Burn injuries are some of the most painful and difficult from which to recover. They can be caused by chemicals, light, radiation, heat or electricity. Each can result in first, second or third degree burns.
First degree burns such as sunburn only damage the outer layer of skin. They can be treated with cool water and compresses. Do NOT use ice or butter as they can cause permanent skin damage. Second degree burns are more serious and involve the top TWO layers of skin. These types of burns will blister and should be treated with topical anesthetics. They are painful and require up to 3 weeks to heal fully. Third degree burns are the most serious. They actually destroy all layers of the skin as well as issue underneath. These require immediate medical attention and take weeks or months to heal. They often require drastic surgery such as skin grafts as well.
Chemical burns most commonly occur as workplace accidents. Those companies that fabricate chemicals or chemical products or medicine as well as mining companies or auto repair shops see the greatest number of chemical burn accidents.
For our purposes, automobile accidents can result in any of the three degrees of burns. Automobile fires may start on impact in head on collisions or rear end impacts. They may also be caused by engine problems and even if a lit cigarette butt flies into the car and is lodged into the upholstery – or otherwise remains undetected until smoke and flames occur.
Many times personal injury lawyers investigate the cause and origin of the car fire to determine if the manufacturer of the automobile had any responsibility for the injury or wrongful death from a car fire.
If you find you are headed into a collision – as a driver you should turn off the ignition before impact if possible. That will help to minimize fire problems. If you have lost a loved one and would like to speak with a Houston car fire attorney, call the Baumgartner Firm.
