Each year, nearly half a million people in the United States seek medical treatment for burn injuries. Accidents involving burn injuries can be extremely devastating, both physically and emotionally, and seeking prompt medical treatment helps protect your legal right to seek compensation from the party who caused your injuries.
Understanding Burn Injuries
A person can experience several different types of burn injuries, including:
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are the most common type, caused by direct contact with heat sources like fire, hot liquids, or steam. These burns can cause severe tissue damage and are often the result of accidents in the kitchen, workplace, or during recreational activities.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when your skin or eyes come into contact with irritants like acids, alkalis, or detergents. Common causes of chemical burns include industrial accidents and household cleaning products. These burns can continue to cause damage until the chemical is thoroughly washed off.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns result from direct contact with electrical currents. These can cause both external and internal injuries. Workplace accidents involving faulty wiring or malfunctioning equipment are common causes of electrical burns.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns are less common but can be extremely severe. They are usually caused by exposure to radiation sources, such as the sun’s UV rays or medical treatments like radiation therapy. These burns require specialized medical treatment.
Degrees of Burns and Their Symptoms
Burns may be classified by the degree or extent of damage they cause. There are four degrees of burn injuries:
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are superficial burns that usually affect only the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and cause redness, minor pain, and swelling. Sunburns are a common example of first-degree burns. These burns are often treatable at home with basic first aid, such as cooling the burn with cold water and applying aloe vera or burn ointment.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns penetrate deeper into the skin, impacting both the outer and underlying layers. Symptoms include blisters, severe pain, swelling, and redness. These burns may require medical attention to prevent infection and promote healing. Proper care often includes cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a clean bandage.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are severe injuries that affect all layers of the skin, potentially extending into the underlying tissues. The skin can exhibit a white, blackened, or charred appearance, often accompanied by numbness resulting from nerve damage. These burns often require surgical intervention, such as skin grafts. For many individuals, third-degree burns result in permanent scarring and loss of function in the affected area.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe type of burn, and extend into muscle, bone, and other deeper tissues. These burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Burns of this degree may involve multiple surgeries, including reconstructive procedures, and can result in significant disability. The affected area may appear blackened and charred.
Long-Term Effects and Complications of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can have long-term effects that impact quality of life. Some long-term consequences include:
- Scarring and Disfigurement – Severe burns often result in scarring and disfigurement. Plastic surgery and other treatments can help minimize these effects, but emotional support is crucial.
- Emotional and Psychological Impacts – Burn injuries can lead to emotional and psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Many individuals have to seek counseling or attend support groups to get the emotional support necessary to cope with burn injuries.
- Chronic Pain and Nerve Damage – Long-term pain and nerve damage are common complications of severe burns. Pain management strategies and physical therapy can help improve a victim’s quality of life.
Call Our North Dakota Burn Injuries Today
If you experienced burn injuries in an accident, a personal injury claim can help you obtain compensation to alleviate some of the medical expenses and other costs of treating and recovering from your injuries. Seeking help from a North Dakota burn injury lawyer can improve your chances of getting the justice you deserve.
Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., offers personalized legal representation that reflects each client’s needs and best interests. Get started on protecting your rights by contacting our team today for a free consultation.
