The American Burn Association reports that approximately 450,000 people in the United States seek treatment for burn injuries every year, and an estimated 3,400 people die because of their burn injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number one cause of these types of injuries is residential fires, the number three cause of death in homes in the country. While the most severe burn injuries can permanently disfigure or kill, people who suffer comparatively moderate burns may still need to deal with permanent disfigurement and severe pain.
Burn injuries often cause permanent and severe damage, potentially affecting the victim’s ability to lead the same life they had before the injury. When these injuries are caused by someone else’s actions, you deserve the chance to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team of Milwaukee burn injury lawyers here at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. are ready to assist you in your time of need. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Were You Seriously Burned Because Of Someone Else’s Actions?
Severity Of Burn Injuries
Serious burn injuries can be caused by a wide range of sources, ranging from a cloud of steam to a heated piece of metal to an open flame. While the source may vary, the classifications remain the same:
- First-Degree Burn: The most moderate level of burn injury, the damage doesn’t progress past the outer layer of skin. This type of injury can heal within in a week or so with proper treatment and care.
- Second-Degree Burn: The second most moderate level of burn injury, the damage affects both the outer and second layer of skin. Second-degree burns can cause scarring, severe pain, and blistering skin.
- Third-Degree Burn: The second most severe level of burn injury, the damage affect both layers of skin, fatty tissue, and nerves. Many victims who suffered a third-degree burn because of a large open flame may also be dealing with the effects of smoke inhalation.
- Fourth-Degree Burn: The most severe level of burn injury, the damage affects both layers of skin, fatty tissue, muscles, tendons, all the way down to the bone. In many cases, victims of fourth-degree may need to undergo an amputation to prevent damage from spreading.
Common Complications Caused By Burn Injuries
In addition to the immediate damage caused by serious burns, some common complications from these types of injuries include:
- Hypothermia: Because skin plays a major role in regulating human body temperature, if a significant portion is burned off then burn injury victims may be at risk of this serious medical condition.
- Infection: If the burned area isn’t properly treated it can become infected, which could then cause even more severe medical issues like shock, organ failure, and sepsis.
- Scarring: Scar tissue often forms as burn injuries heal, and this new and far less supple tissue can inhibit victims’ ability to move the affected area, damage or completely destroy sweat glands, and even pull joints out of position.
Give our firm a call at (855) 627-2147 to speak with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer.
