When you have been involved in a car accident, you can sometimes expect burn injuries. You never expect your vehicle to catch fire in the event of an accident, but sometimes it still happens regardless. Because of the most severe car accidents, you could end up with first, second, or third-degree burns that could lead to significant scarring down the road. Here is an overview of each of the serious burns that can take place in a car accident:
- First-degree (superficial): These affect the outer layer of skin and cause pain, redness, and swelling. Small ones often heal without further treatment and usually do not scar. MedlinePlus says to contact a provider if a minor burn still hurts after 48 hours.
- Second-degree (partial thickness): These affect the outer layer and the layer under it, with blisters. They can scar. A second-degree burn larger than about 2 to 3 inches, or one on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or over a major joint, is a major burn and needs medical care.
- Third-degree (full thickness): These reach the deep layers of skin, which can look white or blackened and may be numb. They are major burns, can leave lasting scars, and often need hospital care, which can include a skin graft. Healing time depends on the size and depth, so no fixed number of weeks or months applies.
The Effect Severe Burns Have on You
Whether or not you receive scarring from an accident depends on how severe the burns are. When you get into the realm of third-degree burns, you should expect that there will be some type of scarring, but the degree will depend upon how deep the burn went. There are two major types of scars that can come from burns. A keloid is a scar that grows beyond the edges of the original wound. A contracture is scar tissue that tightens, and over a joint it can limit movement. Neither type is simply worse than the other; they cause different problems.
When scars first form, it takes time for them to heal a bit before treatment can commence. A doctor watches how the skin heals and decides whether any repair is needed. Scar tissue keeps remodeling for a year or more, so a doctor may recommend waiting before surgery unless the scar limits movement. Many victims of burn injuries realize that this is a long and sometimes painful process, and rehabilitation can be painful. Scars might be disfiguring, which can take an emotional toll on somebody who suffered due to an accident. If you are somebody who has suffered due to burns in a car accident, you may find that there comes a financial strain from burns and scars, which will require multiple surgeries and doctor’s appointments in the worst cases.
Because these injuries are especially debilitating on a physical and emotional level, a claim can include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. However, there are many variables at play in these accidents. Is the scar on a young person or older person? Is the scarring on a place that can be easily viewed of the public? A lawyer can explain how a burn and scarring claim generally works and what records matter. At the Accident Law Group, we care about your case and want to help you through the most difficult times. Call us for more information on how we can help at (602) 333-3333.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/burn-scars#recovery
https://www.medicinenet.com/scars/article.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_a_scar
