According to the American Burn Association, an estimated 486,000 burn injuries received medical treatment in 2016. Burn injuries are not only extremely painful, but they can cause life-altering permanent disabilities. A victim of a burn injury could have substantial skin damage, and there can be extensive and costly medical treatment involved.
Types of Burn Injuries and Treatment
Burn injuries differ in type and severity and can require different methods of treatment:
- First Degree Burns—considered mild in comparison to other burns, they typically result in pain and reddening of the outer layer of the skin. Treatment of first degree burns usually involves the application of skin care products.
- Second Degree Burns—also known as partial thickness burns they affect both the outer layer and the lower layers of the skin. Second degree burns cause pain, swelling, and blistering. They are typically treated with the use of antibiotic creams and pain medicine.
- Third Degree Burns—also known as full thickness burns, they affect the skin and the tissue below the skin. Third degree burns are extremely painful and can result in the blackening or charring of the skin. Treatment of these burns can involve skin grafting or the use of synthetic skin and can require intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Fourth Degree Burns—penetrate through the skin and into the deep tissue such as muscle, tendon, and bone. Fourth degree burns require extensive medical treatment involving skin grafts and other surgeries.
Sources of Burn Injuries
- Thermal Burns—the most common type of burn injury, thermal burns are caused by direct contact with an open heat source such as fire.
- Electrical Burns—a burn that results from electricity passing through the body. Contact with live wires, electrified water, and electrical outlets can all lead to electrical burns.
- Chemical Burns—are caused by exposure to a chemical either directly or through fumes. Contact with acids, bases, oxidizers, thinning agents, and solvents can all lead to chemical burns.
Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from a number of different situations that could involve someone’s negligence, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Structure fires
- Construction accidents
- Gas explosions
- Defective products
- Electrical malfunctions
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you sustained a burn injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.
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