Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyers

Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyers Fighting For You

If you or someone you know has been burned in an accident in Maryland and the injury is affecting your daily life and finances, don’t hesitate to contact the Baltimore burn injury lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom. We can help you pursue compensation that you may be entitled to. Hyatt & Goldbloom is dedicated to helping burn injury victims in Maryland who have suffered from unforeseen accidents. We realize the severe impact that burn injuries can have on your life, and we’re prepared to lend you assistance throughout the entire process.

Understanding Severe Burn Injuries

Burns can cause serious damage and can often be prevented. However, they still occur frequently, which is a tragedy. The American Burn Association states that burns are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in the United States. Between 2011 and 2015, about 500,000 fire or burn injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. It is unfortunately likely that such injuries still occur frequently.

Types of Burn Injuries

Burns are injuries that affect the skin and possibly the tissues and structures beneath it. Doctors treat different categories of burns at burn centers.

• Heat burns – Exposure to high temperatures, including flames, explosions, steam, hot liquids, or contact with a hot object, can cause damage to several layers of the skin.
• Cold burns – Skin tissue can become damaged by extremely cold temperatures, either by freezing or chapping, which can result in conditions such as frostbite and windburn.
• Electrical burns – When a person touches a live wire or gets struck by lightning, electricity can burn their skin similarly to intense heat.
• Chemical burns – Chemicals that are caustic or toxic, including solids, liquids, and gases, can cause chemical reactions that harm or ruin skin tissue. For example, if battery acid spills onto a person’s hands, it can result in damage.
• Radiation burns – Exposure to high energy waves and particles can damage the skin cells and tissues underneath. Both sunburn and burns caused by radiation-based cancer treatments are examples of radiation burns.
• Friction burns – When the skin comes in contact with a surface and is rubbed repeatedly, it can cause heat and abrasion that leads to burns on the skin. Examples of this include road rash from sliding along pavement after a motorcycle accident, as well as damage to hands from grabbing onto a fast-moving rope.

Burn Degrees Of Severity

Burn injuries are classified into degrees based on the extent of damage they cause to the skin and tissues. These are the different degrees of burn injuries categorized:

First-Degree Burns

These burns, known as first-degree burns, affect only the top layer of the skin. You can manage these types of burns at home by using non-prescription drugs and ointments. The healing process usually takes a few days to a week.

Second-Degree Burns 

Second-degree burns, also called partial thickness burns, damage multiple layers of skin and may cause blistering or discoloration such as white or spotted patterns. Seeking medical treatment for these burns is crucial to prevent infection.

Third-Degree Burns 

Also known as total thickness burns, third-degree burns damage all layers of the skin and potentially the body tissue beneath it. When someone experiences a third-degree burn, their skin becomes tough and leathery. It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away because these injuries pose a high risk of infection.

Fourth-Degree Burns

If someone has fourth-degree burns, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately as these burns can be life-threatening. Fourth-degree burns destroy skin layers and tissue and can even damage body structures beneath them, such as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and organs.

Fifth-Degree Burn

Burns that are classified as fifth-degree affect not only the tissue but also the bone beneath it. These burns often result in the skin appearing blackened or pale, exposing the bone. The damage caused by such burns can be long-lasting and can even lead to organ failure. In certain situations, amputation becomes necessary in order to prevent further spread of injury or infection.

Sixth-Degree Burn

A sixth-degree burn is the most severe type of burn caused by prolonged exposure to high heat or from a car accident or explosion. These burns not only affect the skin but also damage the underlying bone. It is important to note that sixth-degree burns can be life-threatening.

If you have a burn that looks worse than a first-degree burn, don’t hesitate to see a doctor right away. It’s not safe to guess whether your burn needs medical attention because any burn worse than a first-degree burn can increase your risk of a life-threatening infection. Don’t take chances with your health.

Top Causes Of Burn Injuries

Many people underestimate the frequency of burn injuries. The CDC reports that about 1.1 million Americans need medical care for burn injuries annually, including about 50,000 severe cases requiring hospitalization. Sadly, around 4,500 individuals do not survive their burns. Usually, burn injuries result from accidents that arise from people’s carelessness or inattention. The American Burn Association states that burns are a major cause of unintended injury and death in the United States. In Maryland, the most common causes of accidental burn injuries are:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Defective products
• Hazardous or unsafe premises
• Construction accidents
• Explosions, and
• Medical negligence

If you have sustained burn injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may want to consider taking legal action and filing a compensation claim. Contact our Baltimore burn injury lawyers at Hyatt & Goldbloom to learn more about your legal rights and options.