The American Burn Association estimates that every year more than 475,000 people in the United States suffer some form of burn injury that requires medical treatment.
This total includes 2,745 deaths from residential fires, 310 deaths from automobile accidents, and 220 deaths from other sources. More than 40,000 people are hospitalized because of burns, including 30,000 who receive treatment at a specialized burn center.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that mass trauma and disasters such as explosions and fires can cause a variety of serious injuries, which obviously includes burns.
There are different types of burns, including:
- Thermal burns - Burns due to external heat sources which raise the temperature of the skin and tissues and cause tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, and flames can cause thermal burns
- Radiation burns - Burns due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, or to other sources of radiation such as an x-ray
- Chemical burns - Burns due to prolonged exposure to acids, alkalies, or solvents encountering the skin or eyes
- Electrical burns - Burns from electrical current
- Cold burns - Also called frostbite, these burns are caused by freezing temperatures, chemicals or when your skin comes in contact with something extremely cold for an extended period of time
Burns are categorized based upon the damage to your skin. These categories are referred to as "degrees":
- First degree- These burns are limited to the outer layer of your skin and are most likely the result of exposure to the sun. While your skin may be red and painful for a bit, you will not suffer blisters and long term damage is rare.
- Second degree - These burns cause damage to the outer layer of the skin as well as the layer underneath (dermis). The skin will be bright red, swollen and may look shiny and wet. The skin will have blisters and be painful to the touch. Second degree burns can result in scarring or cause permanent changes in the color of your skin.
- Third degree - These burns are typically referred to as full thickness burns, destroying the first two layers of your skin. The skin does not turn red. Instead, the skin will appear white, yellow, brown or black. Third degree burns result in damage to the nerve endings.
- Fourth degree - These burns are deepest and most severe. In many instances, fourth degree burns are life threatening as they destroy all layers of the skin, and damage your bones, muscles and tendons.
Many burns can lead to complications, including infection and other bone and joint problems. While some burns may not be caused by the negligence of a third party, there are many instances where someone else’s negligence will result in burn injuries. Oklahoma lawyer Rich Toon has handled many burn cases.
Common types of incidents that cause burn injuries are:
Medical treatment for burn injuries can be extensive. Treatment can include fluids, pain and anxiety medications, compression garments, creams and ointments, dressings, drugs to fight infections, a tetanus shot, physical and occupational therapy, surgical procedures, breathing assistance, a feeding tube, skin grafts, and plastic surgery.
The burn injury attorneys at Toon Law Firm can help you receive compensation from the responsible parties when you have suffered a burn injury. We have extensive experience with many different types of personal injury case, including millions of dollars recovered in burn injury cases. Please contact us at 918.477.7884 for a free consultation.
