A car accident can expose you to chemicals, hot debris, electric wires or fire that can inflict both physical trauma and emotional distress. Severe burns require ongoing and intensive medical treatment, sometimes even causing further complications. Even after your scars have healed, the psychological effects may linger.
If the collision is the result of another driver’s careless actions, you have the right to hold them responsible for your injuries and losses. Recognizing the full extent of your burn injuries is pivotal in pursuing the compensation that you deserve.
Complications that may arise from burns
After sustaining a burn from a car accident, seek a doctor immediately. You risk experiencing complications the longer you leave your burns without medical treatment. Other than first-degree burns, deeper burns may cause significant pain and become infected. Additionally, untreated wounds can lead to scars or keloids.
Deep or widespread burns can also cause life-threatening or severe complications such as:
- Dangerously low body temperature
- Breathing problems
- Fluid loss
- Sepsis
- Shock
- Heatstroke
- Tissue damage
- Organ damage or failure
Going to the doctor not only helps you get an accurate diagnosis but may keep your injuries from becoming worse and facilitate recovery. Depending on the severity of your burns, you may need extensive medical treatment, such as skin grafts, surgical procedures and long-term medications.
The mental impact of burn injuries
Enduring burn injuries can affect many parts of your life. Persistent discomforts may keep you from sleeping and affect your mood. Changes in your appearance may affect how you feel about yourself. If your movement has been affected, you may feel like you’ve lost your independence.
Dealing with a burn injury involves adapting physically and emotionally. Not only does your body need to heal, but your mental health requires support as well. When you’re in distress, it can become easy to lose interest in wound care, rehabilitation, participating in activities or socializing.
You can seek compensation for your suffering
Pursuing compensation can be a step toward recovery. Not only could it take away some of your financial burdens by covering your medical bills and lost wages, but you could also receive damages for your hardship.
A burn injury can change your life, but overcoming these challenges is possible. The right support can help you forge the path to your healing.