Relief on Horizon for Some Burn Victims

Illinois is providing some small measure of relief to those who have suffered disabling burns. A peculiarity in Social Security Law has, for decades, left those who suffer serious debilitating injures waiting five months to begin receiving the Social Security income they are entitled to. This is difficult for anybody who has suffered a disability, but is particularly difficult for those who suffer serious injuries that require significant medical attention.

In the case of those who have suffered serious burns, it isn’t uncommon for a person to die from their injuries before they or their family receive a single check. Medical care for serious burn injuries can be extremely expensive, and for families already reeling from significant injury to a loved one, trying to pay the bills and make ends meet is all but impossible.

Thankfully, the state of Illinois recognized what an unreasonable rule this was, and moved to remedy the situation. The result was the Burn Relief Act, recently signed by the governor, which waives the five month waiting period for people who have suffered particularly serious burns.

Burn injuries remain extremely common in America, and are usually divided into three categories, which include:

• Burns caused by direct exposure to flame or a heating source
• Electrical burns caused by exposure to electrical currents
• Scalding injuries caused by exposure to steam

All three types of burns have the potential to be extremely serious. Though there are safety precautions a person can take, many people are exposed to burn risk through their jobs. Electrical burns and scalding burns are common workplace accidents.

If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury, you know all too well how expensive treatment is, and how difficult it can be to return to work. Affording medical care, as well as affording to take care of your family, is incredibly difficult, even if you receive Social Security Disability. Please, if your injury was caused by another party’s negligence, contact a qualified attorney to help you get the compensation you need to move on with your life.