Burn Injury Resource Center
This is the story of “D” (we will use “D” to protect her identity). “D” was severely injured as the result of a gas explosion which also injured her 3 sisters and took her mother’s life. Her story is compelling, sad and heart warming. She was in no uncertain terms on death’s doorstep but she endured. We (Kramer & Pollack, LLP) were there with her in the hospital through every step of her ordeal.
“D” suffered third degree burns over 70% of her body. She was hospitalized for 10 months. She had several skin graft procedures. “D” went into cardiac arrest and required advanced cardiac life support. A Tracheostomy was performed to help her breath. Her esophagus was burned b/c she apparently inhaled at the moment of the explosion. Her teeth were also burnt. She had to learn how to breathe and speak through her tracheotomy (something she found very uncomfortable). Her fingers were so badly injured that they auto amputated (parts of her fingers just fell off). She suffers from keloid scars. She was required to wear a compression mask (on her face) and a compression garment for 24 hours a day. She was unable to walk at first but with extensive rehabilitation she regained her muscle tone and she is now able to walk. She suffers from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of the explosion, the incredible pain and the loss of her mother. She was almost 5 and a half at the time of the explosion.
“D” is now in school. She has difficulty with school but she perseveres. Like her sisters, she is an inspiration to all who know her. “D” is one of the best examples of the ability of the human spirit to overcome, endure and excel.