Burn injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life, causing not only physical pain but also emotional and mental distress, potentially affecting self-esteem and social interactions. Treatment for such injuries is crucial, as it can greatly influence the recovery process and overall well-being of the individual.
However, in some cases, the medical care provided for burn injuries might be inadequate or negligent, leading to unnecessary complications and further distress for the patient. Burn injuries can range from first-degree burns (affecting only the outer layer of skin), causing redness and pain, to third-degree burns (reaching the fat layer beneath the skin), causing extensive damage and potential complications such as scarring, infection, fluid loss, and breathing problems. These burns can be caused by various factors, including fire, hot liquids, hot objects, electric currents, and chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- The importance of proper treatment for burn injuries cannot be understated, as it directly impacts the patient’s recovery and quality of life.
- Inadequate or negligent burn treatment can lead to severe complications and unnecessary suffering for the patient.
- Proper care for burn injuries is crucial regardless of the cause or severity, ranging from first-degree to third-degree burns.
Examples of Negligent Treatment of Burns
Negligent treatment of burn injuries may include:
- Faulty dermabrasion procedures, which aim to smooth scar tissue and promote new skin cell growth by removing damaged skin
- Improperly performed skin grafts
- Mistakes and inaccuracies in restorative plastic surgery or reconstructive surgical procedures
Additionally, negligence can occur when medical professionals:
- Fail to treat an infection in a timely manner, especially when a patient is more susceptible to infections
- Inadequately monitor a burn for signs of infection
- Do not promptly preserve any surviving tissue
Consequences of negligent burn treatment may include:
- Scarring and additional disfigurement
- Overgrowth of scar tissue
- Loss of sensation in the affected area
- Fluid loss, hypothermia, shock, or heat exhaustion/stroke
- Bacterial infection, such as sepsis
It is crucial for medical professionals to exercise due care, skill and diligence to ensure patient safety and minimise the risk of complications from burn injuries.
What Steps to Take after Experiencing Negligence from Burn Surgery
When there’s suspicion of negligence related to burn surgery, it’s important to demonstrate that the treatment received was beneath the accepted standard of care. The injured patient needs to prove that their injury is more severe than what could be reasonably anticipated and that this injury occurred as a consequence of failing to meet the standard care.
Seeking advice from a professional is vital, particularly if the patient is uncertain about their case. Under the patient’s guidance, a medical negligence solicitor can acquire copies of their medical records to thoroughly investigate the treatment received. They may consult with medical specialists to determine if negligence played a role in the provided treatment. Should negligence be confirmed, the solicitor will proceed with the case, allowing the patient to concentrate on their recovery, rehabilitation, and potential compensation.
It’s essential to approach a medical negligence solicitor to explore your options in a discreet and empathetic manner. The solicitor’s objective is to make the process as stress-free as possible, while evaluating the damages and compensation claim, which may include pain and suffering, mobility issues, or additional medical expenses incurred due to negligence. The patient’s primary focus should be a smooth recovery and rehabilitation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical Compensation Amounts for Second-Degree Burn Injuries
Compensation amounts for second-degree burn injuries can vary, depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, its impact on the person’s life, and any additional costs incurred. Some common factors considered when calculating compensation include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
Generally, compensation amounts may range from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands of pounds, based on individual circumstances.
Calculation of Burn Injury Compensation
Burn injury compensation is calculated by considering multiple factors, such as:
- The severity and extent of the injury
- Any lasting impact or disability caused by the injury
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of earnings and earning capacity
- Emotional and psychological damage
An assessment of these factors helps in determining a fair and reasonable compensation figure.
Valid Workplace Burn Injury Claims
A valid workplace burn injury claim may arise from situations where:
- An employer failed to provide a safe working environment
- Adequate safety precautions were not implemented
- Proper training and supervision were lacking
- Equipment wasn’t maintained appropriately or was defective
In such cases, the injured party is entitled to make a claim for compensation from their employer’s insurance company.
Third-Degree Burn Injury Claim Settlements
Settlements for third-degree burn injury claims can be significantly higher compared to second-degree burns because of the severe physical damage that third-degree burns cause. Settlement amounts are therefore highly dependent on factors such as the severity of the injury, any permanent disabilities, and any ongoing medical expenses.
Chemical Burn Injury Claims
Victims are entitled to claim compensation for chemical burn injuries, provided the injury was caused due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Potential claims may arise from workplace incidents, exposure to hazardous substances, or misuse of everyday products. Claimants should gather evidence, seek medical attention, and consult with a solicitor when pursuing a chemical burn injury claim.
Factors Determining Laser Burn Compensation Value
The value of a laser burn compensation claim depends on various factors, including:
- The severity of the burn and any lasting impact
- Medical treatment costs, both current and future
- Loss of earnings or earning capacity due to the injury
- Emotional distress resulting from the injury
Considering these factors allows for an appropriate compensation value to be determined in laser burn injury cases.
