Author: MichaelEhline

Camp Lejeune Justice Act | Help for Long-suffering Veterans Exposed To Toxic Chemicals

Written by MichaelEhline on November 29, 2024. Posted in Service Related Cancer Blog.

Help for Long-suffering Veterans Exposed To Toxic Chemicals

Ultimate Guide to Understanding Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Service members, who were based at Camp Lejeune in south-eastern North Carolina from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, have long been crying out for justice after being exposed to contaminated water at the camp.

After decades of being denied their rights to justice, there is hope, thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This new legislation covers individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and allows them to seek compensation for damages and injuries they suffered.

Thus far, the legislation has succeeded better than the last time it was voted on. Both the House and Senate have given it bipartisan support, and President Biden has publicly come out in full support to have the bill passed.

If you or any of your family members were exposed to Camp Lejeune contaminated water, you need to contact the highly experienced personal injury lawyers at Ehline Law Firm. We are dedicated to helping Camp Lejeune service members get the compensation they deserve using VA claims. But we may also help you find a lawyer in North Carolina for a PACT ACT claim. Call us now at (833) LETS-SUE.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is designed to help contractors, veterans, non-military (civilian) workers, and family members exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune file claims to recover damages for the harm they suffered.

While much progress has been made in bringing the victims justice, no claims can be made until the president signs the bill into law.

Early Efforts to Assist Affected Military Family Members

In the aftermath of Camp Lejeune water contamination and toxic exposure, a lot of efforts were made by former residents of the North Carolina Marine Corps base to seek healthcare benefits. Although exposure to poisonous chemicals has led to severe medical problems and even the death of many people, army vets and their families have been denied their legal rights to be compensated until now.

First Lawsuit

The wife of one of the Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune filed the first lawsuit in 2010 after she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Signing Into Law

The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act was signed into law by President Obama in 2012. This was the first big step, allowing some service members to be granted benefits after being exposed to toxic chemicals at the base.

List of Presumptive Conditions Announced

It was not until 2017 that the Department of Veterans Affairs announced a list of presumptive conditions and diseases. This resulted in many claims for healthcare benefits, many of which were denied.

The Combined Legislative Effort

The injustice of veterans exposed to contaminated water being denied the health care they needed spurred groups of people, including victims, lawmakers, and advocates, to work together to find a way to amend this unfair legislation.

This combined effort finally gave birth to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The legislation seeks to remove legal barriers faced by Marines and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune due to an anomaly in North Carolina Law.

Furthermore, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act says that anyone affected by exposure to contaminated water at the camp should file an administrative claim at the Eastern District of North Carolina district court.

Honoring Our PACT Act

The Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 addresses issues of presumption of service connection, resources, research, and health care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while on active duty.

After the bill enjoyed overwhelming support in the House and Senate, President Biden promised to sign the Honoring Our PACT Act into law.

Purpose of the PACT Act

The Honoring, Our PACT Act is more than just compensation for water contamination victims.

It will guarantee benefits to veterans who:

Where part of a toxic exposure risk activity
Served on specified dates in specific locations
Were deployed as part of a specified contingency operation.

Next Steps for the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Before the bill can become law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will have to go through the following formalities:

Approval by Senate
Signed by President Biden
Implementation into law.

Common Injuries Suffered by Camp Lejeune Victims

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune exposed army vets and their families to severe conditions and diseases, such as:

Parkinson’s disease
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Liver cancer
Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
Bladder cancer
Multiple myeloma
Kidney cancer
Miscarriages
Scleroderma
Neurobehavioral effects
Plastic anemia and other bone marrow conditions
Other undiscovered diseases.

Ehline Law Can Help You Seek Compensation

One of the best things you can do if you are suffering from any condition you think may have been caused by exposure to toxic chemicals and water at Camp Lejeune is to contact our law offices for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

We can assist army vets with the following:

Determine Eligibility

The law is particular about the conditions you must meet to be deemed eligible to be compensated under the Act, such as the date and location of the supposed exposure.

Understand the Law

There are many benefits that the law offers to victims that you may not be aware of. One crucial fact that a good lawyer will know is that in this particular situation, the bill prohibits claiming specified immunity by the government, as is the case when a soldier is injured or killed while on duty.

