According to the American Burn Association, approximately 486,000 people required hospital care as a result of a burn injury in 2015. These numbers include about 2,855 deaths from residential fires, 300 from vehicle crash fires, and 85 from other sources. In the United State, roughly one person dies in a fire every 2 hours and 42 minutes. Life after a burn injury can be easily described with one word, pain.
Depending on the severity of the burn, the pain can continue for weeks, months, and even for a lifetime. Pain from severe burns can be debilitating, limiting a person’s ability to move, work, and carry on daily activities. The pain can also interfere with rehabilitation when it is too painful to move, leading to loss of movement and use. Also, constant pain can be associated with anxiety and depression.
Treatment for Burn Injury Patients can be Complicated
Most severely burned individuals require the care of multiple physicians in different fields. Victims may need a burn specialists, an internal medicine doctor or PCP to quarterback and oversee care, a plastic surgeon, a physical therapist, and psychologist or counselor. Burn victims may not only have to deal with the burns themselves, but may also be struggling to cope with the incident that caused the burns. Many people who suffer severe burns may also suffer from PTSD from the initial trauma.
It is important to be up front with your medical providers about the severity and duration of your pain. Without this knowledge, your doctors are unable to treat you properly and make you comfortable enough to get through the healing process. Also, your healthcare providers should know if you are having trouble dealing with everyday life emotionally or difficulty sleeping.
Doctors have multi-faceted approaches to helping you cope with your pain, especially in the long term. Letting your doctors know all that is going on with you will allow them to better help you.
Get Legal Help
In addition to ensuring that your medical needs are met, you may also need help protecting your legal rights. If you or your loved one suffered a burn injury as a result of another’s neglect, it is worthwhile to speak with a personal injury lawyer to know your rights. Burn injuries may result from a catastrophic car wreck or workplace injury. If another person or company’s neglect set that event in motion or caused that event, they may be responsible for your losses.
Chelsie King Garza is an experienced Houston personal injury attorney who has handled workplace accidents resulting in burn injuries.
