Burn Injuries

Sarasota Burn Injury Attorneys

Surprisingly, fire and burn injuries are the fifth leading cause of accidental death in the United States. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), approximately 500,000 burn victims per year will receive medical treatment. Of that number, 4,000 victims will die from the injuries sustained from fire or burns.

The Burn Survivor Resource Center states that burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. They estimate that a burn of 30% of the total body area can cost as much as $200,000 in “initial” hospitalization costs and physician fees. For more extensive burns, there are more significant costs which will include repeat admission for reconstruction surgery and for rehabilitation.

Burn Injury Types

First-degree Burns – First-degree burns are red and very sensitive to touch, and the skin will appear blanched when light pressure is applied. First-degree burns involve minimal tissue damage and they involve the epidermis (skin surface). These burns affect the outer-layer of skin causing pain, redness and swelling. Sunburn is a good example of a first-degree burn.

Second-degree Burns – Second-degree burns affect both the outer-layer (epidermis) and the under lying layer of skin (dermis) causing redness, pain, swelling and blisters. These burns often affect sweat glands, and hair follicles. If a deep second-degree burn is not properly treated, swelling and decreased blood flow in the tissue can result in the burn becoming a third-degree burn.

Third-degree Burns – Third-degree burns affect the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, causing charring of skin or a translucent white color, with coagulated vessels visible just below the skin surface. These burn areas may be numb, but the person may complain of pain. This pain is usually because of second-degree burns. Healing from third-degree burns is very slow due the skin tissue and structures being destroyed. Third-degree burns usually result in extensive scarring.

Inhalation Injuries – Fire has been associated with 3 different types of inhalation injuries. More than a hundred known toxic substances are present in fire smoke. When inhalation injuries are combined with external burns the chance of death can increase significantly. The three types of inhalation injuries are: Damage from heat inhalation, damage from toxin inhalation, and damage from smoke inhalation.

Most Common Causes for Burn Injuries

• Fire or Flame
• Scalding
• Hot Object Contact
• Electrical
• Chemical

Most Common Places for Burns Injuries to Occur

• Home
• Street or Highway
• Occupational

Contact a Sarasota and Manatee Lawyer who Handles Burn Injury Cases

Our staff of attorneys can help your family obtain the fair and just compensation it deserves, if someone you love has been injured or killed from a fire or burn caused by the negligence of others. At Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A., our attorneys have an unwavering commitment to their clients, and you can rest assured that they will fight for your cause. Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and Greater Southwest Florida, an attorney handling burn injury cases from our law firm has the experience, drive, and knowledge needed to successfully represent your case. To schedule a no consultation with a Sarasota burn injury lawyer, contact the law offices of Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A., today.