Burns

Burn injuries are caused by fire or scalding liquids. Burn injuries damage some (or all) of the cells in a victim’s skin. Most burn injuries occur at home and usually heal without extensive medical attention, but some burns can cause serious scarring and damage to the body.

There are four types of burn injuries: first-, second-, third- and fourth-degree burns.

First-degree burn injuries (and some second-degree burns) are considered minor injuries. A first-degree burn may turn the victim’s skin red. Only the first layer of skin is damaged and blisters will not form. First-degree burns, such as sunburn, can be painful.

Second-degree burns damage the first and second layer or skin. They are identifiable by redness, swelling and blisters, but do not usually involve nerve damage.

Third-degree burns are severe and damage all layers of the skin. After a third-degree burn occurs, the victim’s skin may appear white and leathery.

Fourth-degree burns are the same as third-degree burns, but may involve bone and muscle damage, too. Third- and fourth-degree burns may not be painful because the victim’s nerves may be damaged.

If you suffer from a burn of any degree, and it was due to someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interest to speak with an attorney. States have strict safety codes and regulations, and failure to meet these regulations could result in negligence. An experienced attorney can determine the next steps you should take in a burn injury claim.