Embryonic Stem Cells And Burn Injuries
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009It may become easier for burn victims to recover from their burn injuries. The current practice of performing skin grafting often requires a waiting period while skin cells taken from the patient are used to create skin or while the burn victim undergoes preliminary treatment. While a burn victim waits for skin grafting, complications like dehydration or infection often occurs. A skin graft procedure involves taking a burn victim’s healthy skin and placing it on the damaged area.
Because of the complications involved in skin grafting, scientists have been working on a method of creating skin. Recent research has shown that it is possible to create the outer layer of the skin by using embryonic stem cells. Because it is only possible to create the outer layer of the skin, this is a temporary solution while the patient waits for skin graft surgery. The skin created by embryonic stem cells can be used to protect the patient from further complications.
Recovering Damages for a Burn Injury
As burn injury research continues to progress, so does the cost of treatment. Many burn victims sustain injuries because of the negligence of others. When someone is careless or fails to act, the law allows the injured person to recover damages. Every person has a duty to act as a reasonable person would in the same or similar circumstances. When a person fails to execute this duty and an injury results, the individual or company may be held liable for damages.
A burn victim may receive economic and non economic damages. Because a burn victim will need substantial medical care, the cost of future medical treatment will be included in the damage award. Many burn victims are unable to continue working because of the severity of their injuries and the invasive treatment necessary. As a result, recovery will also include an award for lost earnings and the loss of earning capacity. Most burn victims will also suffer from substantial pain. The law allows a claimant to recover monetary compensation for mental and physical pain and suffering.
