Minneapolis Burn Injury Lawyer

Minneapolis Burn Injury Lawyer

In the United States , approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported every year. Burns can be one of the most devastating injuries one can sustain. Burns injuries are a leading cause of accidental death in the United States. The mental, physical and monetary costs incurred upon a recovering burn injury victim are staggering. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for everything from your medical expenses, loss of past and future income, and hospital and medical bills, ong-term recovery bills, and pain and suffering.

In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, burn injuries have been steadily increasing - many types include:

• injuries to the lungs resulting from smoke inhalation;
• burn injuries resulting from contact with hot steam;
• burn injuries associated with electric current shock;
• burn injuries resulting from chemical burns or spills;
• operating of the boat while under the influence; and
• burn injuries resulting from contact with hot liquids.

The level of severity for burn injuries is rated according to the number of layers of skin that are damaged. Partial thickness burns are often 1st degree burns or 2nd degree burns, which burns that affect all layers of the skin are 3rd degree burns. Severe burn injuries can require multiple skin grafts and other costly medical procedures, as well as result in permanent disfigurement. Serious or complex burns usually affect more than just the skin. Burn injuries can also cause deadly infections and damage to the victim's bones, internal organs, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and respiratory system.

First-degree burns cause redness and swelling to the skin and involve minimal tissue damage to the epidermis - the outer layer of skin. Although first-degree burns can be painful, they a relatively superficial and will eventually heal on their own.

Second-degree burns affect not only the epidermism, but also the dermis - the underlying lawyer of skin. These burns often affect oil glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands. Second-degree burns are also called partial thickness burns. If a deep second-degree burn is left untreated, decreased blood flow and swelling in the tissue can result in the second-degree burn becoming a third-degree burn. Common causes of second-degree burns include exposure to scalding liquids and open flames.

Third degree burns are severe, burning the entire thickness of the skin, as well as the underlying muscle tissue. These burns are also called full thickness burns. Third-degree burns cause causing charring of skin, with coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. While a third-degree burn may be very painful, some patients feel little or no pain because the nerve endings are often destroyed. Third-degree burns usually result in extensive scarring.

Fourth degree burns are extremely severe and absolutely life threatening.  The burned skin is irrevocably lost and the burn damage has reached the bone. Fourth degree burns are commonly caused by a high-voltage electrical shock as well as prolonged flame contact that can occur during a house fire. When a burned limb is rendered useless, fourth degree burns often lead to amputation. 

Chemical burns are typically occur when caustic chemical compounds such as various acids and bases come into direct contact with the victim's skin. The most common site of chemical burns is the workplace, particularly industrial, manufacturing and construction workplaces. The severity of chemical burns may be deceptive; such as a burn resulting from hydrofluoric acid - this burn can eat to the bone before the extent of the burn becomes evident.

Electrical burns are a direct result of electrocution. When a person is electrocuted, the electric current travels through the body, converting to heat along the way. This extreme heat causes extensive damage to blood vessels, muscle, nerves, and bone tissue. Such burns typically occur as a direct result of another person's neligence, such as defective electrical wiring, electrical outlets, or defective products or tools. In addition, downed power lines are a common cause of electrical burns. Electric companies are solely responsible for keeping power lines safe and secure.