Types of Burn Injuries

While the cause of a burn and whether it be thermal, chemical, or electrical, is important in determining how to treat the injury, it is also important to know the severity of the burn. The extent of damage depends on the surface area and depth of tissue affected. Burn injuries are catagorized as first, second, and third-degree burns, with third degree burns being the most severe.

 

First Degree Burns

First degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and will usually heal in a few days. These are the least painful, yet most common types of burns. Sunburns are the most frequent causes of first degree burns.

Second Degree Burns

In a second degree burn, the first layer of skin is burned through, and second layer is affected but not completely destroyed. A second degree burn is considered “minor” if less than 15 percent of the body is burned.

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns damage all layers of the skin, and sometimes the blood vessels and muscles as well, often leaving the skin charred black with white patches. These types of burns can be very painful, although, in severe cases, the nerve endings may be numbed.

Other Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the burn, the muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and respiratory system may be damaged, harming the body’s fluid/electrolyte balance, body temperature, joint function, and dexterity. Burn injuries almost always leave visible scarring, which can cause a great emotional and psychological burden. Most individuals who survive a fire suffer inhalation injuries from breathing in heat, smoke, and toxic gases.

Locate a Burn Injury Lawyer near You

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury that resulted from another's negligence, you need an experienced lawyer to help you obtain compensation. Use LawyerShop to locate an experienced burn injury lawyer in your area.