St. Louis Burn Injury Lawyer

What to expect

You don’t have to face a burn injury claim alone

Whenever two vehicles collide at a high speed on the roadway, the results can be traumatic and catastrophic. With hot engine components and flammable gasoline present, the chances of colliding vehicles catching fire are real.

A car fire can lead to severe burn injuries and even death. Because of the severe nature of burn injuries, a victim who survives may require immediate and intense medical care, long-term treatment, and rehabilitation. Burn injuries can leave scars or disfigure a victim, necessitating plastic surgery and other forms of reconstructive surgery.

Understanding burn injuries in St. Louis car accidents

Burn injuries in car accidents can occur in several ways. The most common causes include vehicle fires, hot surfaces or fluids, electrical accidents, and chemical spills. These injuries range in severity from minor superficial burns to life-threatening third-degree burns. The impact of such injuries goes beyond physical harm, often inflicting emotional and financial distress on the victims and their families.

The immediate effects of burn injuries include pain, swelling, and the risk of infection. In the long term, victims may face scarring, disfigurement, and even mobility issues. Emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is also a common consequence. These injuries can disrupt one’s daily life, affecting their ability to work and engage in social activities.

The financial implications of burn injuries can be overwhelming. Medical treatments, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can be costly. Loss of income and the potential need for long-term care add to the financial strain.

Common types of burn injuries in a car accident

• Friction burns: Friction burns are among the most common burn injuries in a car accident. These burns usually occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, such as a seatbelt or the pavement. Friction burns can be very painful and can cause permanent scarring. In severe cases, they may require skin grafts or other surgery to heal properly.
• Chemical burns: Chemical burns occur when the skin comes into contact with a corrosive substance, such as battery acid or gasoline. The severity of the burn depends on the strength of the chemical, the length of time that the skin is exposed, and the size of the affected area. Chemical burns can require hospitalization and may result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Electrical burns: As the name suggests, electrical burns happen when you come into contact with an electrical current. This can happen if your car hits a power line or if live wires come into contact with your car during a crash.
• Thermal burns: These burns occur when the skin is exposed to extreme heat, such as from a fire or explosion. They are some of the most serious burns because they can damage deep tissue.

Different degrees of burn injuries from car accidents

Burns are typically classified into three categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.

First-degree burns: First-degree burns generally affect the epidermis or outer layer of skin. These burns are typically minor and heal within a week or two with little to no scarring. However, first-degree burns can be more serious if they cover a large area of the body or if they occur on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.

First-degree burns are treated by cleansing the wound and applying a cool, moist compress. Over-the-counter pain medications can also be used to help relieve discomfort. In most cases, no further treatment is necessary. However, it’s always important to seek medical attention to avoid infection, which is a common complication of burns.

Second-degree burns: These burns are more serious than first-degree burns and involve both the epidermis and dermis or middle layer of skin. The skin will appear red, swollen, blistered, and might be very painful. Common causes of second-degree burns include contact with hot liquids or surfaces, electrical current, and chemicals. Second-degree burns require immediate medical attention as they can be very dangerous. Treatment generally includes removal of any irritants from the area (such as clothing), cooling the area with water (but not ice), and pain relievers.

Third-degree burns: These are the most serious type of burn injuries and can cause permanent damage to the skin and underlying tissue. This type of burn penetrates all the layers of skin, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness. The affected area may also appear white or blackened and may be numb due to nerve damage. Third-degree burns require immediate medical attention and can result in scarring, disability, and even death. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that burns cause around 180,000 deaths each year.

Amputation and limb loss from car accidents

The loss of a limb is known as an amputation. Although it is not as common as some other car accident injuries, when it occurs, it causes lifelong disability.

Every year, approximately 185,000 amputations are performed in the US, according to the Amputee Coalition. While nearly half of these amputations are due to vascular disease, the rest are mostly the result of trauma, such as car accidents.

When amputation results from a car accident, it can easily and quickly be complicated by profuse bleeding that can lead to infection or shock. Both of these can be potentially life-threatening. In some cases, it may be possible to reattach the severed limbs, however, in most cases, the victim will depend on a prosthetic limb.

Car accidents and amputations

In the US, there are nearly 1.7 million people living with limb amputations. Car accidents are a more common cause of traumatic amputations compared to other causes such as congenital reasons, vascular disease, or cancer.

