Burn injury settlements depend on the extent of injury, defined in terms of area and depth of tissue damaged. Burn injuries can be caused by chemicals, electricity, heat and radiation. Settlement amounts are usually large owing to factors like expensive medical treatment and permanent physical damages including disability, scarring, infections, blindness and hearing loss, as well as lifelong psychological pain. Burn injuries are categorized into first, second and third degree depending on the depth of tissue damaged. First degree burns, like sunburn or minor radiation burns, are damage to the outer skin layer and will heal in a few days. Second degree burns damage outer and inner layers of skin, while third degree burns damage subcutaneous tissues like blood vessels and muscles. Second and third degree burn injuries require prolonged hospitalization. Third degree burns need surgery, skin grafting, reconstructive surgery and therapy. The lifelong emotional disturbance caused by scarring and altered physical looks is something the jury must also consider when deciding on cases of burn injury settlements. Thermal burns are caused by hot objects like fire and boiling water. Chemical burns are caused by chemicals like acids. Radiation burns occur in cases of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun or UV lamps. Electrical burns are a result of electrical shocks. Burns are mostly caused by defective products including electrical appliances and household utilities. Faulty electrical wiring cause fires leading to serious burn injuries. Cosmetic products and cleaners cause chemical burns. In all cases, a victim is entitled to compensation for personal injury caused by defective goods. Because the victim of burn injuries may feel very self-conscious and suffer from trauma, settlement cases are treated with much sensitivity. The settlement verdicts generally show the jurys awareness of the need for mental and physical treatment and rehabilitation. |
