Kansas City Burn Injury Attorneys

Severe burns are extremely painful and can be debilitating, affecting nerves and muscle tissue as well as one’s appearance, which can have lasting psychological consequences.

At Cullan & Cullan, our legal team is dedicated to helping those who have suffered burn injuries through no fault of their own. We represent children and adults across Kansas and Missouri who have been burned by defective or dangerous products or as a result of motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or other dangerous events.

As medical doctors and trial lawyers, we know what impact a burn injury will have on a victim now and into the future. We use this knowledge to present clear and compelling evidence of the full value of each client’s claim – maximizing their recovery.

Our Kansas City burn injury lawyers have two goals in representing your case. The first is to help you restore your health and quality of life to the fullest possible extent. The second is to expose the circumstances that led to your injuries, thus informing others and doing our part to prevent such harm from occurring to others in the future.

To learn how we can protect your interests after a serious accident or injury, call (816) 253-8606. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.

How Burns Are Classified By Severity

There are four classifications of burn severity, including:

• First degree burns – First degree burns are the mildest type of burn and typically result in light epidermal damage and redness, but do not blister the skin.
• Second degree burns – Second degree burns cause damage to both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the lower layer (dermis). Second-degree burns usually result in swelling and blistering, as well as redness at the site and pain.
• Third degree burns – These burns involve extensive damage to both the outer and lower layer of skin, as well as damage to the underlying tissue and bone. Third degree burns often result in white or blackened skin and severe pain.
• Fourth degree burns – Fourth degree burns are the most severe type of burn and are usually fatal. They extend through the skin and into muscle and bone.

The amount of the body which ends up being burned also dictates the severity and how doctors will go about treatment. A minor burn means that less than 10% of the body is burned in an adult, and less than 5% for a young or elderly person. A major burn is more than 20% of the body in an adult, and 10-20% for a young or elderly person.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries may have various causes, including:

• On-the-job accidents
• Car, truck, and other motor vehicle accidents
• Defective consumer products
• Construction site accidents
• Hazardous chemicals
• Fires and explosions
• Scalding
• Chemical burns

Treatment for Burns

Burns often leave lasting damage. Victims may suffer from severe scarring, disfigurement, internal injuries, and may even experience a higher risk for certain types of cancer. Burn treatment depends on the type of burn suffered, as well as the extent and severity of the injuries. At-home treatment is typically sufficient for first-degree burns, whereas second- and third-degree burns will require extensive medical care.

Victims may even require hospitalization for severe burns and, in extreme cases, may need to undergo skin grafting or plastic surgery. In some cases, an individual may need debridement, which is a process that involves removing damaged tissue and/or foreign objects that are in or near the wound. Other times, victims may require Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to halt tissue destruction and promote healing.

Filing a Lawsuit for Burn Injuries Caused by Negligence

If your burn injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. Our burn injury attorneys in Kansas City can assess what you may be owed. Call Cullan & Cullan today for your free consultation.

Compensation in a burn injury claim may include money for:

• Medical care
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Skin grafting
• Plastic/reconstructive surgery
• Medication and medical supplies
• Assistive devices and prosthetics
• Lost earnings
• Loss of future earnings or earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

In any such case, our firm will work to determine who is to blame and how to recover the highest possible settlement or verdict, which can help you move forward.

For a free evaluation of your burn injury case, call (816) 253-8606.