Depending on the cause of the burn injury, there are different degrees to a burn, all of which may result in their own complications. 1st degree – affects the first layer of the skin, the epidermis. A first-degree burn can look similar to a severe but painful sunburn. The burn will often heal between 3-5 days and requires minimal, if any, hospitalization. 2nd degree – affects the outer and inner layers of the skin, including the epidermis and dermis.
The burn will appear bright red or pink, and blisters may appear. Second-degree burns can take weeks to heal. 3rd degree – affects all layers of the skin, the dermis, epidermis, and hypodermis, as well as any underlying tissue or bone. Third-degree burns are severe and can take months to heal, leading to permanent scarring and possibly even loss of use of the affected area due to nerve damage.
The degree of the burn is determined by the temperature or toxicity of the burning agent and how long the victim was exposed. The most common types of burns include:
- Electrical burns: Electric current causes severe burns and blistering.
- Chemical burns: Also known as caustic burns, these are caused by contact with an irritant like acid or alkaline.
- Scalding burns: Burns that scald the skin, most often either hot water or hot oil.
- Thermal burns: Injuries can include any type of heated objects, such as fire, an explosion, or hot object. Scalds are the most common type of burns to children while a fire is the cause of most thermal burns among adults.
Vehicle and house fires are the most common sources of burn injuries. Although not a burn, smoke inhalation during a fire can also lead to thermal damage, poisoning, and pulmonary irritation.
When a person suffers 2nd or 3rd-degree burns, they may have to undergo skin grafting, which is a painful procedure used to transplant healthy skin onto the severely burned skin so it may heal properly. Some burn victims may be at risk of developing infections, suffering from nerve damage, or developing chronic pain. If you suffered any of these burn injuries, whether in a car accident, at a restaurant, or in your home, you may be entitled to file an injury claim. Negligence is an all too common cause of these types of injuries and no one should have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s careless action.
An experienced Florida burn injury lawyer understands that burn victims struggle physically and mentally with their injuries. When a person’s carelessness causes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-degree burns, they should be held responsible for their actions. Whether it was a drunk driver who caused an accident, a manufacturer who sold a product that caused fires, or a careless landlord who failed to fix faulty wiring, a burn injury attorney can help you.
With an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you can fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
