Common Causes of Burn Injury Cases

Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on May 7, 2018

Types of Burn Injuries

A burn is an injury where a person’s flesh, tissue, or skin is damaged by heat, electric shock, chemicals, or radiation. Burn injuries are extremely painful and can lead to scarring and nerve damage. Treatment for severe burns often includes excision, skin grafts, and physical therapy. All of these treatments mean patients are likely to have long and difficult recoveries.

There are four different levels for measuring the severity of a burn:

First-Degree Burn – Only affects the most superficial layer of the skin and heals within 5 to 10 days. There is some redness and irritation akin to that of a sunburn.
Second-Degree Burn – Affects the epidermis as well as some of the underlying skin or flesh layers which takes about two to three weeks to heal. Very painful and characterized by redness with clear blisters. Skin may also turn white under pressure or feel moist.
Third-Degree Burn – The damage extends through the deepest layers of the skin. The burn may even affect the nerve endings just beneath the skin. A third-degree burn may take several months to heal and requires specialized burn treatments. The area may not regain full function. Since the nerve endings are damaged, there is no pain but the burn will appear stiff with either a white or brown color and a leathery, dry texture.
Fourth-Degree Burn – The damage extends beyond the skin and into underlying fat, muscle, or bone. If the tissue appears charred or blacked, excision or amputation is typically needed.

Burn Injury Cases and Lawsuits

When a person suffers from a severe burn due to the negligence or malice of another party, they may take that person to court and hold them responsible in the eyes of the law. Victims may even be entitled to compensation. Coverage could include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other harm the negligent party may have caused.

When filing a burn injury lawsuit, timing is of the essence. A personal injury attorney must take action as soon as possible. In a burn injury legal case, the plaintiff holds the burden of proof, so they must provide ample evidence to prove the defendant’s actions directly lead to the burn or burns. An experienced attorney can help a burn injury victim craft a solid and factual case with enough evidence to prove the defendant is responsible for the injuries.