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Burn Injury

 

Legal Representation for Victims of Burn injuries

Burns can cause the worst kind of pain known to man. They can be caused by chemicals, flames, radiation, electricity, or boiling liquids and they range in severity, from first degree to fourth. Medical treatment is typically required for dealing with more serious burns.

If you or a loved one has suffered burn injuries, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Whether the burns were the result of a motorcycle or car accident, a workplace injury, or even a defective product, there are steps you can take to hold those responsible liable for your injuries. Call us at Norton & Spencer, P.C., at 816-454-5800 to learn about your options.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are classified by medical professionals according to the severity of the burn. These are:

  • First-Degree Burns: Superficial burns and the least serious of all burn injuries. They affect only the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. These burns are usually red and painful but do not blister. Mild sunburns are an example of first-degree burns and long-term tissue damage is quite rare in these cases.
  • Second-Degree Burns: Also called “partial thickness” burns, these are more serious than first-degree. They involve the epidermis and part of the dermis, the layer of skin beneath. These burns are red and often blister; they can be swollen and painful and the blister might open up or “weep.”
  • Third-Degree Burns: Known as “full thickness” burns, these are among the most serious and dangerous burns a person can suffer. These burns destroy the epidermis and dermis beneath and can go down into subcutaneous tissue. They appear white or charred and sometimes are not as painful as lesser burns because the nerves are damaged or destroyed by the burn.
  • Fourth-Degree Burns: Quite rare, these burns are much like third-degree burns but also damage bones, muscles, and tendons beneath the skin. They sometimes involve very little or no pain because nerve endings are destroyed.

Treatments for Burn Injuries

Treatments depend on the severity of the burn. In any case, medical attention is usually a good idea to avoid the risk of infection. Common treatments include:

  • First-Degree Burns: Since these burns are usually pretty minor, they can be treated at home without professional attention. If the affected area is particularly large, however, then you should see a doctor. Treatment can include soaking the burn in cool water, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying lidocaine jelly with aloe vera to soothe the burned skin.
  • Second-Degree Burns: Some second-degree burns can be treated at home in much the same way as first-degree burns. When blistering occurs, additional treatment may be necessary, including the use of antibiotic ointment or cream to avoid infection. In some extreme cases, skin grafts may be necessary for second-degree burns.
  • Third-Degree Burns: Third-degree burns are so severe that professional medical treatment should always be sought. Emergency intervention is needed for these burns, including skin grafts and surgery to reduce scarring and help with healing. The risk of infection is very high, so medical supervision and powerful antibiotics are often necessary for recovery.

Call These Kansas City Burn Injury Attorneys

The consequences of a burn injury after an accident can be quite serious and result in expensive medical care and recovery. If your injuries were caused by someone else, then you may deserve compensation for your pain and medical bills. Call a Kansas City personal injury attorney at Norton & Spencer, P.C., at 816-454-5800 to talk about your case.

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