South Bend Burn Injury Lawyer

Whether a person sustains a burn from exposure to fire, friction, chemicals, or electricity, the potential consequences of this type of injury are severe. Even first-degree burns have the potential to cause infection and do meaningful damage to the victim.

If you sustained a burn injury as a result of some other person or entity’s negligent or reckless conduct, you have legal options available to you that can help you deal with the consequences of your injury. Once you have received thorough, professional medical attention, you should begin to explore these options as soon as possible.

You can get started today by contacting the dedicated South Bend burn injury attorneys at Wruck Paupore. When you call us at (219) 322-1166 today, we can offer you a free initial case assessment.

Different Degrees of Burn Injuries in South Bend

Depending on how you sustain your burn, there are a number of ways it may affect you. The medical practice separates burn injuries into three separate categories or degrees. You may be familiar with these terms, but it is important to know the differences and how each could affect you, especially if your injuries are left untreated.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are among the most serious injuries one can experience and may even be fatal. These injuries can penetrate deep into the skin, reaching even as far as bone. Third-degree burns often appear with black, charred, or bubbled skin. Patients who present with third-degree burns can require extensive grafting and surgery to repair the damage that has been done. It is imperative to get medical attention and treatment to prevent complications, such as infection, from developing after sustaining a third-degree burn.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burn injuries can affect the outer skin, also known as the epidermis, and the next skin layer below it, known as the dermis. When the dermis is affected by heat, it can cause intense blemishes, skin redness, or white splotches. Depending on the skin burn’s depth, you may see some signs of scarring over time. Second-degree burns will sometimes result in nerve damage or painful scar tissue. Like first-degree burns, it is critical to get medical attention to avoid exacerbation of damage to the skin.

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burn injuries generally will only affect the outer layer of the skin. While first-degree burns are less severe than second or third-degree burns, these conditions should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, a first-degree burn injury can become infected and may leave scarring, not to mention the pain and discomfort it may cause. You may not even be able to tell whether your burn is first-degree or second-degree immediately after sustaining it. It is essential to act quickly and get medical attention soon after suffering from this kind of burn injury.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries in South Bend

When we think of burn injuries, one commonly associates their cause with fire. This is reasonable, as most burn injuries are caused by contact with or proximity to an open flame. However, it is important to note the other significant causes of burn injuries discussed below.

Chemical Burns

Chemical burns happen when a dangerous chemical or abrasive contacts a person’s skin. This kind of burn injury is common in places that require the handling of chemicals, such as chemical processing plants, manufacturing factories, chemical storage facilities, and any other facility that requires heavy cleaning and sanitation practices. If a person lacks the adequate, necessary protective equipment, they may be exposed to dangerous chemicals that can burn the skin.

This is not to say that chemical burns only happen in commercial settings. Many chemicals used at home can also lead to severe burn injuries. Substances like drain cleaners, ethanol, chlorine, and solvent thinners have the molecular capability to do real harm to the skin. If products do not have clear warnings or are defective in containing the harmful chemicals, the manufacturing company could be liable for the harms caused.

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are another common form of burn injury. Burns sustained from exposure to open circuits, or other electric sources can be not only painful but also lethal at certain wattages. These types of burn injuries can happen in any number of scenarios where one might encounter electricity. For instance, workers who spend time on construction sites are regularly exposed to the many dangers of dealing with open wiring. Site managers and property owners are responsible for making sure that all electrical sources are properly labeled, maintained, clear of hazards, and grounded where necessary. If these entities fail in these responsibilities, unsecured or poorly maintained electrical wiring can lead to devastating electrical burn injuries.

Friction Burns

Friction burns occur when the skin rubs against another surface. This can be commonly seen in motorcycle accidents, where the driver is knocked off their bike, rubbing their skin against the pavement at high speed. This type of burn injury is known as “road rash.” Road rash can affect the muscles and nerves of the victim and is more likely to result in infection than most other forms of burn injuries.

It is important that motorcyclists take proper precautions against road rash while riding, such as wearing durable and flame-retardant clothing. However, just because these dangers exist does not mean you should bear the brunt of your harms if some other driver negligently caused the accident that injured you.

When to Call a South Bend Burn Injury Lawyer

If you sustained a burn injury, you do not have long to act. Indiana law generally requires that burn injury lawsuits be filed within two years of the accident that caused them. Investigation of the case and gathering of the evidence must start long before this and acting as soon after your injury as possible gives your case the best possible chance of success.

Wruck Paupore Can Help You Get Justice for Your Burn Injuries Today

To learn more about your case and potential recovery through a free initial case assessment, contact the South Bend burn injury attorneys at Wruck Paupore today by calling (219) 322-1166.