Chemical burn injuries are physically agonizing, and can leave lasting effects beyond the initial trauma. These burns occur when skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances, causing damage to the tissues. The immediate consequences can include severe pain, blistering, tissue destruction and, in some cases, permanent scarring. However, the impact of chemical burns goes beyond the visible surface wounds.
Common injuries and complications
Common chemical burn injuries and complications include:
- Scarring and disfigurement: Chemical burns can result in disfiguring scars, impacting not only the physical appearance but also the mental and emotional well-being of the survivor. Scars can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety and depression.
- Functional impairments: Depending on the severity and location of the chemical burn, functional impairments may persist. Restricted mobility, joint stiffness or loss of sensation can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
- Psychological trauma: Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression due to the trauma of the incident and the challenges of coping with long-term physical changes.
- Chronic pain: Nerve damage and tissue scarring can lead to persistent pain, requiring ongoing medical management and impacting the overall quality of life.
- Secondary complications: Chemical burn survivors may be more susceptible to infections, complications and delayed wound healing.
Medical care for chemical burns
Comprehensive and ongoing medical care is crucial for mitigating the long-term effects of chemical burn injuries:
- Reconstructive surgery: Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to address scarring, restore functionality and improve the appearance of affected areas.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps regain and maintain mobility, reduce stiffness and enhance overall physical function following chemical burn injuries.
- Psychological support: Mental health support is vital for addressing the emotional impact of chemical burns. Therapy and counseling can assist survivors in coping with trauma, body image issues and psychological distress.
- Pain management: Chronic pain resulting from chemical burns requires specialized pain management approaches, including medications, physical therapy modalities and interventional procedures.
Legal recourse
Beyond medical care, chemical burn survivors may seek legal recourse to hold responsible parties accountable for their injuries. This can involve pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, scarring and more.
The long-term effects of chemical burn injuries can be severe, affecting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Comprehensive medical care and, when appropriate, seeking legal recourse can allow survivors to secure the support they need to heal.
Call an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can review your chemical burn claim. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.