Burns are not only painful but can also have various medical complications depending on their severity. These range from infection to death from shock. If your burns were caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible for compensation. Talk to a Kansas City car accident attorney to find out what you can do if this happens.
Medical Complications from Burns
Not everyone realizes how many medical complications burns can cause. These complications depend on the severity, location, and type of burn. Some parts of the body experience more severe burn complications than others.
The four main types of burns are first-degree burns, second-degree burns, third-degree burns, and higher degree burns.these levels 
The burn gets worse the lower you go. This means first-degree burns are the least severe and only damage the outermost layer of skin.
Second-degree burns are deeper and damage the dermis layer below the outer layer of skin. Second-degree burns often involve scar tissue, compared to first-degree burns, which may only involve a red appearance. Swelling, blisters, red or white spots on the skin, and severe pain may result.
Third-degree burns are deeper and can damage the underlying tissue beneath both layers of skin. Damage to sweat glands, hair follicles, and other tissues beneath the skin. A burn of this magnitude almost always requires a skin graft because the skin layer has been completely destroyed. This can leave a noticeable scar and often looks like darkened and charred skin.
Fourth-degree burns can damage fatty tissue, and more severe burns can burn to the bone. With this level of burn severity, a person may completely lose a part of the body, such as a hand, foot, or an entire arm. At this level of severity, the risk of infection is greatest. Common burn complications include:
- shock death
- Infection leading to death or surgical amputation
- Repeatedly dealing with infections
- scar tissue and deformities
- Immune system problems that can cause fever or hypothermia
- severe inflammation
- chronic pain
Another medical complication that can occur immediately after a car accident is lung aspiration injury. This can cause breathing problems. This means that burns are not only caused by fire, but also include smoke inhalation and chemical burns.
Request Additional Burn Compensation
You may be eligible for additional compensation depending on whether other drivers caused the accident and how serious your injuries are. The two main types of compensatory damages involved in car accidents are economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damage includes any financial loss resulting from the accident, which is easily measured by:
- Medical fees
- vehicle repair costs
- towing fee
- property loss
- Lost income due to lost time
Non-economic loss includes any injury caused by an accident that cannot be measured as economic loss. These damages are more subjective and spiritual. Common examples of non-economic losses in car accidents include:
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- The onset of a mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- consortium loss
- lost job opportunities
Economic loss is easier to prove than non-economic loss. Many compensated for their financial losses through compensation. However, people with severe burns may be eligible for additional compensation to cover their non-economic losses.
To improve your chances of receiving additional compensation, it is important to take certain car accident measures. Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Do this by taking photos or videos of damage and injuries. If you or someone else has any type of injury, please call 911. You will need the police report on your car accident claim and medical records linking your injuries to the accident.
Do not leave the scene until you have collected the other driver’s basic contact information, vehicle and auto insurance information. Without these details, it can be difficult to file a car accident claim. Be sure to write down how the accident happened and other relevant details about the accident. This is important before the memory fades.
Never admit fault or guilt for an accident. What you say to other drivers and witnesses at the scene of an accident can work against you. If you have questions and want to talk about the accident, consider contacting a Kansas City car accident attorney. An experienced attorney can guide you on the steps you can take to increase your chances of obtaining additional compensation.
To strengthen your auto accident claim, obtain copies of your medical records to add to your claim. When you submit this to your auto insurance company, a helpful checklist to include with your claim includes:
- copy of police report
- copies of your medical records
- Written details of when, where and what caused the crash
- Photos or videos of damage, including injuries and vehicle damage
- Receipts or bills from medical appointments, medications, and auto repair shops
Some people find that their chances of developing the disease even increase if they keep a medical diary of their symptoms. This means writing down the day-to-day symptoms and struggles that come with being injured in a car accident. Others find it helpful to gather the names and testimonies of witnesses who can provide supporting details about the accident.
If your auto insurance company denies your claim or offers less compensation than you need, you don’t have to give up. Working with a dedicated car accident attorney can maximize the amount of car accident compensation you may be eligible for. Depending on the situation, the attorney may negotiate with the insurance agent or take the case to court.
Kansas City Car Accident Lawyers
Depending on the extent of your burns, you may be eligible for additional compensation if the other driver was at fault. Don’t hesitate to call Peterson and Associates PC at (816) 888-8888 today to discuss with a Kansas City car accident attorney. Our team of attorneys can help you maximize compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. We are located in Kansas City, Missouri.
