Different Types of Burns

Burn injuries affect a huge number of people in the United States each year. About 2.4 million burn injuries are reported on an annual basis, and anywhere between 8,000 and 12,000 people die from these wounds. Victims commonly sustain burns from kitchen-area, electrical, or chemical negligence. Children who are poorly supervised run a higher risk of sticking their fingers in electrical outlets, touching hot kitchen items, or spilling harmful, acidic household products on themselves. It is extremely important that burn risks are reduced to a minimum, especially when children or guests are present.

Classifications of Burns

Burns may be classified into one of three separate categories, depending on their severity. These groupings are known as “degrees,” and a higher number degree correlates to a more serious injury.

• First Degree: A minor burn that causes local, minor skin irritation and inflammation. The epidermis will typically become red and tender to the touch.
• Second Degree: A more serious burn that results in blistering and more severe pain and irritation. These burns affect lower skin layers.
• Third Degree: The most severe type of burn that an individual can sustain, resulting in damage to all skin layers. The skin will turn black and charred on the outside and eventually cause significant scarring.

In the most severe burn cases, the victims may suffer enough damage to fall into shock or even die. Third degree burn survivors generally require skin grafts so that internal tissues can be covered and adequately safeguarded from the dangers of infection or exposure to damaging forces.

Contact Us

If you have suffered a burn injury as the result of another party’s negligence, then you have the right to claim compensation. Contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 to begin your pursuit for justice.