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Mother and child saved from fiery Nebraska crash

Norfolk, NE – Four people sustained severe injuries Monday afternoon following a collision between two vehicles on Highway 81 about seven miles north of Norfolk, NE. According to local police, a southbound vehicle crossed the center line and struck a northbound pickup truck. There were two people in each vehicle, all of whom were injured, Pierce County Sheriff Rick Eberhardt said. The southbound car that crossed the center line caught fire after the crash. Fortunately, witnesses managed to pull a mother and child from the vehicle before it was fully consumed by fire.

If you or a loved one sustained serious burns in a recent car crash, you should reach out to an experienced Nebraska car accident lawyer. The value of your damages depends on the severity of your burns and the extent to which they will affect your life.

Types of burns you may suffer in a car crash

If you’re in a severe crash, you should get out of your vehicle and move to a safe distance as there’s always a risk the car will be engulfed in flames. This is especially true if your car was hit by a truck. Here are the main types of burns accident victims may suffer:

1st-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn is a superficial injury, affecting only the outer layer of skin, similar to a sunburn. It causes pain, redness, and swelling, which can be very unpleasant. The good news is that a first-degree burn usually heals within six days without scarring the skin. See a doctor even if you think you can treat your burns at home. If you don’t have medical records showing you required medical assistance after the accident you may be unable to recover any damages.

2nd-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layers of skin. This type of burn is red and painful, and may blister or swell. A second-degree burn may take 2-3 weeks to heal and is more likely to scar.

3rd-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns affect the deeper layers of skin as well as the underlying tissue. In most cases, third-degree burns require extensive medical treatment, including skin graft and scar surgery. Your medical expenses can be considerable so make sure to contact seasoned Nebraska car accident lawyers as soon as possible.

4th-Degree Burns

These are catastrophic burns and they can destroy not only skin and tissue but also muscle and bone. Victims of 4th-degree burns are usually transported to the nearest hospital. The location of the burn on the body is crucial. Burns on the chest or face can cause breathing problems or vision loss, while a similar burn on the leg may leave long-lasting mobility issues.

Skilled car accident lawyers will look at the long-term effects when deciding how much money you should be seeking.

If you sustain burns to the face, you may be left with a disfigurement. You are entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering, including the mental anguish and depression those horrible scars will cause.

On the other hand, if the burns affect your ability to make a living, your lawyers will seek compensation for lost future earnings.

If you were recently injured in a car accident in Nebraska, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe them anything unless they win your case.

Contact info:

Rensch & Rensch Law

Toll-free: 800-471-4100

Omaha office:

7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114

Columbus office:

1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601

Source: Health Encyclopedia: Classification of burns