Getting burned is one of the most devastating things that can happen to someone. Burn symptoms vary depending on the source, the victim's skin response to these injuries, and more.
Car accidents are some of the most common scenarios where people can get severe burns. Not treating these injuries immediately can lead to cell death, which could become fatal for the victim.
This page covers the most common causes of burn injuries and what victims should do to prevent as many problems as possible.
What Causes a Burn Injury?
A burn is a type of tissue damage. It happens due to heat, overexposure to the sun, or even chemical, electrical, or radiation contact. Burn patients get different treatments depending on where the injury is located and how severe it is.
Sunburns, for example, are considered "minor burns," which can be treated at home most of the time. This is because they affect only the epidermis most of the time. However, deep burns may require the victim to go to the hospital and get prolonged care.
Car accidents often lead to severely burned skin, so it's crucial to understand all the types of injuries someone can get.
Types of Burns Someone Can Get
Most burns come from the following four sources:
Thermal Burns
These happen due to heat sources that make the skin's temperature rise too much. Eventually, the heat will kill the skin's cells, causing it to char.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns happen due to overexposure to UV rays from sunlight. However, they may also happen if someone were to expose themselves to high sources of radiation, including X-rays.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns come after a person comes in contact with an electrical current, which can be alternating or direct (AC/DC). These injuries can become severe, depending on the source of the current.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns are considered some of the most dangerous ones, as they come from contact with alkalies, detergents, strong acids, or solvents.
In some cases, the eyes may also experience burn injuries after getting in contact with these elements.
Degrees of Burns to Consider
There are three classifications for burns. In most cases, it'll take a couple of days for the symptoms of a burn to manifest. While some burns can be treated at home with non-invasive methods, others could require some medical help.
Below is an overview of all the burn degrees:
First-Degree Burns
These are burns that affect only the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). The most common symptoms include redness in the affected area and pain.
Usually, these burns are treated with plenty of hydration and topical treatments to reduce pain. Some people apply cold, running water to the area to feel relief.
Common causes of first-degree burns include touching hot liquids/hot objects. They may also happen due to overexposure to the sun.
Second-Degree Burns
These affect the epidermis and the dermis (which is the second layer of the skin). They're also called "partial-thickness burns." Like the first-degree burn, it can cause redness and pain.
Additionally, second-degree burns can cause swelling and white, red, or splotchy skin. In some cases, the skin may develop painful blisters.
When the burns are severe or deep, the person's skin may scar.
Common causes of second-degree burns include:
Scald injuries
Flame burns
Thermal burns
Chemical burns
Sunburns or radiation burns
According to the American Burn Association, those who get partial-thickness burns over 10% (or more) of the body's surface area must seek treatment at a specialized center.
Third-Degree Burns
Also called "full-thickness burns," these are the most severe injuries someone can get. They happen when the burn reaches the fat layer beneath the skin after destroying the epidermis and dermis.
Unlike the other burn types, third-degree burns can cause a person's skin to become brown, white, or black. Moreover, the skin could look leathery.
What makes third-degree burns so severe is that they can destroy a person's nerves, which can cause numbness and another wide range of consequences.
Common causes of these burns include:
Electrical burns
Flame burns
Contact with a scalding liquid
Contact with a hot object for too much time
Chemical burns
People with third-degree burns must seek medical assistance immediately if they want to avoid further complications.
How Can a Severe Burn Affect a Person's Life?
All burns need treatment, even those that seem minor. This helps prevent infections and severe scarring.
Besides the physical consequences of a burn injury, the victim could also feel psychological damages, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
Essentially, burn victims will need to get the best treatment they can to recover properly. If the accident was caused by someone else, victims have the right to file a lawsuit that will get them enough money to pay for their treatment.
Can Victims Hire a Lawyer After Sustaining Burns in an Accident?
Yes. People involved in an accident because of someone else's fault can get help from a personal injury attorney.
These professionals can build a case using evidence gathered throughout time, witness testimonies, and more. They can then negotiate with insurance companies to get the victims the compensation they deserve. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are also help with questions such as can I hire a personal injury lawyer from another state?
Burn injuries leave plenty of physical and psychological injuries, so it's always a great idea to have a professional who can take care of the legal process while the victim focuses on their recovery.
Bottom Line
Burns are easily one of the scariest injuries someone can get, especially after an accident.
At home, it's crucial to have working smoke detectors, cover unused electrical outlets with caps, keep electrical cords out of the way, prevent children from being near heat sources, and take as many other prevention measures as possible.
Those on the road must ensure they're driving as safely as they can. If a person were to get into an accident because of someone else's negligence, they should call the best injury lawyers in Dallas immediately.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has a team of experts dedicated to getting personal injury victims fair compensation for what happened. If the burn injury was caused because of another person's acts, the victim can seek a free consultation today to start building their case.