Take Legal Action

Some cases may require an assertive attorney to fight for your rights, such as when a family member dies, and you have to make a wrongful death claim, which the government may try to deny.

Win Damages

Lastly, we can help you walk away with considerable settlements to cover the following damages:

Medical bills
Permanent disability
Wrongful death
Reduced quality of life.

Call Us Now!

The Veterans Affairs (VA) has set aside $2 billion for disability benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination incident victims. If you think you are one of the intended recipients of these benefits, call Ehline Law today and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

The PACT Act and Your VA Benefits – How Can Ehline Law Help You?

Written by MichaelEhline on November 29, 2024. Posted in Service Related Cancer Blog.

Years ago, veterans, especially Vietnam veterans, didn’t have an easy way to get treatment related to medical conditions they suffered from. Even a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare could not get money to cover medical bills for things the VA considered non-service connected. This became a problem for veterans exposed to toxic substances since they developed serious illnesses with expensive medical programs that would be enough to give anyone high blood pressure.

Apart from that, not everyone believed the illnesses people were getting were due to military service, so neither the government nor healthcare facilities wanted to help them. Fortunately, many agencies and organizations have raised awareness of this situation. An act to help veterans exposed to burn pits, deadly chemicals, and other toxins is now active. We are, naturally, talking about the PACT. However, few people know how this act works or how they can benefit unless they hire a trained professional to obtain these additional benefits.

Are you a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, or even the Vietnam era stationed at one or more presumptive exposure locations? Are you willing to learn more about the benefits and services of the PACT Act? Please read this page to learn more about it and how it’s funding families who enroll with additional resources and benefits for veterans! We can help you apply for the PACT ACT-related protections for many health conditions.

If you ever need legal assistance when filing a VA claim or applying for PACT benefits, you can always count on the Ehline Law Firm. We work in several counties in California, and our goal is to help personal injury victims get the compensation they deserve for their accidents.

Veterans with toxic exposures should call us now to get a free consultation to apply for the PACT ACT through Veterans Affairs VA protocols.

What’s the PACT Act?

The full name of this law is The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act. This law aims to help veterans suffering from toxic substances and burn pit exposure get the funds they need and have earned to treat their illnesses.

Can You Sue?

Yes. After making your claim, certain vets can sue for exposure to toxic water and other presumptive conditions and locations under the newly signed Honoring the PACT Act. You can also access the benefits of this act if you are a veteran survivor. Nonetheless, you first need to apply for the benefits this law offers you, and not everyone is eligible for it.

Over 3.5 million veterans are eligible to receive immediate benefits if their condition is one or more of the 23 presumptive health issues. These conditions include certain cancers and some respiratory illnesses.

Benefits can include:

A $2,000 per month stipend
More access to loans and scholarships.

Many things changed when the PACT Act became active. It extended the eligibility of veterans and survivors for Veterans Affairs medical care, which was already an advantage to the situation Marines were in then. You also have more presumptive conditions for people who don’t have a way to link their toxic exposures to the time millions of veterans were in service.

Here is a list of the main changes to VA health care PACT Act-related benefits brought to the table:

Veterans Affairs now needs to provide vets with a toxic exposure screening when they get admitted for health care.
It’s now easier to get health care if you are a veteran of the Gulf War, Vietnam War, and even post-9/11.
Veterans now have more presumptive conditions for burn pits and toxic exposures, so getting accepted into the VA medical program is not difficult.
It gives more resources to the agencies that research any service-connected disability and helps toxic exposed veterans.

Understanding Veterans Affairs Health Care

VA’s health care evaluation differs from other health programs, similar to how insurance works. Veterans enrolled in VA’s health care facilities can get free medical help to prevent illnesses, primary care, special inpatient and outpatient care services, and checkups to evaluate their healthcare needs.

As you can see, this care program brings several benefits, so it’s not easy to get accepted unless you can prove your illnesses are linked to something that happened while in service. Even though the PACT Act expands VA healthcare eligibility conditions, getting into this program is still complex.

If you file a claim for a VA disability rating and are accepted into a VA healthcare facility, you will receive many benefits.

