The 4 Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries

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The 4 Most Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Author: Jay Howard

No matter how it occurs, a burn injury is often serious and carries with it long-term effects, both physical and psychological. According to the American Burn Association, over 400,000 people suffer burn injuries severe enough to require medical treatment each year. Such numbers indicate a strong preponderance of burn injuries that you may have to deal with. Whether it be you or a loved one, suffering a burn injury can be traumatic and expensive.

In the event that you have suffered a severe burn injury due to the negligence of another person, place of business, or if you were injured at work, you deserve an attorney that will give your case the attention and care it deserves so that you can focus on healing. With his experience and skills, Attorney Sami Tabbaa of Tabbaa Law knows what it takes to help you on the path to receiving maximum compensation for your injuries. With that in mind, here are four of the most common causes of burn injuries.

Different Degrees of Burn Injuries

While all burn injuries are potentially serious, the severity of every burn injury is classified under certain levels or “degrees.” These range from first degree, the least serious, to the fourth degree, the most severe.

First Degree

Occurring on the outermost layer of skin, first-degree burns usually present as redness, pain, and discomfort. These can be treated with over-the-counter medication, like ointments or salves, on the affected area.

Second Degree

If the burn affects the underlying layer of skin, then the burn is classified as a second degree. Second-degree burns take weeks to heal and require treatment from a medical professional, as they may cause hardening of tendons or other tissue.

Third Degree

A third-degree burn goes through all layers of skin, affecting the underlying tissue and nerves. As such, they are extremely painful and usually destroy skin, and nerves, and leave scarring. These burns require immediate medical attention, ongoing treatment (including skin grafts), and pain management, such as narcotic pain medication.

Fourth Degree

Permanent, long-standing damage to tissue, bones, and muscles are the result of fourth-degree burns. These often require amputation of the affected area, as the burn causes irreversible damage to the tendons, muscles, and nerves where the burn occurred.

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Because they can occur virtually anywhere at any time, burn injuries can range in severity. Still, there are common causes of burn injuries, usually revolving around the following:

Thermal Burns

Thermal burns, or burns caused by open flames, account for the largest amount of burn injuries. These burns raise the temperature of the skin and tissues and cause tissue cell death or charring. Hot metals, liquids, steam, or flames coming in contact with the skin typically cause thermal burns.

Scalding Burns

Scalding burns occur when a person comes into contact with steam or an extremely hot liquid. While a vast majority of these types of burns happen to children, these can happen to anyone, especially at home. These burns and the treatment associated with them are extremely painful and are usually caused by heated tap water or liquids heated on a stove or oven.

Electrical Burns

An electrical burn is a type of skin burn that happens when the electricity comes in contact with your body. Among the most common causes of electrical burns come from electrical equipment or wires and outlets. The severity of injuries often depends on how much voltage there is and how long the electricity was in contact with the individual. Aside from skin damage, electrical burns can also damage your organs and other soft tissue.

Chemical Burns 

Burns caused by chemicals, also known as “caustic” burns, occur when you come in contact with harsh or corrosive substances. These burns are extremely dangerous, as they usually involve extensive damage to internal organs. While they can occur anywhere, they usually happen at work, especially if the occupation involves working with commercial chemicals. 

A Skilled Atlanta Burn Injury Attorney Will Fight for You

Suffering a burn injury is a life-altering event. It means painful, extensive medical treatment, expensive cosmetic surgery, and years of physical and psychological rehabilitation. In these trying times, an attorney that aggressively pursues compensation on your behalf is absolutely vital. Tabbaa Law has built a reputation for fiercely advocating for burn injury victims, allowing them to focus on the long road ahead while fighting for maximum compensation. If you or a loved one have suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, call our office today at (770) 370-7881 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Personal Injury