Types and Causes of Burn Injuries

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), fires killed 3,470 people and injured nearly 16,000 in 2013 alone. Senior citizens aged 80 and older are at the greatest risk of injury or death in a fire, and children under four years of age are also at a heightened risk.

Burn injuries can occur on the job, at home, or even in places of business, and here are some of the most common types of burns:

• Thermal – Thermal burns are caused by contact with sources of intense heat, such as flames, steam, or hot liquids, and also include: scalds from hot liquids; flash burns from propane, gasoline, or natural gas; flame burns from intense and prolonged heat; and contact burns from hot metal, glass, or coal.
• Chemical – These burns often involve alkali substances and/or strong acids which continue to cause damage until “deactivated.” Chemical burns can be caused by acids and bases found in ammonia, bleach, and other common household cleaners.
• Electrical (AC or DC current) – Electrical current follows the path of least resistance, meaning that these burns can extend to other areas of the body than just the point of contact. It is a common workplace injury, especially on construction sites and for professional electricians, and is often caused by damaged/faulty wiring due to the negligence of a company or property owner.
• Radiological – These burns are caused by alpha, beta, or gamma radiation, and some may require decontamination to prevent further damage. They may be caused by severe sunburns or, in a medical setting, improper radiation therapy or x-rays, in which case the victim may be eligible for a medical malpractice claim.

Burns are commonly categorized as first-, second-, and third-degree:

• First-degree burns – These affect only the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin. They can be bright red and painful, but generally, heal within three to five days, and hospitalization may only be necessary for pain relief and/or fluid imbalance.
• Second-degree burns – These affect the entire epidermis as well as the dermis’s upper layers. They may also be colored and painful, while sensation in the area may be partially or entirely diminished. Scarring is usually minimal and several weeks of healing may be necessary.
• Third-degree burns – Third-degree burns effect and may destroy all layers of the skin, with damage also extending to the subcutaneous tissue. The burn may be dry, black or white, leathery in texture, and severely painful, though some of these burns may numb the nerve endings and instead result in a loss of sensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to 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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