Types of Burn Injuries

When most people think of burn injuries, they think of a burn from a hot stove, steam, or even sunburn. However, there are several types of burns—thermal burns from hot objects, radiation burns from the sun, X-rays and other products that emit radiation, electrical burns, and chemical burns. Road rash is a type of thermal burn as it is generated by heat. Burns can cause several injuries, which could range from minor to catastrophic or even fatal.

Burn Classifications

Burns are classified as first, second, or third-degree.

First Degree Burns

A first-degree burn only affects the outer layer of skin—the epidermis. The burned area is usually painful, red, dry, and has no blisters. A mild sunburn is an example of a first-degree burn. It is rare that you would have long-term tissue damage.

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn affects the epidermis and part of the next layer of skin— the dermis. This type of burn is blistered and red and may be swollen. The burn is usually painful.

Third-Degree Burns

A third-degree burn destroys both layers of skin— the epidermis and dermis. These burns can also damage the muscles, tendons, and even the bones under the skin. The burn site is often charred or might be white. In some cases, doctors may refer to burns that damage both layers of skin as third-degree, but those that damage the underlying bones and tissue as fourth-degree burns. Those with third or fourth-degree burns do not have feeling in the area because the burn destroyed the nerve endings.

Seeking Specialized Treatment

The more severe the burn, the more likely you will require specialized treatment. Anyone with the following criteria will most likely need specialized treatment at a burn center:

• Partial thickness burns that encompass more than 10 percent of the body.
• Full-thickness burns.
• Burns on the hands, groin, genital area, feet, or burns that wrap all the way around one portion of the body.
• Burns when you also have an inhalation injury.
• Burns in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, MS, kidney disease, or other chronic conditions.
• Chemical burns.
• Electrical burns.

Where to Find a Burn Injury Attorney in St. Louis, MO

Brown & Brown, Attorneys at Law, serves St. Louis and the surrounding areas in Missouri. To find out more about recovering damages after suffering burns, speak with an attorney at Brown & Brown, Attorneys at Law. To schedule a consultation, please call 314-333-3333 or 618-888-8888.