Lifetime Effects of Burn Injuries in South Carolina
While electrocution can often cause fatal injuries, some burn victims in South Carolina survive these accidents. The road to recovery for these individuals may be long and arduous, and they may struggle with a wide range of health complications for the rest of their lives. If you are dealing with this situation firsthand, you might be concerned about the potential cost of these lifelong treatments – and you might be wondering how you can secure the necessary compensation to fund your recovery.
Entrance and Exit Wounds
According to the Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America (BRCA), one of the most notable injuries for victims of electrocution is the “entrance wound.” As the name implies, this is the area in which the electrical current enters the body. For example, those who touch a live wire with their hands would receive an entrance wound on their hands.
The BRCA notes that the entrance wound almost always has severely damaged tissues. If the electrical current reaches the bones, these bones become superheated. With enough damage, the entire limb may be “killed.” In these cases of “dead limbs,” the damage to the muscles and bones may be so serious that amputation is the only remaining option. Obviously, an amputation of this nature has the potential to not only affect a person’s physical well-being, but also their mental health for the rest of their life.
Unless the victim manages to disconnect from the source of the electricity, the current will leave the body through an “exit wound.” This might be the hand opposite to the entrance wound, or the feet.
Burns
Severe burns are common in cases of electrocution. The electrical current may not only burn the body, but also any clothing that the individual is wearing. Burning cloth can cause additional burns to the individual, resulting in a mix of thermal and electrical burns. In serious cases, fourth-degree burns are possible – and these can be serious enough to char the bones.
Long-Term Neurological Effects
Electrocution can lead to a wide range of long-term neurological effects. These might include numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome, paralysis, and many others. Some victims begin to experience seizures on a regular basis after burns. These long-term neurological effects may not be immediately clear, as they may only appear months or years after the initial injury. This is why it is important to work with a qualified injury attorney and get the medical treatment you need. A careful, measured approach will ensure compensation for your full range of damages.
Find a Qualified Catastrophic Injury Attorney in South Carolina
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced Charleston burn injury lawyer, look no further than Mickelsen Dalton, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous victims of catastrophic injuries. We know how serious electrocution can be. Even though survivors of these accidents can count themselves fortunate to be alive, this doesn’t mean that their lives will be easy. Securing compensation for future treatments is very important, so get in touch today to discuss your legal options.
Source:
burncenters.com/safety/the-short-term-and-long-term-effects-of-electric-shock-on-the-human-body/