Burn Injury FAQs
2. Are there different degrees of burn injuries?
3. What happens during a burn injury?
4. How long does it take to recover from a burn injury?
5. What are the most common causes of burn injuries?
6. Should I contact a lawyer if I suffer from a burn injury?
1. What is a burn injury?
The most common type of burn injury is a thermal burn,
resulting from exposure to fire, scalding water, or
hot objects (including the sun). Chemical burn
injuries are another type of burn injury.
2. Are there different degrees
of burn injuries?
One way to classify a burn injury is by depth of
injury. This is useful when giving a prognosis for
recovery and for making clinical decisions. There are
three "degrees" that define burns:
- A first-degree burn is a superficial burn. It includes only the top layer of the skin.
- A second-degree burn includes all of the epidermis (skin) and a varying depth of the dermis.
- A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, includes the epidermis, the entire dermis, skin appendages, and at times deeper tissue. Such a burn, even when it includes a small surface area, usually requires hospitalization.
3. What happens during a burn
injury?
Burn injuries include damage to muscle, nerve tissue,
and bones as well as the skin. Burn injuries are
frequently accompanied by other traumatic injuries,
such as fractures or other complications due to smoke
inhalation or surgery.
4. How long does it take to
recover from a burn injury?
Recovery times vary with location and type of burn
injury, but scar tissue does not mature for at least a
year and can sometimes require surgery. Recovery from
a burn injury requires skilled and highly specialized
care. Open wounds must be meticulously cared for to
prevent infection and to encourage wound healing as
quickly as possible. Treatment may include respiratory
treatment, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and
closely monitored nutrient and fluid intake.
5. What are the most common
causes of burn injuries?
Residential fires are the leading cause of burn
related deaths and injuries and many are the result of
negligence. The most common causes of serious burn
injuries include:
- Household Fires
- Scalding/ Hot Water
- Car Accidents
- Electrical Accidents
- Industrial Accidents
- Gas Explosions
6. Should I contact a lawyer if
I suffer from a burn injury?
Yes. You should contact
an experienced burn injury attorney at Oshman &
Mirisola, LLP anytime you have been the victim of a
personal injury. If your burn injury is the result of
the negligence of another person, you may have a valid
claim against that person for the cost of your
injuries. Oshman & Mirisola, LLP can assist you
with your personal injury claim, including those
resulting in burn injuries.