These are some of the main advantages of VA health care:

VA providers can give you prescription medicine.
Mental health care for both men and women.
Access to community health care providers.
Long-term care.
Access to inpatient and outpatient care at several VA health care facilities.
Disability compensation.
Burial benefits.
Life insurance.

Regardless of veterans having that many VA benefits available, things were still a bit messy when treating exposure to a burn pit and other toxic exposures. People noticed this when many veterans started developing cancer after being victims of toxic exposure in Marine Corps Air Stations.

Veterans had no funds to treat something as expensive as cancer when that happened. Since they couldn’t link what happened to the poor environmental conditions at the air stations where they worked, they didn’t get any VA resources from the government.

How Does the VA Health Care Eligibility Work After the PACT Act?

As we mentioned before, eligibility terms are a bit difficult when it comes to veterans from the Gulf War or Vietnam veterans suffering from exposure to toxic substances. This problem left many veterans with dangerous illnesses after being victims of toxic exposure without the benefits they earned by serving our poisonous.

Fortunately, accepting 9/11 veterans or Marines from Vietnam or the Gulf War is easier now. Eligibility conditions change depending on which one is more accessible, though. Combat veterans needing benefit expansion with the PACT Act must only apply for VA health care from the government’s website.

You are eligible for VA health care and benefits if you served on active duty and are free of dishonorable discharges. Don’t ever think about getting help to cover medical treatment for toxic exposure if you can’t check those boxes.

While those conditions are mandatory, the Department of Veterans Affairs also asks veterans to meet at least one of the following requirements to get health care benefits:

Serving for at least 24 months with no interruptions
If you had a service-connected disability
Having an early out
Serving before September 7, 1980.

The first step to applying for PACT Act health care and benefits is checking you meet all eligibility conditions. After that, gather your social security numbers, military discharge information, insurance cards, last year’s gross household income, and your last year’s deductible expenses. It may seem like a lot of information, but it’s all needed to get treatment for exposure to Agent Orange exposure and other toxic substances.

Healthcare applications take about a week to be processed, so veterans must wait a bit after filing claims. Since the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring, Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act extends eligibility for disability benefits. It will expand benefits to veterans who have lung cancer and other issues even after Agent Orange exposure. It’s now easier for you to get a yes from the VA department.

Although this is the most significant VA health care benefits expansion in VA history, things change slightly when discussing disability claims.

Presumptive Conditions for Toxic Exposed Veterans

One of the reasons accessing VA benefits is that difficult for veterans when dealing with toxic exposure injuries is they need to prove the injuries they got are due to toxic exposure, and that’s not something simple at all.

The perfect example is exposure to MCAS chemicals, which we have mentioned in this article. They worked for years in the air station without knowing all the health issues that would cause them in the future, and many didn’t even know chemical exposure was the cause of their current illnesses.

How can people who can’t link their injuries to something service-related get VA benefits? They have to rely on presumptive conditions. As its name suggests, when you meet a presumptive condition for Agent Orange or any other chemical exposure, the VA department presumes the cause of your injury is service-connected.

Presumptive conditions consist of the illness you are suffering from, so if you get one from the presumptive list, you don’t need to prove anything to anyone to get medical treatment.

VA health care helps cancer patients since cancer is one of the diseases caused by chemical exposure.

The presumptive cancers for VA programs are:

Reproductive cancer
Brain cancer
Any breathing-related cancer
Neck cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer
Head cancer
Melanoma
Pancreatic cancer
Lymphoma
Lymphatic cancer
Glioblastoma
Kidney cancer.

This new law also includes other presumptive illnesses such as:

Sarcoidosis
Pleuritis
ILD
Pulmonary fibrosis
COPD
Auth, ma (after service)
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic rhinitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis
Obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease.

How Can Ehline Law Help You Honor the PACT ACT?

Ehline Law is your safe bet when looking for a way to get compensation to pay for medical bills after getting an injury due to military service. You need to handle a lot of paperwork and documents to apply for health care, and it’s easy to get confused if you are not used to those things.

Veterans with a service connection can’t normally sue the government for their injuries, so there’s no way to get personal injury compensation as in any other situation. Fortunately, filing a VA claim allows you to access medical treatment instead of the funds for it.

