BURN INJURY LAWYERS IN MOBILE, AL

A Mobile, AL Burn Injury Attorney Explains Degrees of Burns

Burns can be superficial or deep.  The severity of the burn, frequently referred to as the “degree,” indicates the level of harm to tissue and the likelihood of long-lasting impairment or scarring.  WebMD describes the different levels of burns in this way:

1. First-degree.These burns affect just the outer layer of skin. A mild sunburn is one example. Skin may be red and painful, but it won’t have any blisters.  Long-term damage is rare.
2. Second-degree.This type of burn damages the outer layer of the skin as well the dermis (the second layer).  Skin is bright red, swollen, and may look shiny and wet. Blisters are visible, and the burn will be painful to the touch.
• With a superficial second-degree burn,only part of the dermis is damaged, which probably won’t result in scarring.
• A deep partial thickness burnis more dangerous. It may leave a scar or result in a permanent change in skin coloration.
3. Third-degree.Sometimes called a “full thickness burn,” this burn injury destroys two full layers of skin, and instead of turning red, it will appear brown, black, yellow, or white. It will not hurt because the burn damages nerve endings.
4. Fourth-degree.This is the deepest and most serious burn. It is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate emergency treatment. This burn destroys all layers of skin, as well as bones, tendons, and muscles.  It is a catastrophic injury.

In some instances, the degree of burn will change over time when the damaged skin continues to spread and deepen. Serious burns can lead to several complications including infection. 

Types of Burns

In addition to fire, burns can be caused by a multitude of accidents and events.  The type of burn sometimes impacts the method of treatment.  Some common types of burns include:

• Thermal burns are the result of flashes or explosions of gases or flammable liquids that create a short burst of intense heat.
• Burns from flames are caused by longer exposure to intense heat, for example in structural fires or fires caused by car accidents when the crash causes a gasoline leak that ignites.
• Scalds are burns caused by exposure to hot liquids or steam.
• Contact burns occur when the skin touches a very hot item or surface.
• Chemical burns are caused by contact with strong acids or alkalis. The burn continues until the substance is neutralized or removed completely from the skin.
• Electrical burns are thermal burns caused by an electrical current entering the body from touching a live wire, a short-circuit, contact with electrified water, being struck by lightning, or by an arc flash when a high-amp current travels through the air.
• Radiological burns are caused by alpha, beta, or gamma radiation and often require decontamination done to stop the injury.

Complications From Burn Injuries

Beyond being excruciatingly painful, a burn injury wreaks havoc on the body, and complications are common. That’s why victims can remain in the hospital for so long while doctors treat not only the initial injury but also compounding setbacks.  Infection is the most frequent complication.

Other potential complications include pneumonia, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, respiratory failure, anemia, blood clots, decreased bone density, scarring, and psychological damage resulting from social isolation when disfigurement is severe.

Treatments for Burn Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several treatments for burn injuries depending on the nature and severity of the burn.  A doctor can advise you about which medical treatments are right for your particular injury.  After receiving immediate first aid, your medical care could also include medications and treatments designed to encourage healing.

• Fluids to prevent dehydration. Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure.
• Burn creams and ointments. Treatment may include a variety of topical products for wound healing, such as bacitracin and silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene). These prepare the wound to close and help prevent infection.
• Water-based treatments. Techniques such as ultrasound mist therapy to clean and stimulate the wound tissue.
• Drugs. If a serious infection arises, IV antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals will likely be prescribed.
• Dressings. Various specialty wound dressings can aid the wound in healing. If a victim is transferred to a burn center, the wound will likely be covered by dry gauze only.
• Tetanus shot. Sometimes tetanus shots are recommended after burn injuries.
• Pain and anxiety medications. Because these injuries are so painful, victims may be prescribed morphine and anti-anxiety medications.

The Mayo Clinic goes on to say that additional surgical procedures and measures may be required as part of treatment.  Some of these include:

• Skin grafts. A skin graft is a surgical procedure where sections of healthy skin replace the scar tissue resulting from deep burns.
• Breathing assistance. Burns on the face or neck often causes throat swelling, making it hard to breath. If that occurs, a tube is inserted down a victim’s trachea (windpipe) to keep oxygen flowing to the lungs.
• Plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can soften the appearance of burn scars.
• Easing blood flow around the burn. If a burn scab envelops a limb, it can tighten and cut off the blood flow. A scab hat goes completely around the chest can make it difficult to breathe. These scabs can be cut to relieve pressure.
• Feeding tube. Extensive burns causing disfigured lips, tongue, or throat make it hard to eat and can result in undernourishment, which requires nutritional support.  This is treated by threading a feeding tube through the nose to the stomach.

Fighting for Fair Compensation for Burn Victims

The Mobile, AL personal injury lawyers at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana fight aggressively for financial compensation for clients who have suffered burn injuries caused by someone else’s We can also represent bereaved families who have lost a loved one due to another’s negligence.

Having handled numerous burn injury cases, we understand just how painful and traumatic these injuries are and the devastating effect they can have on a victim’s life. We work hard to get burn victims an award that covers financial losses now and in the future, and enough to ensure that you can live a meaningful life.  Compensation can include current and projected lost income, future medical procedures, along with non-economic damages like disfigurement, loss of quality of life, pain, suffering, and emotional anguish.

Aggressive Burn Injury Attorneys in Mobile, AL

If you or a family member has suffered a burn injury, call the law firm of Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana for an evaluation of your case. Our burn injury attorneys will perform a detailed investigation to determine which parties may have liability for your injury.  We will answer all of your questions about the legal options available to you. We accept burn injury cases on a contingency fee retainer, so you will never pay us unless we win a monetary award for you.  To find out more about how we can help, call us for a free initial consultation at (251) 444-7000.