Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur at home, at work, and on vacation. When they do, the damage can range from a superficial wound to a catastrophic injury. The more severe and extensive your burns are, the more compensation Louisiana law could allow you to collect from the at-fault party.
There are three general classifications of burns, ranked from lower to higher in order of severity. However, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) outlines three additional classifications. While fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-degree classifications are less common than the first three classifications, those higher-level burns can cause the most devastating and often fatal injuries. We’ve outlined these six burn classifications below:
1
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe type of burn. The burned area may be red and tender but normally does not necessarily require a trip to the doctor. However, first-degree burns caused by electricity could be more serious than immediately obvious and should receive medical attention. In fact, accidents involving electricity are among the leading causes of work injuries. Our Lafayette industrial and plant accident lawyers understand the long-lasting financial impact of electric burns. We will help you recover your current and future expenses.
2
Second-Degree Burns
When someone suffers a second-degree burn, the first and second layers of skin are burned, resulting in fluid-filled blisters, pain, and temporary or permanent scarring.
In some cases, these burns require skin graft surgery to heal. Skin grafts protect the area from infection, a serious risk that can lead to complications and even death.
3
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns involve all of the epidermis and dermis layers of skin. They usually leave behind large scars and can lead to death if left untreated. Third-degree burns also pose a greater risk of infection because the damaged tissue is exposed. This kind of burn can damage hair follicles and sweat glands in addition to lower layers of tissue. Third-degree burns and above usually require skin graft surgery.
4
Fourth-Degree Burns and Above
Finally, fourth-degree burns have all the symptoms of a third-degree burn, but the injury extends to the fatty tissue underneath the skin. Fifth- and sixth-degree burns are usually fatal, extending to the muscle, tendons, and bones.
If a loved one passed away after sustaining a burn or other severe physical injury, we extend our deepest condolences. If they were injured due to another’s negligence, it is best to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
While nothing can bring your loved one back, a compassionate member of our legal team can help you get justice and closure through a wrongful death lawsuit. This can help with funeral expenses and even the loss of family income previously provided by the deceased.