We offer a free consultation of your case, so you don’t have to pay us to tell us what the matter is. Apart from that, Ehline Law also has a no-win-no-pay policy, so you don’t have to pay legal fees if you don’t get the desired results. You can also count on us if you are the victim of toxic exposure injuries caused by anything other than military service.

Bottom Line

Thanks to the PACT Act, veterans now have a way to fight for justice and get the treatment they deserve for all the time they served our country. So even if you receive service-connected disabilities, veterans and their families can now recover even more compensation. Under this law, signed by President Biden at the White House, certain health conditions suffered by the Gulf War era and other vets stationed at presumptive locations may be covered. The only thing our nation’s veterans need to do to get help is to call us and schedule a free consultation, so don’t hesitate to do it!

How to Report a Dog Bite in California

Written by MichaelEhline on November 29, 2024. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

Different Roles for Different People After a Dog Bite Attack

Following a dog bite attack, the immediate need is medical treatment for the injuries. You may be thinking about the best way to get treatment or to care for a loved one. Serious injuries require more attention and time; thus, other elements surrounding the attack often fall to the wayside. And this includes reporting the dog bite to animal control or the police.

Doing so as quickly as possible creates a record of the attack. It also lets authorities know whether the dog was previously involved in a similar attack. If not, they can record the first attack. If so, the police can euthanize the dog.

Furthermore, understanding the dog attack also allows authorities to quarantine the dog. They can do so to see if the dog is rabid. Besides, different people involved in the bite have other responsibilities. Having said that, if you or a loved one got bitten, you could report the attack to the right people.

For example, doctors have a special obligation after an attack. They must contact authorities following all dog attacks that require medical attention. This includes cases where the victim and the dog owner do not want the doctor to contact animal control. However, there are other cases where it is also necessary to get animal control.

Where You Report a Dog Bite Often Depends on the Locality

Different states and counties often have similar guidelines for reporting dog bite attacks. Usually, the best first place to go is the local animal control office. There, the officer on duty can determine how to record the attack. Furthermore, in some cases, animal control will request assistance from another agency.

In some cases, this may include the local police or medical professionals. One thing is the same between all of these cases. When in doubt, contact animal control as soon as possible. And if you need to speak to a motivated lawyer who wants you to hear your problem, serious injury lawyer Ehline is ready to take your important call. We want you to know you can trust us. And that is why we are around 24/7 to help you understand what’s in it for you and what isn’t. A free call with a lawyer can help you get to know us and the legal road ahead after a terrible dog bite.

Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC‘s local dog bite attorneys, remain ready, willing, and able to speak with you at (213) 596-9642.

California Has Sixth Worst Elder-abuse Protections!

Written by MichaelEhline on November 29, 2024. Posted in Elder Nursing Abuse Blog.

The Best Elder Abuse Protections Are Just One Call Away

Next to young children, the elderly population is the most vulnerable in our communities, and they need our protection.

A combination of failing health, dementia symptoms, and neglect by family members makes elderly residents the target of emotional abuse, financial scams, physical torment, and many other forms of elder abuse, gross negligence, and exploitation.

Legal assistance development groups, such as the United Health Foundation, have been working hard to help implement some of the best elder abuse protections in the country. Still, the California State Association reports an increase in the number of older adults experiencing abuse, particularly financial abuse.

Elder abuse affects not just the victim of the abuse but their families. If your loved ones suffer from elder abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation, call a lawyer with vast experience in elder abuse protection.

Ehline Law is here to help you provide the best elder abuse protections for your older family members. Call (833) LETS-SUE right now and request a free consultation.

Stats From Elder Abuse Forensic Centers

In an attempt to implement elder abuse prevention, elder abuse forensic centers throughout the country have compiled statistical data on the violations of elder abuse protections in different states.

The following are examples of how California ranks when it comes to elder abuse in the US per resident over the age of 65 according to the personal finance website WalletHub:

Number 49 in complaints of elder abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation cases
Number 25 in nursing home quality
Number 21 in total elder abuse prevention expenditures
Number 25 in the number of certified volunteer ombudsmen
Number 41 in several eldercare organizations and services.

By compiling WalletHub’s list and looking at specific stats, such as those on the number of certified volunteer ombudsmen and nursing home quality, California ranked 6th in the nation regarding cases of elder abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation complaints!

