Symptoms of First, Second, and Third-Degree Burn Injuries

Burn Injuries Can Have Lasting Effects

Burn injuries can vary greatly in their severity. Some may resolve on their own while others scar a victim for life. These burn injuries can happen during a number of different types of accidents, some of which could be the fault of others.

Below, our Mississippi personal injury attorneys discuss the differences between first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Meanwhile, if you or a loved one have been badly burned due to someone else’s negligence or a workplace accident, contact us today at (601) 988-8888 for a free consultation.

The Three Types of Burns

Burns are generally classified into three categories: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree.

First-degree burns: First-degree burns are also called “superficial burns” because they only affect the top layer of skin. Most first-degree burns will cause redness, swelling, and pain for the injured individual. The vast majority of first-degree burns do not require special treatment.

Second-degree burns: Second-degree burns, also known as “partial thickness burns,” are more serious. They affect the top and middle layers of the skin. Second-degree burns can take weeks to heal and often cause blistering and intense pain.

Third-degree burns: Third-degree burns can be life-threatening. These burns affect all layers of the skin and can sometimes penetrate deeper into glands, nerves, and bone. Third-degree burns require medical attention and may necessitate skin grafts. Those with third-degree burns may experience charred skin and loss of feeling in the affected area(s).

Common Causes of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can occur whenever the skin comes into contact with an extremely hot surface, liquid, or object. 

The most common causes of burns include:

• Touching a hot pot or another cooking utensil
• Coming into contact with fire or boiling water
• Extreme sunburns
• Workplace accidents involving electrocution or chemical spills
• Auto accidents

Many third-degree burns are the result of a serious accident, which could be caused by any number of factors. When workplace accidents, car accidents, or other negligent behavior resulted in your severe burns, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Recovery from Burn Injuries

In the case of first- and second-degree burns, recovery is minimal and there may be little to no scarring. However, Cleveland Clinic says recovery from third-degree burns is much different. It takes a minimum of three weeks to heal from a third-degree burn, and severe burns can take up to two years to heal fully. 

In addition, first-degree burns rarely scar, and second-degree burns may not scar. However, third-degree burns will always leave some scarring. Depending on the location of the burns, this can cause quite a bit of emotional turmoil with which it takes many more years and therapy to cope. 

What Damages Can I Get for a Burn Injury?

The damages you can get for a burn injury will be compensatory and/or punitive. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for your financial losses, including medical bills and lost income while you recover. If your third-degree burn injury results in a permanent disability, compensation for future loss of income may also be a possibility.

Another form of compensatory damages is those meant to compensate you for your pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are common in burn injury cases, particularly those in which the recovery is long, painful, and scarring. Punitive damages are rarely awarded, but may be possible if the burns were caused by gross negligence.

Suffering from a Burn Injury? Contact Us Today

America has returned to work in force, and there is once again normal traffic on the roads. Both of these circumstances mean that there are more third-degree burn injuries than there were in the last few years. 

If you or someone you love received a severe burn injury due to another’s negligence, our team is here to help.