Burn injuries resulting from car accidents are among the most traumatic and life-altering experiences an individual can face. Beyond the immediate pain and medical concerns, these injuries can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in a car accident in Ohio, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of your next steps, and worried about your future. This article is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate this difficult time.

Understanding your legal rights and the options available to you is an important step in your recovery process. Whether the burn injuries resulted from a negligent driver, vehicle defect, or other circumstances, Ohio law provides avenues to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. In this guide, you’ll learn how to protect your rights, file a claim, and access the resources you need to begin rebuilding your life after a car accident. You don’t have to face this alone—empower yourself with the knowledge and support to move forward.

Causes of Burn Injuries in Ohio Car Accidents

Burn injuries from car accidents in Ohio can occur due to several dangerous scenarios, each with unique implications for liability and recovery. A primary cause is vehicle fires and explosions, which often result from damage to the fuel system. Gasoline leaks, ruptured fuel tanks, or other flammable liquids can ignite due to sparks, heat from the collision, or friction. These fires can spread quickly, trapping occupants inside and causing severe burns before rescue teams arrive.

Another increasingly common cause involves battery failures in electric vehicles (EVs). Lithium-ion batteries, when damaged in a crash, can overheat or catch fire, producing flames that are difficult to extinguish and may reignite. These incidents pose unique risks to occupants and first responders. Additionally, contact with hot surfaces and fluids, such as overheated engines, leaking coolant, or oil, can lead to burns. Components like exhaust systems can remain dangerously hot even after the vehicle is no longer operational.

Airbag deployment is another potential source of burn injuries. While airbags save lives, the chemicals used during deployment can cause thermal burns or chemical irritation on the face, chest, or arms. Each cause of burn injuries provides critical information for determining who may be held responsible, whether it’s a negligent driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or another party.

Types of Burn Injuries From Car Accidents

Burn injuries from car accidents vary in type and severity, significantly impacting treatment and recovery. The most common classifications include:

• First-degree burns: These superficial burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, swelling, and mild pain. While they are painful, they typically heal without permanent damage within a few days.
• Second-degree burns: These burns penetrate deeper, damaging both the outer and underlying skin layers. They often cause blisters, intense pain, and swelling. Without proper treatment, they can lead to infections and scarring.
• Third-degree burns: The most severe type, these burns destroy all layers of the skin and often damage underlying tissues, muscles, or bones. Third-degree burns may appear white, charred, or leathery and typically require extensive medical intervention, including surgeries and skin grafts.

In addition to these categories, chemical burns and electrical burns are unique to car accidents. Chemical burns result from exposure to hazardous materials such as battery acid, coolant, or other automotive fluids, while electrical burns occur when damaged wiring or battery systems transmit electric currents through the body. These injuries often cause internal and external damage, requiring specialized treatment.

Each type of burn comes with specific medical challenges, recovery timelines, and compensation considerations, underscoring the importance of proper documentation and treatment.

Treatment and Recovery for Burn Injuries

The treatment and recovery process for burn injuries can be long, complex, and expensive, particularly for severe cases. Immediate care is critical to stabilize the victim and prevent complications such as infection or worsening tissue damage. For first-degree burns, basic wound care, such as cooling the area and applying topical ointments, is often sufficient. However, second- and third-degree burns require more intensive treatment.

• Debridement: Removing dead or damaged tissue is often necessary for deeper burns to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• Skin Grafts: For extensive burns, surgeons may perform skin grafts, where healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted to cover damaged areas. This procedure can significantly aid recovery but often requires multiple surgeries.
• Pain Management and Infection Control: Burn injuries are highly prone to infections, and proper wound care is essential to minimize this risk. Pain management, both short-term and long-term, is another critical component of treatment.

Recovery doesn’t end with physical healing. Burn victims often require physical therapy to restore mobility, particularly if scar tissue affects joints or muscles. Psychological recovery is equally important, as severe burns can lead to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Counseling and support groups can provide emotional relief and help victims regain confidence.

Legal Options for Burn Injury Victims

Ohio law provides multiple legal options for burn injury victims to seek compensation, depending on the cause of the accident and the responsible parties. The most common avenue is a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If another driver’s negligence—such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence—caused the accident, victims can hold them accountable for damages.

In cases involving a defective vehicle or part, victims may pursue a product liability claim. For instance, if a faulty fuel system, malfunctioning airbag, or defective battery caused the burn injuries, the manufacturer or designer of the product may be held liable. These claims often require expert testimony to prove the defect and its connection to the injuries.

Ohio also follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing victims to recover compensation even if they share partial responsibility for the accident, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%. However, the compensation is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you would receive 80% of the total damages awarded.

Navigating these legal options requires a thorough understanding of Ohio’s laws and adherence to the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of the accident. Working with an experienced attorney can help victims explore all potential avenues for compensation and ensure their rights are protected.

Compensation for Burn Injuries in Ohio

Burn injury victims in Ohio may be entitled to several types of compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial impact of their injuries. The most common forms of compensation include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers immediate treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term care needs such as scar management or physical therapy.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and, in severe cases, diminished earning capacity if the injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages that account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Additional compensation is available for victims whose burns result in permanent scars or visible disfigurement that affects their appearance and psychological well-being.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.

Each case is unique, and the total compensation depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and the degree of negligence involved. Consulting an attorney ensures victims fully understand their rights and pursue the maximum compensation they deserve to cover the long-term consequences of their injuries.

Reclaim Your Life After Burn Injuries: Compassionate Legal Support You Can Trust

Burn injuries resulting from a car accident can be life-altering, leaving you with excruciating physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting financial burdens. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you through every step, providing unwavering support and ensuring your rights are protected during this difficult time.

Contact us today to take the first step toward reclaiming your future.