Types of Burns From Accidents

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 195,000 deaths are recorded each year due to some kind of burn. While injury severity varies in regard to the types of burns suffered, even non-fatal burn injuries are the leading cause of illness. Fortunately, however, burns are largely preventable. Due to the fact that the majority of burns occur in the workplace or at home, a number of safety precautions can be taken to prevent burn injuries from injuring you and your loved ones.

A “burn” is quite literally some kind of injury to the skin or organic tissue generally caused by intense radiation, heat, electricity, friction, chemical contact, or radioactivity. There are certainly a vast number of situations in which a burn injury is more likely than others. With this in mind, Alabama residents must pay careful attention when they are working within any situation where a burn can possibly take place. While some of these events are unforeseen, exercising extra caution is essential to helping prevent the serious damage that burns can inflict.

The American Burn Association reported that 450,000 burn injury victims received some kind of medical treatment in 2011. In addition, estimates have now reached 3,500 fire and burn fatalities each year in the United States. These statistics indicate a serious need to reduce the number of burn injury deaths, injuries, and accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a burn accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Regardless of the types of burns endured, if the negligence of another caused damages to you, Citrin Law Firm is prepared to help. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience in Alabama law and will work tirelessly to achieve the maximum compensation possible.

For more information, please complete a Free Case Review today.

 

Types of Burns

When an accident involving a fire, dangerous chemical, electric issue, or intense radiation occurs, hospitalization is often required dependent upon the severity of the burn injury. Generally, burns are split into categories based upon the damage that is caused to the skin and internal organs. These types of burns range from first degree to fourth degree. Regardless of the severity of the burn, injured Alabama residents must seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damages.

 

First Degree Burns

The most minor degree of burning, first degree burns indicate damage to the upper layer of the skin only. This area is often referred to as the epidermis and is identified by a red, pinkish coloring of the skin. The most common symptoms of first degree burns are tender skin, swelling, and substantial pain. First degree burns, while minor, must be treated properly to avoid more serious damages.

 

Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis, which is the second layer of skin. These types of burns are much more severe than first degree burns and are often identified by blistering and red splotches on the skin. These burns are extremely painful and may produce scars after healing. Second degree burns must be treated by a doctor immediately to avoid much more severe damage to the skin, such as a fungal attack in the wounds.

 

Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns extend throughout the entire dermis, often destroying the internal parts of the body as well. In these cases, the affected area is typically either white or blackened, often destroying the bones in the region. Plastic surgery is often required to remove the scars that third degree burns cause in victims. Contrary to popular belief, third degree burns are actually painless, as the wounds are so deep that victims are unable to feel anything. Medical attention must be sought immediately after this type of damage occurs.

 

Fourth Degree Burns

Fourth degree burns are the most severe types of burns possible. In these cases, the damage seeps through the skin into the underlying bones and muscles, as well as the subcutaneous tissue. While the injury is painless like a third degree burn, amputation is typically required, as the damaged area is far too injured to repair. These types of burns are identified by a charred, black appearance. Fourth degree burn victims must immediately get to the emergency room following the accident.

 

Citrin Law Firm is Here for You

Citrin Law Firm has years of experience in personal injury litigation. Our staff has the knowledge, passion, and resources to achieve success in the court of law. With our main office located in Mobile, we are able to service the entire state of Alabama. From Mobile to Baldwin, our staff will come to you in the event of an accident.

If you or a loved one has suffered from burn injuries, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. Dedicated to seeking justice for injured Alabama resident, we are attorneys helping people.

Fill out a Free Case Review today to get started.