Injuries Result From Apartment Fire

One person was injured as a result of a fire that broke out in an apartment building in northwest Miami-Dade County. The cause of the fire has not yet been announced, and the extent of damages to both the apartment unit and the apartment building itself were not significant, but the victim sustained burns on the face and chest and required hospital care.

Typical Fire Injuries

Fires cause many injuries and deaths every year – in fact, fires and burns are one of the highest causes of deaths at home. According to the American Burn Association, roughly 3500 deaths result from reported burn and fire injuries each year, and even more astounding is that there are nearly half a million burn injury patients who receive medical treatment for burn and fire injuries yearly. The two most common types of injuries that result from fires are burns and smoke inhalation, and more victims die from the latter rather than from burns themselves.

Types Of Burns

Burns range in severity from first to third degree, based on the extent of damage caused by the burn. Treatment and recovery differs depending upon the degree of the burn and the extent of the injury:

• First degree burns are the least severe of the three and affect only the outermost layer of the skin. Most often these injuries are accompanied by redness and swelling and can be painful. Treatment usually includes simple measures such as cleaning the wound, applying ointments and salves, and covering the wound to prevent infection. Recovery is usually quick with no scarring.
• Second degree burns may also cause swelling, but with this more severe burn a victim may also experience blotchy skin and blistering along with pain. These burns extend beyond the outer layer of skin into the deeper layers and depending upon the size of the burn may often be treated with similar measures such as a first degree burn. Recovery takes somewhat longer but in many cases scarring does not occur with these types of injuries.
• Third degree burns are the most serious and often require extensive treatment and longer recovery times. These injuries affect all of the skin layers as well as the fat underneath and may seriously affect the muscles and bones. Often times skin grafts and other reconstructive surgery is required to allow a victim who has suffered third degree burns resume a normal life afterwards. Recovery can be long and painful and in some cases the victim faces a lifetime of difficulties coping with long-term disabilities.

Legal Help With Burn Injuries

If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire and has suffered burns, the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A., is here to help. Our burn injury attorneys have experience with all types of personal injuries including those suffered as a result of a fire and will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities under Florida law. Allow us to help you achieve the results you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get started today towards recovery for your losses.