The Long-Term Effects of a Burn Injury

Understanding the Consequences of a Burn Injury

While you can recover from a minor burn in most cases, sustaining a severe burn injury can be life-threatening and change someone’s life forever. Not only can the healing process be long and painful, but it can be emotionally devastating as well. Here are some long-term effects burn victims may face.

Types of Burns

To understand the long-term effects, it’s essential to understand the different types of burns and the severity of damage each can cause. Burns are categorized by “degrees.” Here is a brief explanation of each:

• First-degree burns (superficial burns) affect the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) with redness and no blistering.
• Second-degree burns (partial-thickness burns) affect the outer (epidermis) and under (dermis) layers of skin with pain, redness, blisters, and swelling at the burn site.
• Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns) are the most severe, with damage to the skin’s epidermis and dermis white or charred skin at the burn site.

The Impact of a Severe Burn Injury

Third-degree burns are the most serious and are considered catastrophic. Someone who has sustained a third-degree burn may face the following physical challenges:

• Severe Infections.
• Organ damage.
• Disfigurement and permanent scars.

In addition to physical problems after a burn injury, victims often struggle with mental health challenges. Read on to learn more about the mental health threats burn victims can face.

Mental Health Challenges After a Burn Injury

A study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that anxiety and depression are common mental health issues for someone who has sustained a severe burn injury.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also common among burn victims. PTSD results from being involved in or witnessing a traumatic event such as an accident that causes a severe burn injury. The study discovered that 30% of burn victims had PTSD.

What to do After a Sustaining a Burn Injury

Suffering a burn injury is a life-altering experience. Not only can the healing process be long and painful, but the emotional consequences can be devastating to the victim and their families. After such a catastrophic experience, knowing where to turn for help can give you peace of mind and ease some of your burdens. The caring attorneys at Strong Law, P.C. are here to help you and the loved ones surrounding you get through a difficult time.

Serious injuries need strong attorneys. Our lawyers have the experience to help protect your best interests. We are here to lend you support and be your advocate to ensure you receive the most successful outcome possible.

Contact Strong Law, P.C. today at (417) 887-4300. When it comes to complicated legal matters, we’ll guide you every step of the way.