Burn injuries are injuries to the skin caused by external forces such as heat, chemicals, or radiation. Victims can suffer from various types of burns ranging from first to fourth-degree burns.
Additionally, there are several common causes of burn injuries. Some burn injuries may be superficial and can be self-treated. However, other burn injuries such as work-related injuries can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Types of Burns
Burns are classified into either first, second, third, or fourth degree depending on the severity of the burn.
- First-Degree Burn – First-degree burns are superficial burns. These burns only affect the outer layer of the skin. First-degree burns cause minimal skin damage but can still be painful, dry, and appear red.
- Second-Degree Burn – Second-degree burns affect the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (the lower layer of the skin). The burn site may be swollen, blistered, painful, and red. Second-degree burns are more serious and may take about three to six weeks to heal.
- Third-Degree Burn – Third-degree burns destroy both the epidermis and dermis. The burn may even go into the innermost layer of the skin. The burn site may look white or charred. Third-degree burns are extremely painful and require immediate medical attention.
- Fourth-Degree Burn – Fourth-degree burns penetrate both layers of the skin. It can also affect deeper tissues involving bone and muscle. Nerve-endings are destroyed and there generally is no feeling in this area. These types of burns can leave permanent damage to the muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Fourth-degree burns often require amputation.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Depending on the severity, burn injuries can result in long-lasting or permanent scars. Additionally, medical treatment can be very expensive – especially if the victim suffered from severe burn injuries.
There are many ways a victim can sustain burn injuries. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Car Accident-Related Burn Injuries – Burn injuries can happen from car accidents when the car catches on fire, oil or gas comes in contact with the body, or when hot liquid is spilled onto the body.
- Scalding-Related Burn Injuries – Scalding-related burns are one of the most common types of burn injuries. Scalding burns happen when the skin comes in direct contact with hot liquids or steam.
- Explosive Gas-Related Burn Injuries – Gas explosives are dangerous and often result in severe burns.
- Chemical Burn Injuries – Contact with household or industrial chemicals in solid, gas, or liquid form can cause chemical burn injuries.
- Electrical Burn Injuries – Exposure to electrical sources such as wires could cause serious burn injuries.
Severe burns require immediate medical care and treatment. Not only does the victim sustain physical pain at the onset of the burn, but the injuries will likely leave scars. Unfortunately, in addition to the physical pain, many victims are also left with emotional pain.
Hire a Los Angeles Burn Injury Lawyer
If you’ve sustained burn injuries due to the negligence of someone else, you have the right to claim damages against the party at fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer Los Angeles at Mesriani Law Group can help you with your injury claims and get you the maximum compensation available.
