Burn Injuries in Car Accidents

Burn injuries are a common consequence of motor vehicle accidents. Beyond the immediate pain of the injuries and the expense of medical care to treat them, burns can result in emotionally distressing scarring, limit mobility, and seriously hamper a victim’s quality of life.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., we believe no one should have to pay the price of an accident caused by the negligent behavior of another, and we back that up with results. We know our way around the negotiating table and the courtroom, which is how we’ve recovered record-breaking settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. We’ve secured over $2.5 billion, including more than 350 multi-million recoveries. Now, we’re ready to put this experience, skill, and track record of success to work for you.

If you were injured by another driver’s negligence and need help recovering the money you deserve, contact our office today for a free case review with a Chicago burn injury lawyer.

Working with a Lawyer Experienced in Burn Injury Cases

Severe burn injuries after a car crash can leave you in pain, debt, and distress. If someone else caused the accident, they could owe you money for all they’ve cost you – but getting them to pay up is another matter entirely. A knowledgeable Chicago car accident lawyer can help.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., we’re ready to get started immediately. We can carefully review your situation, collect crucial evidence, and build a compelling claim seeking maximum compensation. You can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle your claim.

Why Do Burns Injuries Occur in Car Crashes?

Cars have many different components that, when damaged in a crash, can lead to burn injuries. Hot metal like engine components and steam escaping a cracked radiator are typical examples of how a car accident can cause significant burns. That’s not to mention the inherent dangers of gasoline leaks and flammable chemicals that can catch fire.

Mechanical defects in certain car parts, especially electrical wiring, can also cause burn wounds. Chemical burns are also common in accidents that involve airbag deployments.

Types of Burn Injuries

Car accident victims can suffer severe burn injuries that can lead to tissue death and life-threatening complications. Injury victims can suffer burn injuries of various types, including:

  • Thermal burns are among the most common car accident burn injuries. Thermal burns occur when the skin comes into contact with high temperatures from flames, hot surfaces, steam, or hot liquids.
  • Chemical burns are also common in serious car accidents. Chemical burns happen when a strong acid or base comes in contact with the skin, leading to tissue damage.
  • Electrical burns result from contact with exposed wires. Downed powerlines and damaged electrical components can expose a person to a live electrical energy source, resulting in devastating electrical burns.

Burn injuries can be categorized by the severity of the damage they cause to the skin and surrounding soft tissues. There are four degrees of burn injuries:

  • First-Degree Burn – First-degree burns are the most common burn injury. Although they only damage the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, these injuries can be painful.
  • Second-degree burns – Second-degree burns are more traumatic. The burn penetrates multiple layers of skin, causing damage to the epidermis and dermis beneath it. The dermis contains blood capillaries, nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
  • Third-Degree Burn – Third-degree burns can damage multiple layers of skin, soft tissue, muscle fiber, bones, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Fourth-Degree Burn – Fourth-degree burns are the most severe burn injuries and go through both layers of skin, underlying tissue, and deeper tissue, possibly to the muscle and bone. They also destroy nerve endings, so burn injury victims have no feeling in the area.

Some burn injuries cause wrongful death to a burn injury victim, in which case the surviving family may be able to recover compensation for the loss of their loved one.

Symptoms of Burn Injuries

The symptoms of burn injuries generally depend on the severity of the damage. A first-degree burn can look red and irritated, while a third-degree burn can give the skin a blackened or charred appearance. Some of the most common symptoms of a burn injury include:

  • Pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Itchiness
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Peeling skin
  • Blackened or charred skin

Hot steam and gases can also cause internal burns of the mouth, throat, lungs, and mucus membranes. Chemicals can also cause internal burns. Signs of internal burn injuries include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Vision changes

Chemical inhalation can result in other health complications, including trouble standing and respiratory failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Car Accident Burn Injuries

If you suspect that you have suffered a car accident burn injury, seek immediate medical attention. The first few hours are critical to your healing process. Prompt medical treatment may prevent complications and minimize resulting burn injuries.

Physical examination of the damaged tissue can help medical professionals properly diagnose burns. They may also deploy diagnostic tools to measure the extent and depth of the tissue damage.

Treating burn injuries can be complicated depending on the type of burn and how much surface area the burn covers. First-degree burns typically only require time and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe burns might require:

  • Wound dressings
  • Skin grafts
  • Surgery to remove dead tissue
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation

Not all medical facilities can manage serious burn cases, and patients may need to transfer to the nearest specialized burn center for treatment. Burn wounds are susceptible to dangerous infections and scarring. In some cases, special burn garments can help flatten the appearance of burn scars and prevent keloids or the overgrowth of scar tissue.

Compensation in Car Accident Burn Injury Claims

If you suffered car accident burn injuries because of another driver’s negligence, we can help recover compensation for your:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical expenses related to the crash
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Resources and Support for Car Accident Victims with Burn Injuries

Those with burn injuries and their families can benefit from the compassionate support services available after a traumatic car crash. You are not alone. If you or a family member are looking for help in the Chicago area, consider these resources:

Reach Out to an Experienced Chicago Burn Injury Lawyer Today

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., we want to help you recover compensation after you suffer burn injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Chicago burn injury lawyer about your case. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to walk you through the legal process and help you understand your rights.