failure
- Medicines to help you deal with pain and suffering
- Dressings to cover your burns and help them heal
- Medications to defend against infection
- A tetanus shot to minimize the risk of a tetanus infection
- The use of a breathing tube (trachea) to ensure oxygen reaches your lungs
- The use of a feeding tube to provide nutritional support
- A skin graft to use your skin to replace scar tissue from deep burns
Along with these, your doctor may advise you to complete physical or occupational therapy to stretch the skin, improve joint flexibility, and increase muscle strength and coordination.
Follow your doctor’s care instructions and attend follow-up appointments with them. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any complications due to your burn injuries.
Consider professional counseling if you are coping with anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress. A counselor can help you cope with the emotional toll of your burn trauma.
If someone else is liable for your auto accident, you can hold them accountable for the costs of treating your burn injuries and other losses you incur. Speak with car accident lawyers in Chicago to review your legal options. Your attorney will let you know if you have grounds for filing a lawsuit against any at-fault parties.