Five hundred thousand people seek medical care each year for burns in the United States.
Each year, 40,000 people are hospitalized for burns, and 4,000 deaths occur.
Along with burn injury comes the possibility of complications. Burn complications may occur at any stage, including resuscitation, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Our experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyers explain complications of burns.
Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries
A burn injury is a severe injury by itself. A burn results in pain, immobility, disfigurement, and other symptoms. However, a burn injury also creates a high risk of complications. Potential complications are serious and can be life-threatening.
Understanding the severity of burn injuries can help a patient mitigate the risks and treat complications that may occur.
Common Complications Associated with Severe Burns
Infections: serious risk for burn victims
When healthy and intact, the skin acts as a barrier between the body and the outside world. It prevents potentially harmful substances from entering the body. Burn sites are a common place where infection can enter.
Infection can cause pain at the site of the burn. It may lead to sepsis or toxic shock syndrome. A person with an infection may have a fever. The area may smell foul or may appear red and swollen.
Systemic complications
When 20% or more of the skin is burned, the body is likely to have a systemic response.
Multisystem Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) is part of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS).
Severe burns across a large portion of the body cause the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In turn, this can lead to inflammation, immunosuppression, sepsis, tissue damage, and multiple organ failure. Fluid loss and imbalance may put the person at risk for renal complications.
A child may have a systemic reaction with burns covering a smaller percentage of the body.
Timely debridement and excision of damaged tissue along with wound closure can limit inflammation. Skin grafts may be used to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Shock
Shock is a lack of blood flow to the body. Poor blood flow may result in a pale or clammy appearance, a rapid pulse, and weak breathing. A person will have inhibited cardiac function.
Shock may also lead to organ malfunction.
A burn victim may experience shock if they have burns covering 30% or more of their total body surface area.
How burn injuries affect nerve and muscle tissue
A burn injury patient experiences pain. They tend to choose a position to sit in that’s comfortable and may resist position changes because of pain.
Muscles may shorten and may no longer stretch easily. Fibrosis and burn damage to muscle tissues may all contribute to joints becoming immobile.
The psychological impact of burn injuries
Burn injuries can also cause psychological and mental complications. A person may have a different appearance. Burns may impact a person’s routine and daily activity. The victim may experience depression, anxiety, and a loss of self-confidence. Mood may be unregulated.
Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts may be problematic. They may also have psychological complications from the trauma itself, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Scars
Second- and third-degree burns leave scars. Burned tissue is dead tissue and cannot regrow.
Smoothing and moisturizing creams can minimize the appearance of scars. A skin graft may limit disfiguration. Wearing sunscreen on exposed areas can prevent further damage when a person is outside.
Respiratory complications
When burn injury comes in the form of inhalation injury, there can be respiratory complications.
The person’s airway may be obstructed, especially when there are neck burns. Toxins may be released. The person will have an elevated risk of pneumonia. Respiratory complications are one indicator of mortality for burn victims.
Inhalation injuries may be especially likely when burns are the result of flame. The person may have high levels of carbon monoxide. They may experience an altered mental state, showing confusion and disorientation.
Oxygen may provide symptom relief. A ventilator or bronchodilator may be appropriate.
Respiratory complications are a possibility both in the critical phase and after several days following the injury.
Gastrointestinal difficulties
Gastrointestinal complications may result from metabolic and nutritional changes following the burn.
The person may experience vomiting or aspiration. These problems may appear after the initial event or because of sepsis. A patient may be at risk for acute ulcerative gastroduodenal disease or Curling’s ulcer.
A person may report stomach discomfort. Fluid replacement, along with antacids, may help.
Emergency surgery may be necessary.
Long-Term Rehabilitation for Burn Injury Victims
Rehabilitation is appropriate to mitigate complications of burn injury. Physical therapy may increase your range of motion and mobility. Therapy should be tailored to the specific complications the person is experiencing.
Psychological care can address mental health injuries. Care may address distress related to the person’s altered appearance. In addition, a patient may benefit from vocational therapy.
Elastic clothing, along with the application of ointments and creams, may help to minimize scarring.
A patient should be medically monitored for as long as necessary.
Legal Compensation for Complications Arising from Burn Injuries
If someone experiences burn complications, these additional medical conditions may be included in a claim for compensation. A burn victim may have a personal injury claim or a workers’ compensation claim. A victim may claim compensation for injury that results from the accident, including complications from burn injuries. In personal injury claims, pain and suffering from complications may be claimed, including mental anguish.
When building a case, a victim should carefully gather proof that the complication is the result of the burn injury. This likely means medical proof of how the complication developed from the initial harm.
A victim should follow medical care directives.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, we invite you to contact an experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyer. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys fight for the rights of burn victims. We know that burn injuries can cause serious complications. Our lawyers work to build complete claims, including for complications that you may experience from burn injuries. Call or message us now.
