How to Classify Your Burn Injury

If you have suffered a serious burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced lawyers at Hilliard Law are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve. Burn injuries may result in significant monetary, physical, and emotional losses. We can help fight on your behalf in a burn injury claim.

While most people have experienced minor burns at some point in their life, severe burns can cause life-altering physical challenges that may require major surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. If you suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may seek damages through a burn injury accident claim with the help of an experienced Texas lawyer. 

The tenacious lawyers at Hilliard Law understand the severity of burn injuries and their lasting toll on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. With our fierce reputation for success, we can handle all aspects of your case so you can focus your attention on healing. You should not have to go through the legal process alone, and our lawyers are here for you every step of the way. 

Classification of Burns

Burns can be caused by numerous accidents, including home fires, oil field explosions, product or equipment defects, and more. Regardless of what caused a burn injury, these types of injuries often require immediate medical attention. In 2016, over 486,000 burn victims required medical treatment, with over 40,000 requiring hospitalizations. 

Depending on the severity of the injury and the depth of the burn, injuries may be classified in the following ways: 

First-Degree Burns

A first-degree burn only injures the first layer of the skin, called the epidermis. When a burn victim suffers this type of burn, the skin becomes dry and red but does not form a blister. Even though first-degree burns are painful, they typically heal within three to five days without any long-term consequences. Sunburns are an example of a first-degree burn that peels away during the healing process, leaving healthy skin underneath.  

Second-Degree Burns

A second-degree burn injures the first and second layers of the skin, along with some of the dermis. However, a full-thickness second-degree burn may harm the entirety of the dermis. The injured area is red or pink and is typically blistered. This classification is painful, but some sensation may be lost due to the severity of the injury. It may take up to three weeks to heal and require skin grafting. 

Third-Degree Burns

In a third-degree burn injury, the epidermis, dermis, underlying tendons, muscles, and bones may all be damaged. This type of burn may extensively damage nerve endings and cause permanent scarring due to tissue damage. Victims typically require IV fluids containing electrolytes and antibiotics to prevent any infections. Skin grafting may be necessary, as well as functional or cosmetic surgery. 

Fourth-Degree Burns

Fourth-degree burns are the most severe injury, where all layers of the skin are destroyed as well as the fat, muscle, bone, and tendons. Skin grafting and amputation are commonly required, and the victim may suffer functional impairment. 

Recoverable Compensation in a Texas Burn Injury Accident

Depending on the circumstances of your accident and the severity of your burn injuries, you may recover the following damages in a successful burn injury accident claim: 

• Medical expenses, including surgeries, skin grafts, and medication 
• Long-term care costs and medical devices 
• Lost wages 
• Loss of future earning capacity 
• Disfigurement, scarring, and impairment 
• Pain and suffering 
• Punitive damages 

Retaining an experienced burn injury accident lawyer can greatly increase your chances of a successful claim, as well as the value of your economic and non-economic damages. At Hilliard Law, we can gather evidence, retain expert witnesses, and find evidence of liability for your accident.

Speak With the Texas Burn Injury Accident Lawyers at Hilliard Law

If you have suffered a serious burn injury due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced lawyers at Hilliard Law are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve. Burn injuries may result in significant monetary, physical, and emotional losses. With millions recovered in compensation and verdicts since 1986, we can help fight on your behalf in a burn injury claim. 

Schedule a no-cost consultation at 1-800-334-3298 or fill out our contact form. We also will work on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win.