Why Is Elder Abuse So Common?

Why do we need many certified volunteer ombudspersons to deal with the worst elder abuse protections? One reason behind the shocking stats compiled by the personal finance website WalletHub is the general ignorance regarding the aging process and the needs of elderly members of our society.

No matter what elder abuse protections are put in place, without educating families living with older adults and institutions that act as primary caregivers for older people, we will continue to see a rise in financial exploitation complaints and elder abuse cases.

Family members, compassionate lawyers, and human rights activists work together to dispel the misconception that older adults have no functional role in society. Instead, people need to accept the increased dependence on one’s family, which is a natural part of aging.

The Most Common Types of Elder Abuse

According to dementia behavior specialist Elion Caspi, BSW MA Ph.D., the following are the common types of elder abuse protection violations that occur in long-term care homes:

Inappropriate and harmful use of antipsychotic drugs (chemical restraints)
Theft of elderly residents’ pain medications
Sexual abuse involving touching and intercourse
Financial exploitation
Staff retaliation against older residents
Psychological and emotional abuse
harmful resident-to-resident incidents due to neglect.

Caspi explained that even though the inappropriate use of physical restraints had decreased over the years, it is still happening and is a cause for concern. Also, sexual and physical abuse of residents by staff members has a long-term and severe effect on the victims that can be profoundly traumatic and devastating.

How Can Financial Elder Abuse Laws Help?

One of the most significant steps in the fight against elder abuse is the implementation of financial elder abuse laws. Combined with the Elder Justice Act passed in 2010, concerned individuals can work hand in hand with compassionate attorneys and law enforcement officials to protect older people from abuse.

If you suspect an older adult is being abused financially, do not hesitate to call Ehline Law or any eldercare organizations for assistance.

How You Can Protect Elderly Family Members From Elder Abuse

The following are some of the steps to take to protect older people in your care from abuse:

Keep a Watchful Eye

Often, older people are abused by staff members at care homes without any family members noticing because they ignore how their loved one is being treated.

Establish a Strong Relationship

A strong bond with your older family members will give them the courage to confide in you whenever they are mistreated. Usually, elderly residents feel very vulnerable when left in the care of strangers and may not be able to openly discuss what is being done to them unless you make them feel safe and cared for.

Avoid Family Violence

Family violence negatively affects the psychological and emotional well-being of older people, who may feel powerless to prevent it. Violent behavior also opens the door to physical abuse of older people and should be avoided at all costs.

Provide a Channel for Neglect and Exploitation Complaints

You are not always available to look after your elderly family members. This is why it is essential to have a direct and clear channel for anyone who notices any signs of abuse to report to the relevant authorities.

Establish Trustworthy Power of Attorney

One of the best ways to fight financial abuse is to have a trustworthy individual. Usually, a lawyer with extensive experience in financial elder abuse laws has power of attorney to make financial decisions for the elderly.

Learn About Elder Abuse Prevention

Finally, it would be best if you dedicated time to learning as much as possible about elder abuse prevention. This will help you to be better equipped to recognize and deal with elder abuse. Various eldercare organizations have lots of educational material that can be very helpful.

Ehline Law Can Help With Elder Abuse Protection

The protection of the older members of our society is everyone’s responsibility. Whether they are members of your family or strangers, there is always something you can do to help.

Call Ehline Law today and request a free consultation to discuss how to deal with elder abuse protection violations in your family, community, or place of work.

Burn Injury Assessment and Management Information for Patients

Written by MichaelEhline on November 29, 2024. Posted in Burn Injury Blog.

According to the American Burn Association (ABA), there were over 486,000 injuries in the United States and 3,500 deaths due to the different types of burns in 2019. Severe burns can affect a patient’s quality of life, and it is crucial to properly assess and manage burn injuries to ensure that the patient achieves their highest functional level.

Ehline Law and our burn injury attorneys have worked with victims since 2005, protecting their rights and getting them the compensation they deserve. We understand the impact of burn injuries on victims and their lives, so we’ve put together this guide on burn injury assessment and management information for patients to help them recover.

