Smoke Inhalation Injuries Can Have Serious Consequences

Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of personal injuries and deaths that is sustained in accidents relating to fires. According to medical professionals, about 50 to 80 percent of fire-related deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries rather than burn injuries. Smoke inhalation occurs when you breathe in the products of combustion during a fire. Smoke is basically a mixture of heated particles and gases. The materials that are being burned, the temperature of the fire and the amount of oxygen available to the fire can affect the type of smoke that is produced in a fire.
The symptoms of smoke inhalation can be extremely severe. Some of the most obvious symptoms of smoke inhalation include:
• Cough: In the case of smoke inhalation, the mucus produced may be either clear or black depending on the amount of burned particles in the lungs and trachea.
• Shortness of breath: This could be caused as a result of direct injuries to the respiratory tract causing a reduced amount of oxygen to be delivered to the blood. Patients may also develop rapid breathing.
• Hoarseness or noisy breathing: This is symptomatic of fluids collecting in the upper airway or a blockage. Certain chemicals may also cause swelling and irritation of the vocal cords.
• Eyes may become red because they are irritated by the smoke. Corneal burns may also occur.
• Headache: This occurs commonly due to carbon monoxide exposure
• Mental issues: Confusion, seizures, fainting, disorientation and coma.
Smoke inhalation could be minor, but it could have major and adverse health effects. If you or a loved one has sustained serious health issues due to smoke inhalation injuries, especially if it was due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation. Injured victims can seek damages including all medical expenses, loss of earnings, hospitalization and treatment costs.
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm have successfully represented victims who have suffered smoke inhalation injuries as well as burn injuries. Call us today at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) and we will help you better evaluate your legal options. We are here to help.
1-800-RADIO-LAW 1-888-WYPADEK 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit our website: www.work4youlaw.com