Burn injuries can occur due to a variety of different incidents. People can sustain substantial burns due to car crashes or unsafe property conditions. They might even sustain burns at work. More serious burns, including third- and fourth-degree burns, generally tend to have significant long-term consequences for the injured party. The more of the body that is affected by burns, the greater the potential for lasting complications.
What are some of the long-term complications associated with burn injury?
1. Debilitating chronic pain
Particularly severe burns can kill nerves, but not all burns cause nerve damage severe enough to eliminate pain sensations. Many people report chronic pain even after the burn heals. Some people even develop chronic pain symptoms that affect donor sites used for skin grafts. Chronic pain can affect everything from a person’s mood and rest to their ability to work. Chronic pain can also be costly, as pain management costs can accumulate over the years.
2. Functional limitations
Even with prompt treatment, major burns tend to produce significant scars. Scar tissue isn’t just unsightly. It can be painful and restrictive. People may lack the range of motion they previously enjoyed, and they may find that certain movements trigger pain because of how it affects their scars. Those functional limitations can impact both job performance and independent living capacity in many cases.
3. Mental health challenges
People burned in fires or car crashes may have post-traumatic stress responses to their experiences. They could also potentially develop anxiety that could affect their ability to work or socialize. If burns produce scars or change a person’s functional capabilities, then those symptoms could increase the likelihood of depression. People may find that their self-esteem and confidence decrease because of the changes in their capabilities or appearance. They may require costly counseling to work through their trauma and improve their mental health.
The total cost generated by burn injuries can often extend well beyond the initial expenses of trauma care. Reviewing the circumstances that have led to severe burn injuries with a skilled legal team can help people evaluate their options for insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits to recover their losses.