A burn is a painful wound that could be caused by an electrical, thermal, chemical, or electromagnetic energy. The most common causes behind burns in adults are smoking and open flames. The leading cause of burns among children is scalding. This article will highlight the consequences behind burn injuries. If you or someone you know suffered a burn injury because of another’s carelessness, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help pay for treatment.
Cause of Burn Injuries
As previously mentioned, there are many different types of burn injuries. Some of the most common could involve the following:
Thermal Burns – A thermal burn is caused by a heat source that upon contact will raise the temperature of the victim’s skin or tissue. Thermal burns can cause the death of the impacted tissue cells and even charring of the skin. Any hot metals steam, scalding liquids, and open flames can cause thermal burns.
Chemical Burns – Chemical burns could be caused by a strong acid, detergent, alkalies, and even solvents that come into contact with the person’s eyes or skin.
Radiation Burns – Burns caused by radiation could occur because of a prolonged exposure to sources of radiation such as X-rays and ultraviolet rays.
Electrical Burns – Any burn caused by an electrical current can cause a burn. These could be from sources such as alternating currents or direct currents.
Burn Injury Classifications
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, burns are classified on a first, second, and third degree basis. The degree of burn will depend on how deep the skin was penetrated.
First Degree Burns – First degree burns are considered superficial. These injuries will only affect the person’s outermost layer of the skin known as epidermis. Upon injury, the person will experience redness on the burn site, dryness, pain or stinging, and will usually not have any blisters. A mild sunburn could be considered a first degree burn.
Second Degree Burns – A second degree burn will involve a partial thickness of the skin. This type of burn could the epidermis and a portion of the dermis layers of the skin. Upon injury, victims can experience redness, swelling, blistering, and moderate pain.
Third Degree Burns – A third degree burn will usually entail thickness of the skin. A third degree burn will destroy both the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. This type of burn will also cause damage to a person’s underlying muscles, bones, and tendons. When these underlying body parts have also been burned, the category of the burn can be referred to as a fourth degree burn. Upon injury, victims can experience charred skin that may become white or remain black. Because the nerve endings in the affected site have been destroyed, many victims will not be able to feel any pain and will likely never regain sensitivity in those areas.
Obtain the Legal Support of a Qualified Attorney
Many burn injuries are severe and demand extensive specialized treatments. Victims who have been injured because of another’s carelessness have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the party who caused the injuries.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation have many years of dedicated experience in fighting for the rights of those who have sustained burn injuries because of another’s negligence. The firm is committed to vigorously represent clients in a court of law and help them recover the financial compensation they deserve.
