Houston Burn Injury Lawyer

When we think of burn injuries, we typically think of those caused by contact with hot surfaces and items, such as fire-related burns. However, there are several different types of burns, all of which can be incredibly serious. 

The different types of burns include:

• Thermal Burns: Thermal burns result from contact between the skin and hot objects, surfaces, and substances, such as flames, scalding liquids, and steam.
• Electrical Burns: Electrical burns, sometimes referred to as electric shock, are caused by contact with live electrical currents, such as lightening or exposed wiring.
• Chemical Burns: Chemical burns occur when a person’s skin comes into contact with abrasive chemicals or strong/harmful solvents, detergents, and similar substances.
• Radiation Burns: Radiation burns are those caused by all types of radiation; sunburns are an example of a radiation burn, as are burns caused by certain medical treatments.
• Friction “Burns:” Friction burns, also commonly known as road rash, are a combination of skin abrasions (scrapes) and heat burns.
• Cold “Burns:” Cold burns, also known as frostbite, are not technically burns but, rather, damage to the skin caused by extreme cold.

Regardless of type, the location, severity, and extent of a burn are typically the factors used to determine how severe the injury is and whether emergency medical care is required. 

Additionally, burn injuries are categorized according to degree: 

• First-Degree Burns: Recognized as the mildest type of burn injury, first-degree burns typically result in localized pain, redness, and swelling. Most first-degree burns can be treated with at-home care and over-the-counter pain medications.
• Second-Degree Burns: With a second-degree burn, the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and lower layer (dermis) are both damaged. Second-degree burns often result in significant redness and pain, as well as swelling and a shiny appearance to the affected skin.
• Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are considered “severe” burn injuries. Like second-degree burns, they affect both the epidermis and dermis but typically cause more damage than lesser burns. Symptoms of a third-degree burn include “charring” of the skin, resulting in a black, white, brown, or yellow appearance. Often, third-degree burns lead to numbness, rather than pain, as nerve endings are significantly damaged.
• Fourth-Degree Burns: Considered the most severe of all burn injuries, fourth-degree burns are similar to third-degree burns in that they result in significant damage to the epidermis and dermis. Additionally, fourth-degree burns cause damage to surrounding tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even bones.

Moderate and severe burns are considered catastrophic injuries. They can be life-threatening and may lead to a whole host of complications, from toxic shock to hypo/hyperthermia to infection, sepsis, and even death. It is absolutely critical that burn injury victims receive immediate medical attention.