Types and Classifications of Burns
Burn injuries often cause serious pain, long-term medical complications, and emotional trauma. As a result, these injuries affect both victims and their families. When negligence causes a burn injury, Louisiana law allows victims to pursue compensation.
The experienced burn injury attorneys at Cueria Law Injury Lawyers help burn victims protect their rights and seek financial recovery. If you suffered a burn injury, contact our legal team today to learn your options.
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur in many ways. Most often, they result from sudden accidents involving heat, chemicals, or electricity.
Common causes include:
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Electrical shock
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Chemical spills or exposure
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Scalding liquids or steam
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Fires
In addition, burn injuries frequently occur during:
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Car accidents
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Workplace accidents
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Residential fires
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Accidents involving defective products
Types of Burn Injuries
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns occur when heat, fire, or steam damages the skin. For example, car accidents may cause thermal burns if a vehicle catches fire or hot surfaces contact the body.
Emergency responders usually begin treatment at the scene. However, severe burns often require care at a burn center or Level I trauma center. Because of their severity, visible or extensive thermal burns may cause lifelong complications. Therefore, many victims seek compensation from the responsible party.
Electrical Burns
Electrical burns occur when electrical current passes through the body. In many cases, victims suffer more than one type of electrical burn at the same time.
Common types of electrical burns include:
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Arc burns, caused by electricity traveling through the air
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Low-voltage burns, which usually affect only the skin
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High-voltage burns, which can damage organs and tissue
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Flash burns, caused by electrical arcs on the skin
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Flame burns, which occur when electricity ignites clothing
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Oral burns, most common in children who bite electrical cords
Because electrical injuries remain dangerous, always turn off the power source before helping a victim. Once the area is safe, lay the victim down to prevent shock or seizures and seek medical care immediately.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when corrosive substances damage tissue through chemical reactions rather than heat. As a result, these burns often worsen until treatment begins.
Common substances that cause chemical burns include:
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Sulfuric acid
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Lye
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Hydrochloric acid
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Silver nitrate
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Hydrofluoric acid
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Sulfur mustard
Symptoms may include:
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Nausea or vomiting
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Breathing difficulties
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Headaches or dizziness
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Seizures or unconsciousness
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Weakness
Chemical Burn Treatment:
First, remove the chemical if possible. Next, brush off dry substances before flushing the area with room-temperature water for at least 30 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Do not soak the burn or apply ointments. Seek medical care right away, especially if the chemical entered the body or lungs.
Common Household Burns
Burn injuries often happen inside the home. In fact, kitchens and bathrooms pose the greatest risks.
Kitchen Burns
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Hot liquids or steam
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Grease fires
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Contact with ovens or stovetops
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Aerosols near open flames
Bathroom Burns
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Scalding bathwater
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Electrical appliances near sinks or tubs
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Unattended candles
Other Household Burns
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Outdoor grills
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Space heaters
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Flammable liquids near flames
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Smoking in bed
Degrees of Burns
Doctors classify burns by depth and severity. Understanding these categories helps guide treatment.
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin. In most cases, they heal within 7–10 days with little or no scarring.
Home treatment often includes:
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Cool water or compresses
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Over-the-counter pain relief
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Aloe vera or burn-specific ointments
Seek medical care if a burn covers a large area or does not heal within 20 days.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns damage deeper layers of skin and often cause blisters, swelling, and severe pain. While some heal at home, others require medical treatment or skin grafting.
Types include:
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Superficial second-degree burns, which affect the upper dermis
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Deep second-degree burns, which damage nerves and blood vessels
Prompt cooling, infection prevention, and medical evaluation remain critical.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and damage underlying nerves. Because of this, victims may feel less pain despite severe injury. These burns require immediate treatment at a certified burn center.
Fourth-Degree Burns
Fourth-degree burns extend into muscle, tendon, or bone. Typically, these injuries result from house fires or high-voltage electrical accidents and often require amputation and long-term care.
Louisiana Burn Injury Attorneys Ready to Help
Burn injuries remain common throughout Louisiana. When negligence causes these injuries, victims have the right to pursue compensation.
Cueria Law Injury Lawyers has helped burn injury victims recover damages for medical care, lost income, and long-term suffering.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review
Our legal team is ready to help. Call today or complete our online form to request a free case evaluation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
