Overview of Burn Injuries
An accident that results in a serious burn injury can be very painful and can cause blistering, swelling, scarring and, in severe cases, death. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the burn, and may include IV fluids, medications, protective dressings, surgery and skin grafts.
A serious burn injury can also leave you more susceptible to infection because your skin is a major protective barrier, and when you lose that barrier to a burn injury, bacteria will have an easy point of entry.
The American Burn Association estimates that about 1.1 million burn injuries in the United States require medical treatment each year, which can be very costly and lengthy in duration, depending on the severity of the burn injury.
If you have suffered a serious burn injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a claim to seek compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of a Burn Injury
Burn injuries are typically caused by one or more of the following accidents:
• automobile accidents;
• explosions fueled by gas or any other flammable liquid;
• hot water (greater than 140 degrees);
• industrial accidents;
• electrical accidents;
• building fires;
• gasoline spills;
• lighters and matches; and
• defective candles.
If the substance that caused your burn injury is not listed here, you can still consult with a Hawaii personal injury lawyer if you think someone’s negligent actions caused your burn injury.
Different Kinds of Burn Injuries
A burn injury will be classified as first degree, second degree or third degree. A first-degree burn is the least serious, as only the skin’s outer layer is damaged. This kind of burn injury will typically heal without treatment, unless the burn covers a large area of the body.
A second-degree burn affects the outer layer of the skin as well as the layer underneath. This kind of burn injury can be very painful and can cause prominent swelling. You should seek emergency treatment if the burn is moderate or widespread or if it affects your face, hands, groin or feet.
A third-degree burn requires immediate emergency treatment, as all layers of the skin have been damaged. Bone may even be affected.
Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the burn and includes IV fluids, medications, protective dressings, surgery and skin grafting.
The more severe the burn, the more care you will need to handle the physical and emotional aspects of the burn injury.
By: Davis Levin Livingston
Article URL: http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=20900
