Throughout the entire nation, there are countless people who have experienced a burn from some source. These are usually small burns in which someone touches something hot or the water is too hot in the shower. Unfortunately, these are just the beginning when it comes to burn injuries and are the most minor of these types of damage. There are many ways in which burns can occur, some even involving the negligent acts of someone else. When this happens, the results can be severe and often require long-term medical treatment to help the victim recover.
Common Causes Of A Burn Injury
Burn injuries can happen just about anywhere. However, in terms of negligence related causes, there are a few specific locations these can occur such as on a construction site, at another workplace, or after a car collision. This is because some of the causes of burn injuries include fire, electrical currents, and strong chemicals such as lye, gasoline, acids, and more. In a car collision, if the engine or gas tank creates a fire, this poses a threat for a burn injury. On workplace sites, the potential for electrical currents or chemical dangers can increase. This is especially true on construction sites.
Unfortunately, there are some situations in which burns can be caused by abuse or arson. These are both criminal acts and can be subject to both criminal and civil legal action. In other cases, radiation can cause burns. These types of cases may occur if a doctor was negligent when using the X-ray or providing radiation during cancer treatment. Whether through fire, scalding hot water or steam, hot metals or glass, or any in any other form, burn injuries can result in serious damage to the victim. When the cause is negligence related, it is important to take the steps to protect your rights.
Symptoms Of A Burn
The types of damage you may sustain after a burn depend on the severity of the burn. When someone is burned, it is classified by degrees, first being the most minor and third being the most severe. Each degree is based on how bad the burn is and at which level the victim is effected.
- First-degree burns refer to those that only reach the outer layer of the skin. One of the most common causes of a first-degree burn is a sunburn. This often results in the victim developing redness and swelling at the site of the burn, as well as pain. It usually heals within a week with proper treatment that can be performed at home.
- Second-degree burns are those that reach the epidermis and the dermis — the second layer of the skin. These types of burns are more serious than first-degree burns and can result in long-term scarring. It usually results in pain, swelling, and red, splotchy skin. If the burn is severe enough, the individuals may develop blisters and have worse pain.
- Third-degree burns often require long-term treatment. This is the most severe of the burns and means the victim was exposed to the source for an extended period of time. A third-degree burn can cause a leathery or wax-like appearance of the skin, sometimes charring it. This type of burn can result in numbness due to the nerves or tissue being destroyed.
No matter what happened, if someone else caused your burn injury, you have legal rights. You may be able to seek compensation for the damages you have sustained as the result of a burn injury. Our Virginia burn injury lawyers at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci can help you. Call us today to discuss your potential lawsuit in a free consultation.