Groups of People Who Are Vulnerable to Burn Injuries

Several groups of people have a higher risk of burn injury mortality, including:

Elderly individuals: As people age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making them more susceptible to burns. Elderly individuals may also have underlying medical conditions that can complicate burn injuries and increase mortality risk.
Children: Children have thinner skin than adults, making them more susceptible to burns. Additionally, children may be unable to communicate their pain or discomfort effectively, which can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications.
Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions: People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may be at higher risk for burn-related complications. These conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and may increase the risk of infection or other complications.
Individuals in certain occupations: People who work in certain professions, such as firefighters, may be at higher risk for burn injuries due to their exposure to fire, heat, and other hazards. These individuals may also be more likely to experience smoke inhalation, which can be life-threatening.

Assessing Burn Injuries

Burn specialists typically carry out a thorough burn assessment, which involves the following steps:

Assess the extent of the burn injury: The burn specialist will assess the size of the burn injury and the percentage of body surface area affected. This is typically done using the “Rule of Nines,” explained in the later section.
Determine the depth of the burn injury: Burn injuries are typically classified as first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree burns. Assessing the depth can help burn specialists take the necessary action to minimize medical complications.
Assess the location of the burn injury: The area of the burn injury can provide important information about the severity of the damage and the potential for complications. Burns to the face, hands, feet, and genitals are often considered high-risk areas.
Evaluate associated injuries: Burn specialists will also assess for any associated injuries, such as inhalation injury or bacterial infection.
Assess pain and functional status: The burn specialist will assess the patient’s pain level and functional status, which can impact their overall prognosis and recovery.
Determine the need for surgery: If the burn injury is severe or complicated, the patient may require surgery. The burn specialist will evaluate the need for surgical intervention and coordinate with other medical professionals as needed.

A comprehensive burn assessment is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan and optimizing the patient’s recovery.

Symptoms of Different Categories of Burn Injuries

There are different categories of burn injuries, and assessing the symptoms can help determine the type of burn injury and the right burn care management plan for the victim.

Let’s review the symptoms of the four main categories of burn injuries.

First-degree Burns (Also Called Superficial Burns)

These are minor burns that affect only the outermost layer of skin. Symptoms of superficial burns may include:

Redness and mild pain
Swelling
Dry, peeling skin

Second-degree Burns (Also Called Partial Thickness)

These burns affect the outer layer and the layer underneath the skin. Symptoms may include:

Redness and blistering
Swelling
Severe pain
Weeping or oozing skin

Third-degree Burns (Also Called Full-thickness Burns)

These burns affect all skin layers and damage the underlying tissues, muscles, and bones. Symptoms may include:

White or blackened, charred skin
Numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area
Severe pain or little to no pain (depending on the severity of the injury)
Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress (if the burn occurs in the chest area)

Fourth-degree Burns

These are the most severe types of burns and can cause damage to bones, muscles, and internal organs. Symptoms may include:

Blackened or charred skin
Loss of sensation in the affected area
Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
Shock (pale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing)
Cardiac arrest or other life-threatening complications

It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention for all types of burns, especially third- and fourth-degree burns, as they can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated.

Explaining the Rule of Nines: Calculating Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)

The Rule of Nines is a method used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned. It is a quick and straightforward way to assess the severity of a burn injury, and medical professionals commonly use it to determine the appropriate treatment.

The Rule of Nines splits the body into different regions, each representing 9% (or a multiple of 9%) of the body’s surface area. The areas of the body included in the rule of nines are:

Head and neck: 9%
Each arm (front and back): 9%
Chest and abdomen: 18%
Upper back and lower back: 18%
Each leg (front and back): 18%
Genital area: 1%

Burn specialists add the percentages to assess the total number of burn injuries, which can help determine the right treatment.

