Burn Injury: Symptoms And Treatments

According to the American Burn Association, there are around 450,000 people in this country that seek medical treatment every year for burn injuries. These injuries happen in a variety of ways, and they can leave victims suffering from immense pain. In many cases, burn injury victims are left with significant scarring and disfigurement, as well as limited mobility. At Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC, our Charlotte burn injury lawyers want to discuss the symptoms and treatments of these injuries.

Burn Injury Symptoms

Burns are classified based on their severity, with a first-degree burn being the least severe, and third- and fourth-degree burns being the most severe.

• First-degree: This is considered a mild burn and often appears as a reddening of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin).
• Second-degree: This is considered a partial thickness burn and will affect the epidermis as well as the dermis (the lower layer of skin). Typically, this will result in pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
• Third-degree: This is called a full-thickness burn that goes through the dermis and affects deeper tissue layers. This can result in white or black and skin that may be numb.
• Fourth-degree: This is the most severe type of burn that can affect muscles, tendons, and bones. In many cases, victims lose the part of their body that sustains a fourth-degree burn.

Burn Injury Treatments

Treatment for burn injuries depends on the severity of the burn.

• First-degree: This type of burn is usually treated with over-the-counter skincare products and pain medication such as acetaminophen. These burns will typically heal in a week or two.
• Second-degree: These burns may be treated with an antibiotic cream or other appointments prescribed by a doctor as well as pain medications such as acetaminophen. In most cases, victims heal within a few weeks with no visible scarring.
• Third-degree: These burns require more extensive treatment. In many cases, third-degree burn victims will need to undergo skin grafting in order to repair the damaged area. Patients suffering from third-degree burns may need IV fluids for antibiotics and to replace fluid lost due to the burn injury. Stronger pain medications are usually required.
• Fourth-degree: This type of burn has the same treatment as a third-degree burn, but will often require amputation or extensive skin, muscle, and tendon loss.

With third- and fourth-degree burns, victims need to be continually monitored for the spread of infection. Because such a large portion of their body is exposed, infection is common at any point during the healing process. Treatment for severe burns will often include reconstructive surgery to restore mobility and appearance, as well as extensive physical therapy.

Let Us Help Secure The Compensation You Need

If you or a loved one have sustained a burn injury caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The knowledgeable and experienced team at Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC will investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you need. This could include:

• Your medical expenses related to your burn injuries
• Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering damages
• The costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Possible punitive damages against those responsible

If you need a Charlotte burn injury lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.