Burn injuries create more than just physical pain – they can also create financial burdens, psychological trauma, and emotional suffering. If you or a loved one has been suffering from a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek full compensation with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Types of Burn Injuries
The 2012 report from the American Burn Association states that 450,000 burn injuries are being treated in the United States, and the fire-related deaths pile up to 3,400 each year.
The injuries vary in degree of damage:
First degree burns are those that affect only the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. They usually appear dry and can heal in 3 to 5 days. Hospitalization may not be necessary for these burns, except when the victim needs pain control or medical care for related health issues.
Second degree burns fully damage the epidermis and pervade through to the second layer, the dermis. It can appear dry or wet, and may need skin grafting to aid in the healing.
Third degree burns destroy all skin layers, and because of this, the victim can feel no pain. However, this type of burn takes months to heal and will most likely need grafting.
Fourth degree burns are the most serious. The skin is fully destroyed and the damage extends to the muscles, blood vessels, ligaments, and even bones. This type of burn definitely needs urgent professional care.
Causes of Burn Injuries
The most obvious cause of burns is extreme heat – when the skin comes in contact with fire or hot objects. However, electrical sources, chemicals, radiation, and even friction cause many other burns. These causes should not be overlooked. Electrical injuries, for example, contribute around 1,000 deaths in the US, according to a study.
Out of the burn admissions recorded by the American Burn Association, 69% of the incidents happened at home, 9% at work, 7% on the streets, and even some 5% during recreational activities.
Many burn injuries are a result of negligence. Whether it’s a minor fault in a building’s wiring or a major fire due to an accident, you need to know that you can be compensated for your injuries and losses. This can help greatly in the physical, financial, and emotional process of recovery.