Burn injuries can result from exposure to diverse sources, ranging from heat, flames and radiation to electricity and chemicals. Unfortunately, the effect on the victim's quality of life can be profound. If you’ve suffered burns as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s important that your compensation is sufficient to cover any likely long-term effects.

Physical impacts

Burns can leave permanent scars, especially if they penetrate through the skin and affect the underlying fat layer. These severe burns, classified as third-degree burns, often necessitate skin grafts, as the skin's protective and moisturizing functions are compromised.

In addition to a heightened risk of infection and lasting scars, severe burns can lead to challenges in temperature regulation, persistent pain, itching, muscle and nerve damage and weakened muscular strength. Victims may also have contractures, where muscles and skin tighten or harden, which impedes movement. Electrical burns can even trigger irregular heart rhythms, while radiation burns may escalate the risk of skin cancer.

Psychological and emotional injuries

Beyond the evident physical toll, severe burn victims grapple with significant emotional and mental fallout. The shift in appearance can evoke negative body image concerns, accompanied by feelings of depression, anxiety and isolation from social interactions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common aftermath of burn injuries, often leading to sleep disturbances. These emotional challenges frequently culminate in noticeable changes in mood and temperament.

The number of required surgeries, pain intensity and the support network available to patients can also affect their emotional and mental recovery. Frequently, individuals require mental health interventions to navigate their "new normal."

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the physical, emotional and financial impact of a severe burn. A lawyer can advocate for you—whether with insurance companies or at trial—and help you show the true extent of your injuries.

If you’ve been burned as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact a knowledgeable Sarasota, FL accident attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.