Burns can be a very serious medical problem with many complications and even death dependent upon the extent of the burns and exposure.  Burns can occur with direct exposure to fire and flames (house fire), electricity (electrical shock), hot fluids (coffee, soup), hot objects (iron), chemicals (lime) or overexposure to the sun.  Persons may also suffer from an inhalation injury as a result of breathing in smoke or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Medical personnel classify the burns sustained dependent upon the extent of the burn.  First-degree burns are limited to the skin’s surface. You may see some local redness and feel some pain.  These types of burns can be compared to simple sunburn where the skin becomes red after sun exposure.  Second-degree burns involve deeper layers of the skin.  There is usually severe pain and swelling noted with second degree burns.  These burns develop blisters and the area is red with a moist appearance.  The most severe burn classification is a third degree burn. Third degree burns result in severe tissue damage involving deeper layers of the skin.  Often nerves and deeper skin layers are damaged.  Although peoples with third degree burns suffer from swelling and skin that appears charred or white, they often do not feel the excruciating pain as peoples with first and second-degree burns may.  This is a result of damage to the deeper skin layers and nerves. Peoples can die from third degree burns dependent upon the amount of body area that was involved with the burn.

Dependent upon the type of burn sustained, a persons may require just simple first aid and minor medical treatment for first degree burns to long, complex hospitalizations with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and skin grafts with third degree burns.  Burn victims may also develop complications such as infections and breathing difficulty after suffering from burns.  Peoples with burns are also at risk for developing pneumonia, shock, permanent scars and vision changes if the eyes were injured with the burn.

Persons involved in fires may also suffer from an inhalation injury.  This type of injury is often associated with facial burns.  A person with facial burns or who suffered from significant smoke exposure or inhalation of toxic fumes may have injuries to their internal breathing organs such as their throat and lungs.  Soot and toxic substances can settle in their breathing structures resulting in a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, wheezing, black sputum and airway spasms.  Inhalation injuries can very quickly cause swelling and spasms in the breathing airway and could result in a life-threatening situation if not treated.

Always get prompt medical attention for yourself or anyone suffering a burn injury. If you, a friend, or loved one wrongfully suffered from burn injuries, you ask why, and take immediate steps to protect your or their legal interest. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining accident victims. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.