Burn injuries can result in severe scars with long-term physical and mental impact. The treatment is often complex and the consequences are significant.
Classification of Burn Injuries
The severity of burn injuries is determined by the depth, which affects both the treatment and the expected outcome.
Categorization
| Degree | Depth | Characteristics | Healing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st degree | Epidermis | Red, painful | Heals without scars |
| 2nd degree superficial | Upper dermis | Blisters, wet, painful | Often without scars |
| 2nd degree deep | Deeper dermis | White/yellow, less painful | Scars, sometimes transplantation required |
| 3rd degree | Full thickness skin | White/brown, insensate | Always scars, transplantation required |
| 4th degree | Underlying structures | Charred skin | Severe scars, amputation possible |
Treatment and Recovery Process
Severe burn injuries require intensive and long-term treatment.
First Aid Phase
- Admission to a burn unit
- Fluid administration and pain management
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Skin grafting procedures
- Infection prevention
Recovery Phase
Treatments
- Physiotherapy: preservation of mobility
- Occupational therapy: support in daily living
- Compression garments: limiting scar formation
- Splint therapy: prevention of contractures
- Mental support: emotional processing
Scars and Aftermath
Scars from burn injuries can lead to various complications.
Types of Scars
| Type | Characteristics | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertrophic | Raised, red, itchy | Compression, silicone treatment, laser therapy |
| Keloid | Grows beyond wound margins | Injections, surgical intervention, radiotherapy |
| Contracture | Shortening, movement restriction | Surgery, physiotherapy |
| Atrophic | Depressed | Fillers, surgical correction |
Physical Impact
- Limited range of motion due to contractures
- Loss of sensation
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
- Reduced sweat production
- Persistent itching
Emotional Consequences
The mental burden of burn injuries is often significant.
Common Issues
- PTSD: reliving, nightmares, avoidance behavior
- Depressive feelings: low mood, despair
- Anxiety disorders: fear of fire or social rejection
- Negative self-image: shame, social withdrawal
- Isolation: avoidance of contacts
Compensation for Damage
Damage from burn injuries includes various components.
Damage Components
Medical Expenses
The costs of treatment are often high and long-term:
- Hospital admission in acute phase
- Skin grafts
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Aesthetic procedures (multiple surgeries)
- Scar treatment (laser, silicone)
- Psychological support
Pain and Suffering Awards
The amount of pain and suffering compensation is determined by severity and location:
- Facial scars: €15,000 - €100,000+
- Extensive body damage: €30,000 - €150,000
- Life-threatening injuries: €75,000 - €200,000
- With functional limitations: even higher
Loss of Earning Capacity
Depending on the location of injuries and occupation, disability may occur.
Advice for Leiden
- Seek treatment at a specialized burn center
- Strictly follow compression therapy
- Take regular photos of scars for documentation
- Consider early mental support
- Wait with final damage settlement until scars are stable
Legal Assistance in Leiden
For legal assistance, you can contact:
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
- Juridisch Loket Leiden: Stationsweg 46