A car accident can cause the victim’s hands, toes, feet, fingers, or entire limb to be so severely damaged that reconstruction is not possible. In some cases, surgical amputation may be required to save the victim’s life. According to available statistics:

• Arm amputations account for almost 68 percent of all trauma-related amputations
• Males are at a higher risk of trauma-related amputations compared to females
• The risk of traumatic amputations increases steadily with age and is highest for people age 85 or older

In some cases of traumatic amputation, the severed limb can be reattached, especially with proper and timely medical care. Modern replantation techniques show promising results. However, incomplete nerve regeneration still remains an important limiting factor. Most victims of traumatic amputations have to adapt to a prosthesis, which also can be quite challenging.

Thanks to the better quality prosthesis and medical support available these days, car accident victims who suffer the loss of a limb can still have a high degree of function and can lead a satisfying life. However, the suffering caused by such an injury can be inexplicable. Traumatic amputations cause both physical pain and immense emotional agony.

How do car collisions lead to amputations?

Car-accident-induced amputations generally fall into two categories: traumatic amputations and surgical amputations.

Traumatic amputations are the result of a direct impact on the limb, such as when the limb is crushed by a heavy object. In these cases, the limb is so badly damaged that it cannot be saved and must be removed to prevent further harm to the patient.

On the other hand, surgical amputations are typically performed when there is significant damage to the limb but doctors first attempt to save it. The surgeon will carefully remove any damaged tissue in an attempt to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. In some cases, however, surgery may not be successful, and the limb will need to be removed.

Types of car accidents that can lead to amputations

Even a low-speed collision can cause an amputation if the victim’s limb is caught in between two objects. However, some types of car accidents are more likely to result in amputations than others.

For example, car accidents that involve high speeds or multiple vehicles are more likely to cause severe injuries that might require amputation. In addition, car accidents that involve pedestrians or cyclists are also more likely to cause serious injuries that might necessitate amputation.

The financial burden of amputation

Recovering from an amputation can be expensive and often requires lengthy rehabilitation. Additionally, prosthetic limbs, the cost of rehabilitation services, and home modifications can set you back thousands of dollars.

These costs can put a severe financial strain on the victim and their family. Filing a car injury claim may help you recover compensation to cover your expenses.

Why speak with a lawyer after an amputation?

If you have suffered a loss of a limb in a car accident, you can recover and lead a good life, but the road to recovery can be long, convoluted, and expensive. You are likely to require long and extensive medical care, and it may take months or even longer for you to get used to the prosthesis.

Even if your severed limb can be reattached, you may need multiple surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation. All this can prove extremely expensive. If your car accident was a result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover all your expenses from the at-fault driver. Get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to protect your legal rights.

How Attorney Hoffmann helps with a burn injury case

Having a St. Louis car accident lawyer by your side can be invaluable in such challenging times. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we are committed to supporting burn injury victims through their recovery journey.

• Legal support and representation: Our role extends beyond legal representation. We provide comprehensive support, helping you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings, and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Investigating the accident: We thoroughly investigate each case to determine the cause of the accident and identify liable parties. This investigation is crucial in building a solid case as we pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. We take on the task of negotiating with insurers on your behalf, aiming to secure a settlement that covers all your needs.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Attorney Hoffmann is prepared to litigate car accident cases, advocating for your rights every step of the way.

The Hoffmann Law Firm: your partner in recovery

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we understand that each burn injury case is unique. That’s why we offer personalized legal services, tailoring our approach to meet your specific needs. We are committed to preparing your case thoroughly, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

• Commitment to clients: Our commitment to our clients is unwavering. We offer compassionate, client-focused services, so you feel supported throughout the legal process.
• Understanding the challenges: We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with burn injuries. Our goal is to alleviate these burdens, offering guidance and support every step of the way.
• Thorough preparation: We work to pursue the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, support your recovery, and rebuild your life after the accident.

Compensation for burn injuries

It is not always easy to get the insurance company to pay all expenses related to a car accident. The medical expenses, in addition to time out of work, usually create a huge financial burden on the victim, making matters worse when the victim is already suffering from physical pain and mental trauma.

When you are injured in a car accident and have to seek financial compensation, time can matter, both for preserving evidence and for Missouri’s filing deadlines. To pursue fair compensation for your burn injuries, seek help from an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm. We have handled St. Louis motor vehicle injury cases since 1998.