Burn injury can take many forms

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is our primary defense against infection and disease. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis (the protective outer layer), the dermis (the “support” layer that maintains the epidermis – also forms fingerprint ridges), and the subcutaneous tissue (made up of blood vessels and body fat – helps the body hold in body heat). Damage to the skin, such as during a burn injury, can expose blood vessels and underlying tissue allowing infection to enter the body directly.

In fact infection is the most dangerous side effect of burn injury, though blood and fluid loss, and loss of body heat control are also a major concern. Level of damage is measured by degree, from first-degree burns (mildest) to third-degree burns (severe) where all three layers of the skin are injured or destroyed. Bone, tendons, and other tissues may also be injured. The severity of the burn depends on several factors including depth and size of the burn, location of the burn, and the source of the burn.

Four main sources of burn injury

There are four main sources of burn injury:

Thermal is by far the most common type of burn injury. In children and the elderly, scalding burns from hot liquids including simple tap water cause the most injury and deaths. For adults, usually open flames are the most common cause of burns. Burn injury is the fourth leading cause of accidental death for all age groups.

Burn injury treatment

Treatment of burn injury depends on the severity and degree of the burn. Many larger urban centers have Burn Units to treat those badly burned. Typically, victims are kept in a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection while the skin is healing, given liquids through an IV, and antibiotics either through an IV or orally. The wounds are completely cleaned, and any dead skin is removed from the injury area. Antibiotic creams may also be used directly on the burn injury, and depending on the size of the area, a skin graft may be done. In this procedure, healthy skin is taken from another area of the body and placed over the wound, sort of like a living bandage. Eventually, if all goes well, this skin connects or “grafts” to the surrounding skin to reform the protective layer.

If you have suffered a burn injury on the job or due to someone else’s carelessness, contact a burn injury lawyer at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have years of litigation experience in Texas, and we can get you the settlement you need to cover medical bills and lost wages, and the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. We offer a free case review, so find out what your rights are and how we can protect them before you decide. Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates right now for your free case assessment by calling us directly or by clicking on the link on this page.