Personal Injury Lawyer
Burn injuries can range from minor incidents that can be cured with a bandage to life-changing injuries that require graft surgeries. Burn injuries can be one of the most devastating injuries for which personal injury lawsuits are brought. Our friends at Mazie Slater Katz & Freeman LLC explore the most common types of burn injuries below.
Common Types of Burn Injury
Burn injuries are typically measured by reference to “degree.” The degree of a burn measures its seriousness and depth, or the level at which a burn has penetrated the layers of the skin.
A first-degree burn is the least serious. It’s typically mild and usually doesn’t require medical attention. These burns usually heal on their own after a few days and will often not cause any injury beyond a slight reddening of the skin.
A second-degree burn can cause skin reddening, severe pain, and blistering. They’re serious enough to make medical attention advisable and can cause some loss of skin and the appearance of clear fluid.
A third-degree burn is the most severe type of burn injury, penetrating deep into the skin. It causes significant discoloration of the top layer of skin, turning it white, brown, or even black. Third-degree burns require immediate, emergency medical attention as they can cause consequent medical problems, including shock.
Ways to Suffer a Burn Injury
There are countless ways to suffer burn injuries. They include:
- Scalding – Skin contact with extremely hot liquids, including cooking oils or boiling water, can burn the skin and lead to serious scalding injuries.
- Electrical Burns – Coming into contact with high-amperage and high-voltage electrical current can cause serious burns that, left untreated, can cause serious health consequences.
- Inhalation Burns – Inhaling the fumes of some chemicals, or very hot smoke or steam, can cause internal burn injuries in the airways.
- Chemical Burns – Some common household chemicals can seriously burn the skin.
- Defective Products – Improperly made or maintained products can create chemical byproducts that burn skin they come into contact with.
- Truck or Car Accidents – Victims of truck or car accidents may be exposed to fire or chemicals that cause burn injuries.
- Fire at Home or in a Public Place – A house fire, or a fire within an enclosed public place, can directly expose people to flame or to superheated smoke and gas that burns airways.
- Gas Explosions – Improperly installed or maintained natural gas fixtures can explode, leading to serious burns.
- Radiation Burns – Exposure to certain types of radiation, including those used in some types of cancer treatment, can burn human tissues.
This is just a small list of the possible sources of a burn injury. A vast array of things are capable of causing significant burns to human beings and, when they’re the result of negligence or a defective product, can give rise to an entitlement to damages for the injured person.
How Do You File A Burn Injury Claim?
The first step in seeking to recover damages for a burn injury is to find a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer. Because these cases frequently involve complex medical evidence, a skilled attorney will be invaluable in developing and presenting your case.
It’s important to cooperate and work closely with your lawyer to ensure you’re putting forward the best case possible.
Recover the Costs of a Burn Injury
Burn injuries can give rise to a large number of significant medical costs. They may also result in lost wages and claims for lifecare expenses.
The best way to manage these rapidly rising costs is to consult with a veteran personal injury attorney who is experienced in dealing with burn injuries. They can provide invaluable assistance in helping you to recoup and recover expenses that would otherwise be lost to you.