On August 16, 1992,
I used acetone, a highly flammable liquid that was sold
to me to remove adhesive from a bedroom floor left behind
after taking up a foam-backed carpet. To my surprise
and horror, flame came bursting into the room from the
hallway. I later found out that a pilot light from a
water heater down the hall and in a closet had ignited
the acetone fumes which had been too heavy to dissipate
despite my having opened the door and windows. I jumped
through a screened window and landed in the grass of
the yard, burned full thickness on my arms and legs,
and partial thickness on my face.
The total skin area burned was 63%.
(view pictures) I spent
seven weeks in the Burn Unit at the University of Iowa
Hospitals and Clinics, then several months recuperating.
Six months after going home, tremendous ropes of scars
appeared on my face. |
My beard tried to grow through them,
and the area became infected often. This led to several
plastic surgeries.
There is life after the burn. After
many surgeries, unimaginable pain, divorce, and lots
of time I am definitely alive and happy. There is life
after the burn.
My introduction to legal issues began
with my lawsuit, and continues today in my career as
a lawyer. Because of my lawsuit, the label on the acetone
was changed to protect users. Also, due to my lawsuit,
I could afford to pursue my legal education. A new wife,
babies, and a career as a lawyer were waiting for me
after the burn.
General
Philosophy >>>
(follow the links at the bottom of each
page and they will lead you through my complete story) |
