Facts About Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are among some of the most common – and devastating – injuries that we see. Even the most minor of burn injuries are painful and can leave permanent damage in addition to psychological scars. Burns can happen in many different settings and for a wide range of reasons – from cooking accidents to forest fires, Christmas tree accidents, and so on. According to the American Burn Association, there are roughly 470,000 burn injuries that require medical attention every single year in the United States. Recovering from a burn injury is typically extremely costly and can take months or even years. In some cases, people accrue anywhere from $35,000 to $1,000,000 in medical bills as a result of their burn injury.

For many, surviving a burn is the most painful part. They may spend the rest of their life suffering and living with the scars – both emotional and physical – that come along with the burn. Burn victims are also at risk of suffering a fatal infection long after they sustained the injury. Furthermore, research indicates that burn injuries are the most painful any person can suffer.

Understanding the Categories of Burn Injuries

The vast majority of burn injuries are categorized as first, second, or third degree burns. While there are technically fourth, fifth, and sixth degree burn injuries, these are far less common or talked about. The majority of burns occur within the victim’s home, typically by a flame or scalding. Thankfully, there is a high survival rate of 96.8% for these types of burns. Burns are categorized based on the layers of skin affected and go as follows:

• First degree burns – Burns that affect the outermost layer of skin are considered first degree burns. These types of burn injuries are usually characterized by redness and swelling of the skin and typically heal in about a week.
• Second degree burns – When the epidermis and dermis (the layers of skin underneath the outermost layer) are affected, the burn is categorized as a second degree burn. Common side effects of second degree burns include swollen and blistering skin and discoloration, often red, yellow, or white. It can take up to three weeks for these burns to properly heal.
• Third degree burns – These types of burns go all the way through the skin, affecting the different levels and tissues. With third degree burns, the skin appears leathery and colored white and brown. It can take months to recover, and many patients have scars for the rest of their lives. This type of burn most definitely requires hospitalization and a great deal of treatment.

Let’s now look at a few important facts about burn injuries:

• The most common cause of burn injuries in the home are cooking accidents, heating equipment, and electrical problems
• Texas, California, and Pennsylvania have the most fire deaths
• Approximately 6 in 10 people who sustain a burn injury are men
• For every 1 million people, more than 10 are killed and 50 are injured from fires

If you or someone you love has sustained a burn injury in Dallas, please contact Rad Law Firm. Our accident attorneys are prepared to go over your case with you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.