Understanding Burn Injuries — Their Types, Causes and Severity

Burn injuries are among the most painful and devastating types of injuries, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term care. They can occur in various ways and are classified based on their cause and severity. Understanding these factors can help in recognizing the seriousness of burn injuries and the importance of proper medical treatment and legal recourse.

These are the most common types of burn injuries and their causes:

1. Thermal burns are caused by direct contact with heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects. They are the most frequent types of burn injuries, often resulting from house fires, kitchen accidents or industrial incidents.
2. Chemical burns occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with corrosive substances, such as acids or alkalis. These burns are common in workplaces that use hazardous materials and can cause severe tissue damage.
3. Electrical burns are the result of electric current passing through the body. They can cause both external and internal damage, with potential complications including cardiac arrest or nerve damage. These burns often occur in construction sites or due to faulty electrical equipment.
4. Radiation burns are caused by exposure to radiation, such as from the sun (sunburn), X-rays, or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Radiation burns can vary in severity based on the duration and intensity of exposure.

Burn injuries are classified into four degrees, reflecting the depth and severity of skin and tissue damage:

1. First-degree — These are the mildest type of burns, affecting only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Symptoms include redness, minor inflammation, and pain. First-degree burns typically heal within a week without significant medical intervention.
2. Second-degree — These burns extend beyond the epidermis into the second layer of skin (dermis). They cause redness, swelling, and blistering and are usually very painful. Second-degree burns may take several weeks to heal and often require medical treatment to prevent infection and manage pain.
3. Third-degree — These severe burns penetrate through the dermis and affect deeper tissues. The burned area may appear white, charred, or leathery. Third-degree burns can destroy nerve endings, leading to numbness in the affected area. Treatment often involves surgery, such as skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
4. Fourth-degree — The most severe type of burn injuries extend beyond the skin into muscles, tendons, and bones. Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, often necessitating extensive surgical procedures and long-term rehabilitation.

Burn injuries are excruciatingly painful and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. The pain management and rehabilitation process for severe burns can be extensive, involving wound care, physical therapy and psychological support. The healing process can be prolonged and may result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, necessitating ongoing medical and emotional support.

If you suffer a serious burn injury, work with a personal injury lawyer you can trust to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Call Feinberg & Alban PC in Boston at 617-232-5950 or contact us online to set up your free initial consultation.