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Understanding the Severity of Burn Injuries

Regardless of the type of burn you have suffered, each can vary in degree of severity. You should speak with an Atlanta burn injury lawyer if your burn injuries required a trip to the emergency room.

• First degree burns are the least serious burns, as the damage is limited to the top layer of skin. Symptoms include redness and minor inflammation, and will usually heal on their own within a few days.
• Second-degree burns involve damage to the outer and middle layers of the skin, which can result in blistering and infection. Second-degree burns may require treatment at the ER and require short-term hospitalization.
• Third-degree burns involve severe damage to the outer, middle, and inner layers of skin. Because there is so much damage to the skin from the burn, there are often secondary health complications and the risk of infection is quite high. Treatment will likely involve skin grafts and long-term hospitalization, but can also include amputation.
• Fourth-degree burns are the most serious and include damage to all layers of the skin as well as the muscles, tendons, and bones. Fourth-degree burns can result in amputation, permanent and extensive disfigurement, disability, and even result in death.

If you or a loved one has suffered a third or fourth-degree burn, you should speak with an Atlanta burn injury lawyer as soon as possible. The experienced legal team at Gilormo Injury Law can evaluate your claim and help you understand your options.

Types of Burn Injuries Caused By Accidents and Negligence

Burn injuries can be caused by more than just open flames. Generally speaking, burn injuries fall into one of four categories:

• Thermal burns – burns caused by contact with extreme heat such as fire, steam, and hot liquids
• Chemical burns – burns caused by contact with corrosive materials or chemicals such as acids or alkalis
• Radiation burns – burns caused by contact with nuclear radiation
• Light burns – burns caused by sunlight or ultraviolet light

Most serious burn injury cases involve either thermal or chemical burns. Radiation burns can be very serious but are far less common. Burns caused by light are often the least serious, but can still be quite painful and carry long-term consequences.

Burn Injuries Require Significant Medical Treatment

Burn injuries are among the most serious injuries you can face. As mentioned above, many burn injuries carry secondary complications in addition to the burn itself. If you’ve suffered a severe burn, some of the consequences you may be facing are as follows:

• Extensive skin grafts to repair lost and damaged skin.
• Amputation to remove digits or limbs that cannot be healed.
• Infection arising from extensive damage to the outer skin, which serves as a barrier against bacteria and other infectious agents.
• Emotional and psychological effects arising from the traumatic experience of suffering a burn injury.
• Permanent disability and mobility issues caused by a loss of elasticity in the injured skin, ligaments, and tendons.

A burn injury can change your life forever, leaving you unable to work or take care of your family. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a burn injury, you are facing perhaps the greatest challenge of all. No matter what your situation, an Atlanta burn injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to move forward.