Suffolk, VA Burn Injury Lawyer

Medical professionals categorize burn injuries into degrees based on their severity. A first-degree burn is the least dangerous, while a third-degree burn is one of the most dangerous. There also are burns categorized as fourth, fifth, and sixth-degree burns. However, injuries that fall into these categories are often untreatable and usually result in death.

A first-degree burn is mild because it inflicts damage to the epidermis alone. These types of burns usually heal quickly on their own and may only result in slight redness and inflammation. With a second-degree burn, deeper layers of the skin may suffer damage. Inflammation and discomfort are standard with a second-degree burn. Individuals may treat these injuries with first-aid at home. However, when a second-degree burn is not in an isolated region of the body, medical treatment may be required.

Third-degree burns can inflict devastating and widespread skin damage that may require numerous surgeries and skin grafts. Not only does a third-degree burn impact multiple skin layers, but it can also reach tissues, nerves, and muscles beneath. A third-degree burn typically causes intense inflammation, and the skin may look patchy in appearance. The skin itself may look scorched or washed out, with blisters forming on the injured area. Despite the alarming damage a third-degree burn causes, the individual may feel little to no discomfort due to damage to the nerves.

Burn injuries can be catastrophic for a host of reasons, apart from the devastating physical damage they can inflict on a person’s body. When a person suffers a severe burn, he or she may be more prone to certain types of infections. This vulnerability to bacteria can lead to septic shock in severe burn cases. Other dangerous or life-threatening consequences associated with burn injuries include respiratory problems and organ failure.