When you think of an injury resulting from a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or any other type of incident, you likely think of broken bones, concussions, or whiplash. While not always at the forefront of the mind, burns are some of the most devastating and serious injuries sustained in these types of accidents. Understanding the various types of burn injuries and their classifications is important to ensure you are treated properly. For more information and skilled legal advice, contact a New Jersey personal injury lawyer at Berliner, Cohen, Accardi & Grossman, LLC today.
What Are the Various Types of Burn Injuries?
Several types of burn injuries can occur in an accident, depending on the source of heat. Below are the various types and their associated characteristics.
- Thermal: Caused by coming into contact with heat sources that raise the skin’s temperature, like hot metals, steam, flames, scalding liquids, etc.
- Radiation: Caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or other sources of radiation
- Chemical: Caused by coming into contact with chemicals like strong acids, alkalis, or other solvents
- Electrical: Caused by contact with electrical currents from wiring, lightning, or other sources of alternating or direct current
Some friction wounds are also recognized as burn injuries. For example, road rash can be considered a friction burn, as the asphalt rubbing against the skin causes heat along with a scrape.
Burn injuries can occur in almost any type of accident, like a car crash, slip and fall, workplace incident, etc. For example, you could sustain a thermal burn if you are involved in a car accident where the vehicle bursts into flames or the metal of the car gets extremely hot. If you work in a field that uses strong chemicals, a spill or trip could result in contact with the skin and, therefore, a burn. Electricians are also vulnerable to electrical burns, as it is an occupational hazard.
How Are Burn Injuries Classified?
Burn injuries are classified into different degrees depending on the severity of the wound and how deep the burn goes. The general classifications are first to third-degree, though certain severe injuries may be considered fourth-degree. Consider the following.
- First-degree: Minor damage to the outer layer of skin (epidermis), resulting in redness and mild pain, e.g., minor sunburn
- Second-degree: Damage to the epidermis and part of the skin underneath (dermis), resulting in redness, blistering, swelling, and pain, e.g., being splashed with boiling water
- Third-degree: Serious damage to the epidermis and dermis, resulting in white, blackened, or leathery skin and potentially nerve damage, e.g., prolonged contact with scalding hot metal
- Fourth-degree: Severe damage to all layers of skin as well as muscles, tendons, and bones, resulting in white or charred skin and nerve damage, e.g., burns from being stuck in a house fire
Burns can be extremely painful and severe, leaving victims with permanent disabilities. If complications arise, they can even be fatal. It is crucial that you work with a skilled personal injury attorney after your accident to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment and compensation for your injuries.
