Unfortunately, there are many different ways an individual could sustain a burn injury. A person may sustain a burn injury as a result of a defective product, an auto collision, or a slip & fall incident. Regardless of what type of accident it is, an individual could sustain catastrophic burn wounds due to another party’s negligent actions. Oftentimes, victims of burn injuries require serious surgeries and medical treatments to treat their wounds. Burn victims are often left burdened with massive medical bills, lost wages, and other significant out-of-pocket and subjective losses. If you have suffered a burn injury as a result of any type of accident due to the negligent actions of another party, contact one of our trusted and determined Westchester County Personal Injury Attorneys who can help you recover reasonable compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What are the different degrees of burn injuries?
Burn injuries are typically classified into different categories based on the severity of a burn wound. The different degrees of burn injuries are classified as follows:
- First-degree. First-degree burns are milder than other types of burn injuries as they only cause damage to the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis.
- Second-degree. Second-degree burns damage both the epidermis and the inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis known as the dermis.
- Third-degree. Third-degree burns destroy both layers of skin, the epidermis, and the dermis. Additionally, this type of burn destroys nerve endings.
- Fourth-degree. Fourth-degree burns are extremely severe and are almost always life-threatening. Fourth-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and cause significant damage to bones, tendons, and muscles.
Furthermore, several different types of burn injuries can cause serious physical and mental trauma. An individual may sustain a burn injury from a plethora of different types of accidents. The following are different types of burn injuries:
- Thermal burns. These types of burns are caused when a person comes into contact with an external heat source.
- Friction burns. These types of burns are caused when a person comes into contact with a rough surface.
- Chemical burns. These types of burns occur when a person comes into contact with corrosive substances.
- Radiation burns. These types of burns occur when a person is exposed to a high level of radiation for a long period.
- Electrical burns. These types of burns occur when a person comes into contact with an electrical current.
What medical treatment may be required?
Unfortunately, burn injuries weaken a person’s immune system which can lead to infections and complications that require serious surgery and treatments. Oftentimes, burn wounds cause painful blisters and cause the skin to swell. Burn victims typically experience excruciating pain. However, with severe burn injuries such as third-degree burns, an individual is burned so badly their nerve endings are destroyed which means they do not feel pain. As mentioned above, burn injuries cause both physical and mental trauma that negatively affects victims’ lives. Burn wounds can leave temporary or permanent damage to the skin. Burn victims may require skin grafts, plastic/cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation, and special therapies.
Aside from extensive medical expenses, burn victims also suffer other significant losses and damages. If you have sustained a burn injury due to another person’s negligence, contact one of our experienced attorneys. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek the justice they deserve.