Severe Burns That Can Be Life-threatening

All types of burns have the potential to be life-threatening, depending on their severity, location, and extent. However, certain types of burns are more dangerous and have a higher risk of causing severe complications or death. These include the following:

Full-thickness burns: These burns penetrate all layers of the skin and can cause extensive tissue damage. They may also affect the underlying tissues, muscles, and bones, leading to permanent disability or disfigurement. Third-degree burns are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention.
Fourth-degree burns: These burns are even more severe than third-degree burns and can cause damage to internal organs, bones, and nerves. They are typically caused by high-voltage electrical shocks or exposure to extreme heat sources and may require surgical intervention.
Burns that affect the airway: Facial burns, or burns to the airway, caused by inhaling smoke or hot gases, can be life-threatening. They can cause swelling and inflammation of the airway, leading to breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure.
Burns that cover a large percentage of the body: Burns that cover a significant portion of the body can cause dehydration, infection, and shock. They may also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to hypothermia or hyperthermia.
Chemical burns: Chemical burns can cause extensive tissue damage and may also enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic toxicity. They require immediate medical attention and may require specialized treatment.

Burn Management for Inhalation Injuries

Inhalation injury occurs when a person inhales smoke, hot gases, or other toxic substances during a fire or other hazardous event. It can damage the airway, lungs, and other vital organs and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Identifying Inhalation Injuries from Thermal Burns

Inhalation injury from smoke or carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant cause of death in burn patients from fire accidents. Inhalation injuries can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine storm syndrome, which can be fatal.

Clinical indications of inhalation injury include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Coughing or wheezing
Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
Burns or discoloration around the mouth or nose
Soot or debris in the sputum
Chest pain or tightness
Low oxygen saturation levels

Treatment and Medical Care for Burn Patients with Inhalation Injuries

Burn specialists manage acute inhalation injury through supportive care, airway management, and specialized treatments. The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the injury and the patient’s needs.

Supportive care may include oxygen therapy, fluid resuscitation, and pain management to support the patient’s overall health and prevent further complications. Airway management may involve intubation or other measures to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygen.

Specialized treatments for inhalation injury may include:

Nebulized medications: Medications delivered via a nebulizer can help reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.
Bronchoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible scope into the airway to remove debris or blockages that are causing breathing difficulties.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing the patient to high oxygen levels in a pressurized chamber. It can help improve oxygen delivery to the tissues and promote healing.
Mechanical ventilation: In some cases, patients with inhalation injuries may require mechanical ventilation to support their breathing and ensure adequate oxygenation.

For a significant burn injury, the burn specialists may also work closely with other medical professionals, such as pulmonologists and critical care physicians, to provide comprehensive care for patients with inhalation injuries. Early recognition and treatment of an inhalation injury are essential to prevent further complications and improve outcomes for burn patients.

Immediate Burn Management

Whether the patient suffers from partial thickness burns or other classes of burn injury, it is crucial to administer the critical steps to burn management and treatment, which include the following.

Stopping the Burning Process

If possible, remove the victim from the source of the burn or extinguish any flames. Remove any clothing or jewelry unless it is sticking to the skin.

Initiate the Cooling Process

Use saline or tap water to cool the tissues. Extreme care must be exercised during the cooling process, especially in patients with extensive burns, as it can lead to hypothermia or shock.

Assessing the Victim

Quickly assess the extent and severity of the burn injury, including the location and depth of the burn, the size of the affected area, and whether the victim is experiencing pain or other symptoms.

Establishing and Maintaining the Airway

If the victim suffers from an inhalation injury, ensure the airway is open and adequately supported. Administer supplemental oxygen if necessary.

Fluid Resuscitation

Depending on the severity of the burn injury, the victim may require fluid resuscitation to prevent shock, replenish lost fluids, and maintain vital organ function.

Wound Care

Clean and dress the burn wound appropriately. Burn wounds should be kept clean and dry, and the dressing should be changed routinely.

Pain Management and Medication

Administer appropriate pain medication, such as over-the-counter painkillers or morphine, to help manage the pain associated with burn injuries. Ensure the victim’s tetanus vaccination is up-to-date, and administer a booster if necessary.

Transfer to a Burn Center

Consider transferring the patient to a specialized burns unit to receive more specialized care and treatment.

Whether the patient suffers from electrical burns or other burns, the goal of burn management and treatment is to stabilize the patient, prevent complications, and promote healing. It involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include coordinating with medical professionals from various specialties, including burn surgeons, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists.

Regular monitoring and assessment of the patient’s condition are also essential to ensure that they are receiving appropriate care and treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to another’s negligence, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation to discuss your case, as you may be able to seek compensation.