The Long-Term Effects of a Burn Injury

Victims of fires and other burn injuries are often left with not only expensive medical bills and lost wages but also long-lasting physical and psychological scars. Burn injury survivors can face a challenging recovery period, particularly in the cases of deep partial and full-thickness burns. If you or a family member suffered a severe burn injury as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing, it’s important that you get in touch with an experienced burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. Because of the potentially long-lasting effects of your burn injury, it’s crucial that you recover the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party to compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you’ve faced during this process.

It’s not uncommon for victims of serious burns to spend weeks or even months in a hospital burn treatment ward. The injury victim’s length of stay will depend on a number of factors, including how much of the body is burned, the severity of the burns, and whether or not the lungs are damaged from inhaling chemicals or smoke. Even following a hospital stay, changes may persist or evolve for years after the injury, delaying recovery. This article discusses some of the long-term consequences of burn injuries, tips for caring for your injury, and steps you can take to recover compensation from the at-fault party.

The Long-Term Implications of Severe Burn Injuries

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it’s tasked with performing critical functions as part of your immune system. When you suffer a burn injury, it can have widespread effects on many critical bodily functions, such as thermoregulation and resistance to infections. While it may seem as if burn injuries only affect the skin, studies have shown that burn injuries are notable for the degree and duration of pathophysiological alterations they induce. In simpler terms, burns injuries can affect such functions as your metabolism, immune function, and hormone system.

The good news is that science and technology related to burn injury care have significantly improved with every passing year. Doctors and other medical professionals will use the latest medical innovations to treat and care for your injury. 

During the first few days of the healing process, the body will begin the early stages of building scar tissue. For severe burns, a medical professional will likely remove the dead and damaged skin to promote regrowth. This area of skin will likely be replaced with a skin graft, which speeds the healing process. Once you’ve recovered from any necessary surgeries and your wounds have closed up, you may be ready to return home. In cases of severe burns, you may require some adjustments and special care.

5 Tips for Caring for the Long-Term Effects of Burns

Though burn injuries often come with a number of long-term effects, there are steps you can take to alleviate and offset these outcomes. This often involves changing your routine and incorporating new behaviors into your day. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Alter your workout regimen: Sweat glands are destroyed in cases of partial or full-thickness burns, meaning it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise to protect against heat stroke. Talk to your doctor about how to protect yourself.
• Use proper skin lotion: The skin’s sebaceous glands, which are tasked with lubricating the skin, may have also been destroyed by burns. As a result, consider applying lotion to keep the tissue from cracking or drying.
• Avoid bumping or scratching: It’s tempting to touch or scratch the affected areas of your skin, but it’s imperative that you let the healing process take place without impediments.
• Be active in your recovery: It’s important to ask questions and help make decisions about your care. Take a list of questions and concerns to your medical appointments for your health care provider to address.
• Keep support from friends and family: Burn injuries are traumatic, so support from friends and family can play a huge role in aiding recovery. Likewise, it’s vital to consult a mental health professional if you feel overwhelmed.

As you recover from your burn, both physically and emotionally, a lawsuit is probably the last thing on your mind. That’s why the legal professionals at Danko Meredith will work to pursue compensation for you so you can focus on what’s important.

Contact an Experienced Burn Injury Lawyer at Danko Meredith

If you’ve suffered a severe burn injury as a result of another negligent person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering. With a potentially lengthy recovery process ahead of you, it’s crucial that you get in touch with someone who can help recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, missed time from work, and pain and suffering. At Danko Meredith, our skilled burn injury lawyers understand the complexities involved in these types of cases and will do everything in our power to fight for your rights. 

Danko Meredith was named one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News & World Report, and our extraordinary lawyers are continually mentioned among California’s elite. You only have a limited amount of time to act, so don’t hesitate to contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation. We care about you and will remain by your side throughout the lawsuit process. Give us a call at (650) 453-3600 or complete our contact form today.