Houston Burn Injury Lawyer
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Burn injuries are devastating not only for the victim but also for their family. Whether caused by a plant or refinery explosion, a work-related accident, or at home, these injuries can require months of extensive medical treatment and physical therapy, skin grafts, and psychological counseling.
Walker Texas Lawyer has successfully represented hundreds of burn injury victims. The Walker Law Firm has represented clients in burn cases involving refinery explosions, chemical fires, and other burn-related instances. The Law Firm has the resources and experience to ensure their clients get the best medical treatment available and recover the maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.
What is the Difference Between First, Second, Third, and Fourth Degree Burns?
First Degree Burn
First-degree burns are pretty standard. These burns can happen if you bump against something hot or through sunburns and result in only the upper-most layer of skin (known as the epidermis) being burned. Generally, these burns are not severe. Typically running cool water over the area will help lessen the pain. Next, you will want to protect the wound by covering it with a bandage. Use one without adhesive to avoid getting the sticky stuff inside the damage. First-degree burns rarely require serious medical attention and typically heal by themselves in a few days.
Symptoms Of First Degree Burn
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- White (unbalanced Skin)
Second Degree
Second-degree burns are the next step up on the severity ladder. These burns result in both the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and the second layer of skin (the dermis) being burned. The size of the burn will determine whether emergency care is needed. Although, it often can be treated at home. Usually, a second-degree burn will be no larger than three inches in diameter. It is essential in treating these burns not to use ice.
If there is blistering, don’t try popping it open to release the fluid. These burns often lead to blistering and appear dry with a whitish coloring. Depending upon the depth of the burn, a skin graft may be necessary.
Symptoms Of Second Degree Burn
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Severe Pain
- Intense Redness
- Splotchy Appearance
Third and Fourth Degree Burns
Third and fourth-degree burns are among the most severe burns a person can incur. These burns severely impact the different layers of skin, but these intense burns can also damage the surrounding muscles, fat, and even bone tissue. A person with these burns will, in all probability, experience nerve damage. Therefore, numbness, tingling, or intense pain in the burn area may occur. Third and fourth-degree burns are generally caused by a prolonged time in the flames rather than a brief encounter. A person will usually receive these types of burns when involved in a building fire or chemical fire. In these cases, there is also the possibility of inhaling too much smoke, therefore, poisoning the injured person’s lungs with carbon monoxide.
When dealing with these sorts of burns, the first thing you must do is contact emergency services. These burns require immediate medical care. Do not attempt to do anything that could further injure yourself. If you are wearing clothes that have been burned to your skin, don’t try and remove them. Wait for the professionals to do that. Avoid using cold water to treat the wounds. The pain is going to be severe. However, hard water may further irritate the area. If possible, try elevating the areas on your body that received the burns. This will decrease the blood pressure near the wounds.
Symptoms Of Third And Fourth Degree Burn
- Charing
- Leathery or Tan Appearance
- Stiff or Waxy Appearance
- Nerve Damage