Burns are extremely painful and often require long-term recovery. Depending on their severity, some burns may require multiple surgeries and will often leave a person disfigured in some way. There is not just one type of burn; in fact, there are multiple classifications for burns as well as varying degrees of severity. If you have suffered from a burn injury, understanding the different types can aid you when speaking with an attorney regarding a potential injury claim.
The Types of Burn Injuries
There are a number of types of burn injuries a person can suffer from, including:
- Flash Burns – These occur after explosions of natural gas, gasoline, propane or other flammable liquids. It creates an intense heat that burns for a brief period of time and can sear the skin quickly.
- Flame – Flame burns are thermal burns that are caused by exposure to intense heat. They can occur during a house fire, automobile accident, or work accident, especially when around flammable liquids and other ignition sources.
- Scalds – Caused by hot liquids, such as grease, oil, or water. When water reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it can create a deep burn in as little as three seconds, and do the same in just one second at 156 degrees.
- Contact Burns – These occur when the skin comes into contact with hot plastics, metals, coals or glass. The burns can be very deep and painful.
- Chemical – Caused by acids or strong alkali substances. These continue to cause damage deep under the skin until the agent causing the damage has been eradicated. They can cause more damage than usual, since they specifically target the lipids in the skin.
- Electrical – Caused by an electrical current, often causing more damage under the skin than above.
- Radiological – These are caused by alpha, beta or gamma radiation. To stop them, they will require decontamination.
Severity of Skin Burns
Burns are classified by the severity of the burn itself, which ranges from first to third degree.
- First Degree – These are superficial burn injuries that can often look like a sunburn. They are sore and may leave the skin feeling dehydrated. Only the outer layer of skin is affected with this type of burn, while deeper skin layers remain intact.
- Second Degree – This is also referred to as a “partial thickness” burn injury. The outer skin and part of the inner skin layers are damaged during this type of injury. They are often bright red, moist and very painful. They can also blister and create open sores on the skin’s surface.
- Third Degree – These are serious burns, referred to as “full thickness” burns. They can impact the outer skin layer, full inner skin layer, and subcutaneous tissues. The colors can vary and appear like open sores or wounds. The skin can be dark red, brown or even charred in appearance. These require the most care, are the most difficult to recover from, and often result in secondary infections.
Did You Suffer from a Burn Injury?
Whether your injury happened at work, school or home, contact Gladstein Law Firm, PLLC today. We are here to assist you with your injury claim. Call for a free consultation, or fill out an online contact form with your questions.
