Burn injuries are known to be some of the most painful wounds you can suffer. They can also lead to numerous complications, such as infections and scarring. In instances when the burn injury is the result of another party’s conduct, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim. Learn about the types of burn injuries you can suffer and what legal steps to take.
Types of Burn Injuries
There are a few types of burn injuries you can suffer. Thermal burns are the most common. These involve coming into contact with an external source of heat that causes tissue cell death or charring. Burning liquids, hot metals, flames, and steam all cause thermal burns.
Chemical burns involve coming into contact with corrosive chemicals. These can be alkalies, acids, and detergents.
You can also suffer radiation burns. The most common of these is sunburn, but being exposed to X-rays or other sources of radiation can also cause them.
It’s also possible to suffer friction burns. These are often overlooked and considered minor, but any time that your skin rubs hard against another surface, the heat generated can damage your tissues.
Another type of burn is electrical burns. These occur when an electrical current passes through the body. They can lead to skin damage as well as internal damage.
Levels of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are typically divided into three levels of severity.
Superficial Burns
Superficial burns, also called first-degree burns, result in damage to the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin. You may experience redness at the site, along with swelling and pain.
Although these are minor wounds, they can still require medical care. Getting them assessed as soon as possible ensures you don’t develop any complications. Typically, they take a few days to heal.
Partial-Thickness Burns
Partial-thickness burns, also known as second-degree burns, impact the epidermis and the dermis, which is the next layer of skin. The pain tends to be much more severe, and you can experience blistering in the area. The swelling is more significant as well. These burns can take two to three weeks to heal.
Because they impact the underlying layer of skin, they are more likely to cause scarring, too. They are the most common type of burn that healthcare providers treat.
Full-Thickness Burns
Also called third-degree burns, full-thickness burns impact all layers of skin. They can also reach the fatty tissues underneath. Because these injuries tend to destroy nerve endings, they may not hurt.
You may notice that your skin is leathery. It could be white or charred-looking. These burns require medical treatment to prevent serious complications. They can take months to heal.
Frequent Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur most often because of cooking accidents and other forms of residential fires. These fires can quickly get out of control, leading to burns of all severities, as well as fatalities.
Scalding burns are another common problem. You can suffer this type of burn if you come into contact with a very hot liquid or steam.
Often, product liability claims are the result of boilers that malfunction and lead to burns. It’s dangerous for everyone, but children are particularly vulnerable because they might not know how to adjust the water temperature when they wash their hands.
Malfunctioning products can also cause electrical burns. If an electrical outlet hasn’t been installed properly or if an appliance malfunctions, you can suffer a significant shock.
It’s also possible for household products, like cleaning substances, to cause chemical burns. Chemical burns can be catastrophic injuries that are much more likely to scar.
Radiation burns, especially sunburn, are also common. These types of injuries can occur in medical settings, too. If you have to go through surgery, for example, and the lights are too strong or the safety filters that prevent exposure to UV rays fail, you may be able to file a claim for medical malpractice.
Contact the Kennesaw Personal Injury Lawyers at Starks Byron, P.C. for a Free Consultation
If you suffered a burn injury because of another party’s conduct, you may be entitled to start a claim to recover your losses. These are not simple processes to go through, especially while dealing with severe injuries, so it’s always a good idea to hire an attorney to represent you. With legal counsel, you may be able to bring forth a strong case.
At Starks Byron, P.C., our team of Kennesaw personal injury lawyers provides the ongoing support you need. We’ll investigate the accident that led to the burn and gather evidence to prove how the injury occurred. Negotiations can then begin, and we will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team to speak with one of our attorneys.
