Car crashes can cause burns. People with second-, third- or fourth-degree burns often require immediate emergency treatment. They may also face a lifetime of substantially increased medical expenses and lost earnings due to the lasting harm caused by significant burns.
What are some of the more common long-term consequences of car crash burns?
1. Nerve damage
People with significant burns may develop chronic nerve pain in the affected body parts. While particularly severe burns can destroy nerves, chronic neuropathic pain from nerve damage is relatively common among burn injury survivors.
2. Limiting and disfiguring scars
Burn scars are notoriously difficult to treat. Even with surgical interventions, such as skin grafts, these scars may remain visible. Additionally, scar tissue that extends over large parts of the body or points of movement, such as the shoulders or hands, can have an impact on a person’s functional capabilities. Scars are not as flexible as skin usually is. People may experience a decrease in their range of motion because of the scar tissue they developed.
3. Psychological damage
Burns tend to be intensely painful. People who sustain significant burns may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the fear they experience or the ongoing trauma that occurs during their medical treatment. People with major burn injuries may struggle with depression, situational avoidance and other challenging mental health consequences.
Car crash burn survivors often grapple with expenses that extend well beyond what insurance may offer them for their injuries. They may need help negotiating with insurance providers or preparing for a lawsuit. Partnering with a personal injury attorney familiar with catastrophic car crash injury cases can be helpful for those with significant burn injuries as a result.