Burn injuries are serious and potentially catastrophic injuries that often carry devastating consequences. The extent of the damage and expected recovery time can range dramatically between different burn injuries, ultimately depending on the type and degree of burn injury.
To help you understand the differences between burn injury types and degrees as classified by medical professionals, this post presents a brief overview. For more in-depth answers, remember that you can always talk to us directly at the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis.
The Different Types of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can result from a variety of different causes and the potential for risk exists in every setting, including at work, at home, out on the road, etc. Burn injuries typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Thermal burns: The most common type of burn injury, thermal burns result from direct contact with fire or heat. Examples of this type of injury include those caused by touching a scalding hot stovetop, an open flame, or a boiling liquid.
- Electrical burns: AC and DC currents carry the risk of causing burns, and anyone who works with electrical wiring or makes contact with either type of electrical current could end up with damaged and burned skin, deeper organ damage, and more.
- Radiological burns: Describes burns that result from any type of radiation, including sunburns and injuries caused by radiation treatments.
- Chemical burns: Many strong chemicals burn the skin and can cause serious damage upon contact. These include strong acids and chemicals used in batteries, as well as plenty of other workplace chemicals.
Burn Injury Degrees
Burn injuries are further categorized into degrees of severity. The guidelines are set as follows:
- First-degree burns: Superficial burns that may cause redness or pain, usually heals in 3-5 days.
- Second-degree burns: More serious burns that can cause blisters and affects deeper layers of the dermis. Recovery could take weeks and excision/skin grafts might be necessary.
- Third-degree burns: These burns have destroyed all layers of the skin and are damaging the tissues below. Usually requires grafting and other procedures and carries lifelong damages.
- Fourth-degree burns: Deep, catastrophic burns that extend into the muscle and the bone.
Count on a Personal Injury Attorney who Fights to Protect your Rights
Burn injuries have the potential to change your life forever, as they carry serious physical, emotional, and financial ramifications. If your burn injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, remember that we at the Law Office of Dean Petrulakis are here to help.
Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled California personal injury attorney.