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Burn Injury Classification

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Although burn injuries are generally decreasing across the United States, about 1.25 million Americans suffer these injuries each year; between 60,000 and 80,000 require hospitalization, and about 5,500 lose their lives. Most burns which require hospitalization are those which cover more than ten-percent of the body and/or the face, hands, or feet.
Although more than 50% of patients with burns covering 98% or more of their bodies lose their lives, this rate has improved significantly over the years, especially for children under fourteen. The rate is worse for senior citizens, however, as 50% of patients may lose their lives from burns covering up to only 35% of the body.
Victims who meet any of the following criteria for a burn injury should be admitted to a burn center:
– Second- and third-degree burns covering more than 10% of the body;
– Burns to the eyes, ears, face, hands, or feet;
– “Full-thickness” burns;
– Electrical/chemical burns.
Burn injuries may fall under six categories: flame burns, flash burns, grease burns, steam burns, liquid spills, and liquid immersion. They are also classified by depth: a first-degree burn is a “superficial” burn which may heal without scarring in 3 – 6 days; second-degree is a partial-thickness burn which may heal with scarring in 21 – 28 days; third-degree is deep partial thickness or full thickness which may require grafting to heal properly; and fourth-degree involves damage to muscles, bones, tendons, or deep tissues and/or organs and often requires long-term care.
Chemical burns can also be dangerous depending on the composition of the chemicals involved. Burn fluids with low pH-levels may only coagulate proteins in the skin without penetrating deeply, while high-pH fluids and acids are often capable of dissolving tissue and penetrating even deeper than the skin, resulting in serious and even permanent injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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