An Encouraging Downward Trend In Apartment Fire Statistics

It is fortunate that there were no other victims as a result of the apartment fire; statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that both the number of apartment building fires as well as the number of deaths due to those fires have decreased since the early 1980s. In the 35 years of records provided, the total number of apartment structure fires has decreased from over 143,000 in 1980 to about 95,000 in 2015 and civilian deaths have dropped from over a thousand to just over four hundred during that same time span.

Burn Complications

Whenever someone is involved in a fire, a number of injuries can result. The two types of injuries most commonly caused by fires include smoke inhalation and burns. Complications from both types of injuries can be severe and long-lasting; those stemming from burns more commonly result from third-degree burns. Though all burns, from first-degree to third-degree, can result in infection when bacteria enters the broken skin, or tetanus, which affects the nervous system and can lead to issues with muscle contractions, third-degree burn victims are at the greatest risk of additional complications such as blood loss or shock. Additional risks associated with more severe burns include hypothermia and hypovolemia. Hypothermia can result when the body loses excessive heat and reaches a dangerously low temperature in response to the injury – which seems counterintuitive when thinking of burn injuries, but true nonetheless; hypovolemia results from the body losing too much blood when it sustains extreme burns. Both of these conditions can be life-threatening and result in further complications if not treated promptly and properly after the victim sustains his or her burn injury.

The Importance Of Prompt, Proper, and Thorough Burn Treatment

As with so many other types of injuries, prompt and proper treatment can make a huge difference in a burn victim’s recovery. Those who have suffered burns of a lesser degree are often able to avoid scarring and permanent damage with the right treatment, and risks of complications for victims of more severe burns can be lessened as well. It is important to recognize the need for physical treatment for the burn injuries; furthermore, in many cases, emotional or mental treatment may be necessary as well to achieve the fullest recovery possible.

Contact Us For Help With Your Burn Injury Case

If you have been injured in a fire and have sustained burn injuries, the Miami burn injury attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. can help you to recover for your losses. Allow our experience with burn injury cases to work to your advantage as we help you to recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with your injuries. Contact us now to speak with an experienced attorney about your case and get started towards recovery today.

Resources:

nfpa.org/news-and-research/fire-statistics-and-reports/fire-statistics/fires-by-property-type/residential/apartment-structure-fires

local10.com/news/1-dead-in-deerfield-beach-apartment-fire

A Miami area high school principal has set an impressive example in how to be thankful for what you have and not dwell on what you have lost. The principal, who lost both of his legs in a horrible accident months ago, took the opportunity to thank the folks who helped him after the tragic incident; he chose to not focus on the negative, and instead, look forward to his continued recovery. The man, who was struck by an allegedly drunk driver as he coached his son’s little league team, required a double amputation along with other surgeries and medical procedures after the accident. He is still undergoing therapy and likely will for some time.

Losing A Limb

The need for an amputation can be the result of an accident – sometimes a limb is damaged so badly during an accident that there is no way to save it and it must be removed. There are, though, a number of other situations that may lead to an amputation, including poor circulation to the limb, infections that cannot be successfully treated or controlled, tumors, severe damage to the tissue from extreme burns or frostbite, or other medical conditions.

Life After Amputation

Losing a leg is something that many of us cannot even imagine – and losing both legs is beyond comprehension. This tragic loss is something that many accident victims are forced to deal with, however difficult it may be. After the initial injury and surgical procedure, a common part of the recovery process is often learning to live with a prosthetic limb. Advances in medical technology have made things we grew up seeing in futuristic movies a reality and, as difficult as it may be to imagine, returning to a somewhat normal life is now possible thanks to those advancements in science. The beginning steps, however, can be the most difficult. Immediately after an amputation, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure the proper fit of the prosthesis and the proper healing of the amputation site. Wearing the prosthesis for gradually increasing periods of time is usually done to help ease the patient into full rehabilitation and recovery.

Relearning The Basics

One of the components of post-amputation rehabilitation is learning to perform basic functions and activities of daily life with a prosthetic limb. Occupational therapy consists of learning to do household chores, self-care tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, and using the toilet and tub, and putting on/taking off the prosthesis. This rehabilitation helps to return the amputee to a more independent and active life and improves their safety. Learning to be mobile again and maneuver different types of settings such as stairs, uneven walking surfaces, and curbs is also a part of the rehabilitation process for those who are learning to live with a prosthetic limb.

Contact Us Today for Help

If you have suffered an accident that resulted in an amputation, you are likely facing a lengthy and arduous recovery and rehabilitation process. You deserve to be compensated for your loss and for the process you will be facing as you move forward from your accident. The Miami attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. have helped clients in the Miami area with injuries just like yours. Our attorneys are experienced with the types of issues involved in an amputation case and can help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today to enlist the help of our legal professionals today and get the results you deserve.

Resource:

miami.cbslocal.com/2016/11/18/principal-maimed-in-accident-meets-those-who-saved-his-life/?e=np7Kwr3CeQLOXQ