Statistics show that burn injuries are common and often life-altering, if not downright catastrophic. Most burn injuries are caused by car accidents, residential fires, defective products, workplace fires, gas explosions, electrocutions, or chemical accidents. Depending on the severity of the injury, the path to recovery can be long and arduous, with many complex medical and financial implications.

If you’ve suffered a burn injury, you may feel overwhelmed by worry. Is a full recovery possible? Will you be able to return to work? How much will the medical treatment cost?

Here are three vital things to know that will help you regain a sense of control.

Things To Know About The Life After A Severe Burn Injury

1. Although Difficult, Recovery Is Possible

The first vital thing to know about severe burn injuries is that recovery is possible, but the process can be long and intensive. People who experience severe burn injuries need medical care from the very moment of the incident until their situation stabilizes. For some patients, the recovery process lasts days to weeks. For others, it lasts months to years. Moreover, many patients experience long-term physical and psychological pain.

Being aware of the difficulties and finding the strength to accept them as they come is essential for protecting your mental health as you fight for recovery. You may need to undergo extensive medical treatment such as surgery or physical therapy. To cope with the physical and mental strain, you will need a lot of patience and inner resilience. Keep in mind that partial or full recovery is attainable thanks to the current state of medical knowledge and technology. Restoring function and physical appearance can be a painful and costly process, but it’s not impossible.

2. You May Be Entitled To Compensation

The worst thing about experiencing an injury of any kind is that you cannot focus exclusively on your health and recovery because you also have to worry about finances. Life after a severe injury is often financially stressful. Many patients are emotionally drained by financial concerns. They worry about their jobs, their living expenses, and the medical bills that keep piling up.

A vital thing to know is that you may be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the circumstances that have led to your burn injury. Have you been injured due to the negligent behavior of a person or organization? The liable party is legally obligated to cover any losses you experience due to the accident.

Examples of negligence abound. A distracted driver causes a car fire. A manufacturing company puts into public circulation defective products that explode in the customers’ hands. An employer does not comply with safety rules, which creates the conditions for a workplace fire. In all these cases, a person or an organization has failed to exercise the level of care necessary to protect others from harm.

If you have a good reason to hold someone responsible for your burn injury, contact an attorney as soon as possible and discuss your case. An experienced attorney will help you understand your legal rights and maximize your compensation package. A fair settlement should cover all your past, present, and future medical bills and lost wages. National Burn Attorney can help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

3. You May Experience Psychological Distress

Another vital thing to know about life after a severe burn injury is that you may experience psychological distress. You must monitor your mental health constantly and be ready to ask for help. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression are natural after surviving a burn injury. However, do not allow these feelings to spiral out of control.

You may feel distressed due to memories of the event itself. You may feel distressed due to the scars and contractures that affect your physical appearance. Physical pain and discomfort, limited mobility, and loss of independence can also cause psychological distress. Moreover, financial worries are known to heighten negative feelings as well.

When dealing with psychological distress, it’s crucial to recognize your feelings as valid. Studies show that most victims of burn incidents experience anxiety and emotional problems, so you are not alone. Consider seeking professional help. Psychotherapy can help you regain a sense of balance and objectively understand what you’re going through.

When dealing with a traumatic event, being realistic about the challenges ahead is important because it can help manage the situation effectively. If you’ve suffered a severe burn injury, find the person or entity responsible for your distress and demand fair compensation for your losses. Protect your mental health. Last but not least, seek support from medical professionals, family members, and other burn survivors.