Financial Assistance
There are several potential sources of financial assistance and/or compensation
for people with burn injuries.
Compensation from Persons or Entities that Contributed to the Injury
Many people who suffer burn injuries have staggering medical bills and
will continue to need specialized medical care, assistive equipment, and
support for the foreseeable future. If another person or entity contributed
to the injury, it may be possible to recover compensation to help with the
financial needs of the injured person and family members. This website
does NOT endorse any method of trying to receive compensation. We do NOT
refer burn survivors to anyone.
Following is a list of financial resources for burn injury families. Note
that pursuing one option or organization may limit your financial assistance
from others; the key is to understand where you are most likely to get the
support you need.
Compensation
People are often surprised to find out that the largest amounts of compensation
typically available can be recovered from parties that may be partially
responsible. These awards are often large enough to provide financial security
for families and their medical needs. There are law firms who handle such
cases on a contingency fee basis which does not require out of pocket cost.
Even if it seems like an accident, if another party can be held at least
partially accountable for the accident that caused the serious burn, then
you may benefit by looking into compensation options.
Social Security Disability
Patients can file a disability claim with social security. (It's advisable
to consult with an attorney that specializes in such claims.)
Disability Insurance
Many people can also file a disability claim if they have disability insurance
either privately, through their employer, or as part of a life insurance
policy.
Worker's Compensation
If a burn injury occurred on the job, a worker's compensation claim or
other types of legal action may be filed against an employer. Again, it
is advisable to consult with an attorney handling worker's compensation
claims.
Health Insurance
For people facing large medical bills and hospital stays, most hospitals
have Discharge Planners or other personnel who can assist with issues of
medical coverage and hospice. There are also laws that allow patients to
take legal action against their insurance company for unfairly denying them
coverage for medical treatment.
Foundations and other charitable organizations
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation – a California/Nevada
nonprofit health organization providing burn assistance support to children
and adults.
Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation
3600 Ocean View Boulevard, #1
Glendale, CA 91208
(800) 242-2876 or (818) 249-2230
e-mail: aarbf@aarbf.org
http://www.aarbf.org
Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation – an independent
organization dedicated to burn awareness and burn prevention and supporting
Georgia burn survivors during their recovery.
GFBF
2575 Chantilly Drive
Atlanta, GA 30324
1-800-273-2876
http://www.gfbf.org/
Northwest Burn Foundation – provides emergency housing
for families of burn patients in Seattle, Washington, as well as burn prevention
education.
Northwest Burn Foundation
1515 NW 52nd St.
Suite A
Seattle, WA 98107
206-789-6838
Toll Free: 1-888-NOBURNS
The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Inc. – an international,
nonprofit organization helping burn survivors and their families.
The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Inc.
2153 Wealthy SE, Suite 215
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(800) 888-2876 or (616) 458-2773
e-mail: info@phoenix-society.org
http://www.phoenix-society.org
Southeastern Firefighters Association – a nonprofit
organization that provides both moral support and help for families of burn
patients during the initial days of hospitalization with life's basic necessities,
including food, clothing, transportation, and lodging. The foundation also
provides help in purchasing pressure garments.
Southeastern Firefighters Association
3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle
Augusta, GA 30909
706-650-2876
Shriners Hospitals for Children - a nationwide network
of 22 hospitals that provide no-cost burn and orthopedic care to children
under 18 years of age, regardless of financial need.
International Shrine Headquarters
2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
(800) 237-5055 or (813) 281-0300
http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/
