Burning is a chemical reaction, also called combustion. It occurs when an oxidant, such as oxygen, reacts with a fuel to produce heat or flame. In the context of the human body, a burn is the destruction of the skin because of heat, flame, or corrosion.
Each year, 486,000 people visit the emergency room in the United States due to burns, with 3,275 deaths.
Approximately 2.67% of burn injury victims who receive medical treatment have deep or extensive burns.
Burns are classified by degrees, with the different degrees of burn injury based on the severity of the burn. They may indicate necessary treatment and possible complications.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys explains the degrees of burn and what you need to know.
Understanding Burn Injuries
A burn may be a flame, heat, or corrosion and is different in many ways from being cut with a sharp object.
When a burn occurs, the layers of the skin are damaged and destroyed. Cells may die, and blisters and scars may occur.
Burn injuries by degree
Burns are classified by degrees. First-degree burns are the least serious and third-degree burns the most. The biggest factor in classifying a burn is how deep the burn penetrates.
To classify a burn, doctors evaluate the following:
- Appearance
- White appearance when pressure is applied
- Pain
- Feeling
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin. Within the epidermis, there are multiple layers and different types of cells. The dermis, which also has multiple layers, is under the epidermis. The dermis is strong and elastic, while the epidermis is more protective and keeps fluid in the body.
What Are First-Degree Burns?
First-degree burns are superficial, damaging only the epidermis. They may appear pink and may be painful, but usually, blisters don’t occur.
Surgery is not required for a first-degree burn, and complete healing is expected. A victim should be educated in wound care. The typical healing time is five to 10 days.
What Are Second-Degree Burns?
Second-degree burns affect the both epidermis and the dermis. The dermis may be damaged t at the superficial layer, or injury may extend to the deeper dermis. The wound may appear red or pink and will appear white with pressure applied. The victim may experience significant pain.
Generally, second-degree burns heal in two to three weeks, and some scarring may occur.
What Are Third-Degree Burns?
Third-degree burns, or full-thickness burns, cause severe damage to both the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. They also harm the tissue under the skin. Nerve damage may occur, which can result in the victim not feeling pain. Generally, there is no white appearance when pressure is applied because of a loss of blood flow to the area.
Surgery is required for third-degree burns. Healing may take months, and a patient should be monitored for infection. Mental health care may also be an important aspect of medical care.
Treatment and Recovery Options for Different Burn Degrees
When a burn first occurs, assess its severity. If it is deep, appears charred, or has discolored patches, call 911. In addition, burns that cover a significant area or are caused by electrical damage may require emergency care. Follow instructions until responders arrive.
Take any needed steps to prevent further harm, such as moving the person from the source of the burn. Remove tight items near the burn, as swelling will likely occur. Raise the burn and cover it with gauze or a clean cloth. Don’t use a towel or anything else that will leave fibers on the wound. Be sure to monitor the person for signs of shock like shallow breathing or clammy skin.
Treatment for a burn must account for several factors, including:
- Location of the trauma
- Duration of exposure
- Temperature of exposure
- Cause of the burn
- Other injuries at the same time
- Patient history and medical conditions
Minor burns can be treated with cool water. Either place the burn under running water or use a wet cloth. Try to remove jewelry before swelling occurs. Apply a bandage. Don’t break blisters. If they break on their own, clean them with water and apply antibiotics. A non-prescription pain reliever may be appropriate. Continue to monitor the burn for signs of infection.
Some burns require surgery. However, many may be treated with cleaning, protection, and dressing. Improvement should be monitored to ensure progress and that there are no complications.
Note: Even if the burn can be treated without surgery, you may need a tetanus shot. If you haven’t gotten one in five years, see your doctor within 48 hours.
Complications Arising from Severe Burn Injuries
A burn injury is a severe harm by itself. The person may experience significant pain, and scars and disfigurement may occur. In addition, burns carry a high risk of complications. The larger the surface area of the burn, the greater the risk of mortality.
A person’s other medical conditions and personal health may impact how they heal. Adequate medical care also plays a critical role in minimizing complications.
Compensation for a Burn Injury
Burn injuries occur in several ways that may be the legal fault of another—car accidents, dangerous property conditions, chemical exposure, and other harm. A victim may receive monetary compensation for their injuries and damages.
When bringing a legal claim for burn injury compensation, it’s important to address non-economic damages. The extent of pain and suffering resulting from a burn may not always be reflected by the relative cost of medical care. Burns can be painful and disfiguring. It’s important for any legal claim to fairly measure non-economic damages, including significant non-economic damages as the result of a burn.
Contact an Experienced Gastonia Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered burn injuries? We invite you to contact an experienced Gastonia personal injury lawyer. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys represent burn injury victims in claims for financial compensation.
To learn more about how the different degrees of burn injuries may be a factor in your case, and to get legal help now, contact us.
