According to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, more than half a million people in the U.S. are treated for burns every year. Treatment for severe burn injuries may include surgery, skin grafting, physical therapy or occupational therapy. In addition to the physical trauma of severe burns, many burn victims also experience psychological damage. Treating the physical and psychological effects of burn injuries can be costly, and some burn victims are unable to return to work right away or at all. If you have suffered severe burns or any other catastrophic injury as a result of a car accident, truck accident, or other incident, an experienced Orlando injury attorney will fight to get you fair and just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Effects of Burn Injuries
Burn victims may feel anxious about leaving the insulated environment of the hospital when it’s time to return home. Once home, they will have to cope with the effects of their burn injuries, such as:
• Altered appearances, including permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Altered self-images
• Physical impairments
• Psychological trauma
• Difficulty fulfilling the roles of wife/mother or husband/father
The road to recovery may be long and difficult, with outpatient treatment continuing for weeks, months or even years.
Experiencing Grief
Burn victims typically experience a period of grief. Grief reactions may include:
• Disbelief
• Sadness
• Fear
• Anger
• Guilt
• Difficulty concentrating
• Little concern for oneself
• Social isolation
• Searching for meaning
• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
• Lack of motivation
• Spiritual confusion
Burn victims should allow themselves to grieve however long they need and should remember that grief is a process each person experiences differently.
Coping Strategies
As burn victims grieve and adjust to the physical and emotional effects of their catastrophic injury, they can ease the process by:
• Taking things one day at a time
• Setting simple goals
• Developing a routine
• Following doctor recommendations
• Finding a support group
• Seeking therapy for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression or anxiety, or persistent anger
• Communicating openly with loved ones about how they are feeling and what they need
• Having a close friend or family member accompany them out the first few times they venture into public
• Preparing oneself mentally for the stares, questions and comments of others
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident that caused your burn injuries, you may have a personal injury claim against one or more parties. To learn about your legal rights, contact a qualified Orlando injury lawyer today.