Burn Injury Information

Burn injuries are the second cause of accidental deaths, behind motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 2.4 million burn injuries are reported per year and continues to grow each year.

Common Burn Injuries:

- Thermal burns: Caused by contact with intense heat, such as flames, steam, scalding liquids, hot metals and other sources of heat.
- Radiation burns: Caused by contact with nuclear radiation (X-rays, etc.) or ultraviolet rays such as from sunlight or tanning beds.
- Chemical burns: Caused by contact with caustic chemicals, such as, acids, alkalis, detergents or solvents.
- Electrical burns: Caused by electrical current passed through the body.

Types of Burn Injuries:

First degree burn: a first degree damages only the outer layer of the skin, or epidermis. A sunburn is typically a first degree burn. A superficial burn is usually red and turns white if you press on it. A first degree burn heals by itself in three to six days. Hospitalization is required only if fever, dehydration (not enough fluid in the body) or uncontrollable pain develops.

Second degree burn: a second degree burn involves the entire epidermis, the top layer of the skin, and some portion of the dermis, the second lawyer of the skin. Second degree burns can cause blistering, and deep second degree burns are dry and may appear ivory or pearly white. A skin graft is usually recommended for deep second degree burns.

Third degree burn: a third degree burn destroys the epidermis, first layer of skin, and dermis, second layer of the skin. Third degree burns are dry, with a dark brown or leathery appearance. Most third degree burns larger than 3 centimeters are best treated with removal of dead tissue, immediate skin grafting and long-term use of compression garments to minimize scarring.

Fourth-degree burns: fourth degree burns occur when the injury extends all the way to the bone. Electrical burns are a common form of fourth-degree burn.
Severe burns are a devastating injury, both mentally and physically. People with severe burns may be left with permanent physical disabilities: loss of mobility, disfigurement, scarring, infection, muscle or tissue damage, nerve damage, respiratory damage, loss of a limb, and permanent mental disabilities: nightmares, or flashbacks from the traumatizing event and anguish from loss of a friend or family member. Severe burn injuries often necessitate long term medical care, nursing care, physical therapy, and psychological care.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a burn injury involving the negligence of another party please contact our service immediately. We can help put you in touch with experienced burn injury attorneys in your area who can help you get the compensation that you deserve.