Around 450,000 burn injuries require medical treatment in the United States every year. Tragically, close to 3,500 people suffer fatal injuries from burns each year as well. The most common cause of burn injury is contact with a thermal surface, though fires, chemical exposure, and electric burns are also common causes of injury.
The four primary types of burn injury are:
- First-Degree. First-degree burns affect the epidermis, creating a dry and red burn site. First-degree burns do not cause blisters or necessitate professional medical care. Cooling the burn and treating it with skin protectants is often enough to treat these burns
- Second-Degree. Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin. These burns produce a red and blistered mark and can be quite painful. Treating second-degree burns may include using ointments and keeping the burn covered to prevent infection. Depending on the location, a second-degree burn may require medical attention
- Third-Degree. Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis, and may extend to tissue and muscles. These burns can appear black, brown, yellow, or light pink. Blistering may or may not be present. Third-degree burns destroy nerves and do not often result in pain. However, immediate medical intervention is required to prevent complications such as infection, and ongoing treatment, such as skin grafting, will likely be necessary for full recovery
- Fourth-Degree. Fourth-degree burns tear through the epidermis and dermis, extend to muscles and tendons, and may even impact bones. Like third-degree burns, these injuries are painless, but they also are often fatal. Fourth-degree burns demand immediate and ongoing medical intervention
Cause to File Suit
When you suffer a severe burn injury, you may be entitled to seek compensation through legal action. If you suspect your injury resulted from someone else’s behavior, including poor wiring, product defects, or general inattention, it makes sense to talk to a lawyer who can investigate the accident to determine your next best steps. Our attorneys are here to review your case, discuss your rights, and help you choose the best path forward.
Call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675 to schedule your free case review today.
