Post-crash explosions and fires are relatively rare. While they can occur, they are more of the exception rather than the rule. That being said, when a motor vehicle collision results in an explosion or conflagration, the people involved in the crash are at serious risk. Burn injuries often accompany fires and explosions.
Those who sustain burn injuries in a collision scenario may find themselves struggling to cover the costs generated by the injuries they’ve sustained. The three consequences associated with burn injuries below can help people better understand the severity of the injuries they’ve sustained and the need for more compensation than usual because of those expenses.
Long-term medical expenses
Those who sustain severe burns and burns covering a significant amount of their body may require immediate hospitalization. Treatment for burns may require multiple visits to medical facilities over the course of a lifetime. More serious burns can cause tissue damage and nerve damage, both of which can be particularly costly to treat. The need for acute trauma care combined with ongoing care expenses can result in overwhelming medical costs.
Mental health consequences
Serious burns often lead to disfiguring scars. They can also produce chronic pain. Nerve damage can be one source of pain. Scar tissue and the way it limits bodily motions can also lead to significant pain.
Individuals coping with chronic pain and physical reminders of their injuries may develop significant, potentially lifelong mental health challenges that require accommodation and intervention.
Lost earning potential
Individuals who miss a substantial amount of work to undergo treatment can sometimes face termination due to their chronic absences. Even if they do not lose their jobs, the functional limitations and mental health challenges that accompany burn injuries may diminish their earning potential or slow their career development.
Some people cannot work because of their burn injuries. Others have to move into lower-paying professions. They may then have a difficult time supporting themselves while simultaneously absorbing increased lifetime medical expenses.
Recognizing that burn injuries can inspire major expenses can help people pursue financial accountability after a car crash. Those with burns caused by explosions or vehicle fires may need help exploring their options for financial compensation after a wreck, and that’s okay.
