What are the different degrees of a burn injury?

burn injury accidents

It is fairly common for a person to suffer a burn injury as they may be burned by a scalding liquid while cooking. However, burn injuries may occur as a result of another person’s negligence such as a defective product, a slip and fall accident, or an auto collision. No matter what causes a burn injury, it can cause significant and permanent physical and mental trauma that negatively affects a person’s life. If you have been inflicted with a burn injury as a result of another party’s negligence, please read on and get in touch with one of our skilled and compassionate Santa Clara County Personal Injury Attorneys who can help you seek the justice you deserve. 

What is a burn injury?

Essentially, a burn injury is an injury to the skin that causes minor to severe tissue damage. Burn injuries may be caused when a person comes into contact with a hot object, a scalding liquid, sunlight, electricity, chemicals, fire, and radiation. Different degrees of burns categorize burn injuries by the depth and severity of the damage to the skin. Burn injuries are classified as follows:

  • First-degree burns. Burns of this degree damage the outer layer of skin known as the epidermis. First-degree burns typically do not leave permanent damage to the skin.
  • Second-degree burns. Burns of this degree damage the epidermis and the layer of skin underneath the epidermis known as the dermis.
  • Third-degree burns. Burns of this degree damage nerve endings and all layers of the skin including fat.
  • Fourth-degree burns. Burns of this degree are almost always life-threatening and require significant medical treatment. Fourth-degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and cause significant damage to tendons, muscles, and bones.

What complications could there be?

Depending on the severity of a burn injury, it could lead to further medical issues. Regardless of whether a burn is classified as a first-degree or second-degree burn, they can still get infected which could ultimately lead to them becoming life-threatening. Oftentimes, burn injury victims require skin grafts, plastic surgery, exposure therapy, and rehabilitation. Burn wounds can cause permanent damage to the skin. Furthermore, burn injuries can cause serious complications such as toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, dehydration, sepsis, arrhythmia, disfiguring scars, and organ failure. Victims of burn injuries must have their wounds properly assessed and treated by a medical professional. Burns symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the burn. However, injured individuals should be aware of any blisters, peeling skin, charred skin, and swelling. This may point to a burn injury. If a burn injury is left untreated it can lead to other complications as well as permanently damage the skin.

In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love has sustained a burn injury from any type of accident as a result of negligence, reach out to one of our trusted and determined attorneys who can help you seek appropriate compensation for your damages.