We’ve all experienced a mild burn in our lifetime, such as a sunburn or accidentally touching a hot stove. However, when an accident occurs and causes a severe, life-threatening burn injury, the healing process is long and difficult.
The skilled Kansas City burn injury attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C., have some suggestions for how you can secure injury compensation if your burns were caused by someone else’s negligence and you need financial recovery.
The Four Types of Burns
Burns are categorized by degrees. Here are the characteristics of each:
- First-degree burns, known as superficial burns, affect the skin’s outer layer (epidermis). A first-degree burn is identified by redness and pain at the burn site with no blistering. First-degree burns may be caused by sunburns, scalds, or rug burns and clear up within about 10 days.
- Second-degree burns, also known as “partial-thickness burns,” affect the outer (epidermis) and under (dermis) layers of skin, and identified by pain, redness, blisters, and swelling at the burn site. Second-degree burns may be caused by severe sunburns, contact with boiling water, open flames, or chemicals. They can take up to three weeks for a full recovery. However, victims may see some scarring or change in pigmentation in some cases.
- Third-degree burns, also referred to as “full-thickness burns,” cause severe damage to the skin’s epidermis and dermis. A third-degree burn is identified by white or charred skin at the burn site. Victims experience nerve damage and loss of sensation in the affected area. Third-degree burns can take over three weeks to recover, and skin grafting may be necessary.
- Fourth-degree burns, considered to be the highest degree of burn, affects all layers of skin, as well as bone, muscles, and tendons. Nerve endings are destroyed and, most likely, so is the area most affected by the severity of the injury. If they survive, most victims are disfigured by fourth-degree burns, and more dire cases require amputation.
The Complications of Third or Fourth Burns
Third- and fourth-degree burns are considered catastrophic injuries, resulting in long-term, life-altering consequences. Victims often face the following challenges:
- Infections
- Organ damage
- Scars and disfigurement
- Emotional and mental health challenges
- Quality of life
- Financial strains
- Unable to acquire employment due to limitations
There might be years of extensive medical treatment and other therapies, which can burden you and your family financially. When an injury of this nature happens because of another’s carelessness, you deserve a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers that will be in your corner to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.