5 Common Types of Burn Injuries

Car accidents, industrial accidents, airplane crashes, and commercial trucking wrecks can cause severe burn injuries. Burns over large portions of the body, as well as third and fourth-degree burns that render the victim incapable of maintaining gainful employment, are considered catastrophic. Severe pain, disfigurement, anxiety, depression, scarring, and loss of mobility may result from burn injuries. There are 5 common types of burn injuries:

1. Scalding burns. These are caused by direct contact with hot oil, boiling water, or other heated liquids. They may result in immediate blisters and redness of the skin, and prolonged exposure to the hot liquid may cause extensive tissue damage. If you are at work or on someone else’s property, and you suffer a serious scalding burn, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
2. Chemical burns. These are caused by direct contact with harsh and corrosive chemicals. Cleaning solvents, paints, acids, concrete mix, metal cleaners, and other chemical agents may cause serious burns. Victims may suffer tissue damage and other injuries from breathing in toxic fumes.
3. Thermal burns. These are caused by exposure to fire and hot objects. Product manufacturers are required to put adequate warning labels on products that could cause thermal burns, such as tea kettles. Exposure may cause serious damage to skin and tissues, leading to third and fourth-degree burns.
4. Electrical burns. These result from direct contact with an electrical current, usually through faulty wiring. Exposure may lead to severe burns, as well as electric shock injuries that affect the nervous system and organs.
5. Explosion burns. These are caused by explosions, commonly resulting from car accidents, industrial accidents, and construction site accidents. Victims who suffer serious burns from an explosion may also sustain hearing loss, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, accidental amputations, and other catastrophic injuries.

How Can You Avoid Serious Burn Injuries?

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of a burn injury. You should carefully read warning labels of products to avoid thermal or scalding burns, and you should never handle electrical wiring unless you have been specially trained to do so. When using chemicals, it is important to wear protection, such as gloves and a breathing mask. By exercising caution, you can increase your safety and avoid a burn injury. If you have suffered a burn injury because of someone else’s negligence, Waltman & Grisham Attorneys at Law will fight on your behalf. Our Bryan burn injury lawyers will discuss your options and use tailored legal strategies for your case. Call us today at (979) 227-4888 to schedule a free case review.