The human body can be pretty remarkable, and its restorative powers are impressive – but burn injuries are in a category of their own.
Beyond the initial trauma, burn injuries can lead to a cascade of complications that require specialized care and management – especially when the burns are severe and cover much of a victim’s body. Here’s why:
1. The risk of infection is huge
Skin forms a protective barrier that keeps out infection, and burns compromise the skin’s ability to do its job properly. Bacteria can easily enter the victim’s body through their damaged skin, leading to life-threatening infections, like sepsis.
2. The loss of fluids can be fatal
Severe burns disrupt the victim’s fluid and electrolyte balance, which can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemic shock. That can rapidly damage the victim’s heart and other internal organs, creating additional medical issues.
3. The pain can be overwhelming
Burns are incredibly painful, and it can be difficult to give a patient adequate pain control while they recover. Opioids are usually necessary, but they can cause respiratory distress and make treatment even more difficult for patients who may already be struggling to breathe with damaged lungs.
4. The psychological impact is profound
Burn injuries may leave a victim scarred for life, and their changed appearance may have significant consequences for their emotional state, their interpersonal relationships and even their professional aspirations.
There’s no such thing as a simple burn injury. Treating burns requires a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists, surgeons, nurses, therapists and psychologists working together to provide comprehensive care and support – and that’s expensive. If you or your loved one suffered burns due to another party’s negligence or wrongful acts, you have a right to expect fair compensation and hold them accountable.