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Types of Burn Injuries and Their Consequences

Valdes March 12, 2023

Whether you have suffered burn injuries in a workplace accident, car crash or other circumstance, these types of injuries may often require hospitalization and costly ongoing medical care. At Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC, our experienced attorneys and skilled legal team understand the devastating effects burn injuries can have on you and your family and we have helped hundreds of clients recover compensation for burn injuries.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burns can cause very serious injuries that result in ongoing pain, nerve damage, permanent scarring, disfigurement, infection, and other physical and psychological problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 50,000 burn victims require hospitalization each year. There are several types of burns, and knowing the causes and treatment for each type is vital to help prevent injury.

First-degree burns affect only the top layer of skin and can cause pain, swelling and redness. This type of burn usually does not cause blisters and should heal within a week. Examples of first degree burns include sunburn, exposure to flame or slight scalding from hot liquids.

Second degree burns typically affect the first two layers of skin. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, a dark red appearance, blisters, fluid leakage and potential skin loss. Partial-thickness second-degree burns may heal within 2-3 weeks with minimal scarring. However, full-thickness second-degree burns usually require removal of skin and grafting for optimal healing. They are often caused by chemicals, scalding, or flash flames.

Third-degree burns permeate all layers of skin and cause permanent tissue damage. They spread into subcutaneous tissues, which are made up of fat and connective tissues that contain larger blood vessels and nerves. Third-degree burns may appear black, white and dry. Because they destroy tissue and nerves, third-degree burns may be painless. However, pain can be caused by less severe burns that may surround a third-degree burn. Third degree burns usually require skin grafting, cause permanent scarring and often take months to heal. These burns typically result from prolonged contact with electricity, chemicals, flames, and hot surfaces or liquids.

Fourth-degree burns involve injury to all layers of the skin and even deeper tissues such as muscle, tendons, or bone. These types of burns are often black in color and frequently lead to loss of the burned tissue or bone and permanent tissue and nerve damage. Fourth-degree burns are typically caused by prolonged exposure to the source of the burn.

If you have suffered burn injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our skilled attorneys at Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC can help. Contact us online or call for a free initial consultation. Se habla español.

Contact Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC

Whether you’ve been injured at work, in an automobile accident, or due to medical malpractice – you deserve justice and fair compensation for your injuries. Since 1997, the personal injury attorneys of Gold, Albanese & Barletti have established a legacy of justice for our clients. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to get maximum compensation for your injuries. There are no upfront legal fees and we don’t get paid unless you win your case.

Our firm is licensed and admitted to municipal, state, federal and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Since 1997, we have helped thousands of clients and established a track record of success across a wide array of legal practice areas.