BURN INJURY LAWYER

Each year, over 10,000 people are severely injured in burn accidents. One of the most painful experiences imaginable, burn injuries are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, only exceeded by car accidents and falls.

Serious burn injuries are incredibly complex, and hence difficult to treat and heal. In addition to the surface layers of skin becoming injured, nerves, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and tendons can become critically injured or even destroyed. Body temperature, fluid balance, dexterity, range of motion, joint function, and physical appearance are affected by burns, in addition to mental and emotional stability and function. Victims of severe burn injuries are destined to not only undergo extensive medical care, but also many painful surgeries, rehabilitation sessions, and counseling.

The severity of a burn is determined by a number of factors, stemming from the amount of skin burned and its depth.

• First-Degree Burns are the mildest, affecting only the first layer of skin on the body. While these are less destructive than second and third-degree burns, they can be fatal if they cover a majority of the total body surface area (TBSA). A classic first-degree burn is sunburn. Although painful at times, these burns usually heal themselves within a week or two. Most victims will experience redness in the area and skin peeling.
  
  
• Second-Degree Burns affect the first two layers of skin, causing a deeper burn to the injured area. These burns affect sweat glands and hair follicles, which can lead to destabilized internal temperature and fluid balance. If left untreated, second-degree burns can regress into third-degree burns. These injuries will usually heal in about 3 weeks, and leave minimal scarring.
  
  
• Third-Degree Burns are the most serious of burn injuries, affecting all layers of skin. Some patients may feel only some pain, since their nerve endings were destroyed in the accident. Healing from these burns requires many surgeries and months and months of physical therapy and recovery time. Third-degree burns typically leave much scarring.
   
  
• When the burn extends past the skin and into the muscle and bones, it is deemed a “fourth-degree burn.” These are even more serious, as patients could potentially lose their skin, muscles, and bones permanently.

Another common burn is an airway burn, when the trachea or lungs are burned by intense smoke inhalation or heat. The toxins inhaled can seriously damage the lungs, preventing the ability to take in and absorb oxygen. If a person has suffered an inhalation injury, it is integral to call 911 immediately.

Treating serious burns can be a tedious and difficult task. First and foremost, if you have been seriously injured from a burn, it is important to call 911 or paramedics as soon as possible. The injured area should be covered with a cool, damp, and sterile cloth or non-adhesive bandage. The area should be protected from pressure and friction, and refrain from applying ointments. One should monitor the burn victim’s vitals (blood pressure, breathing, heart rate) until the paramedics arrive.