Serious burns as a result of a construction accident, electrocution, auto accident or explosion can lead to lifelong pain and suffering, disfigurement, organ damage and even death
Serious burn injuries, namely second-, third- and fourth-degree burns, can be caused by fires construction accidents, explosions, auto or truck accidents, chemical exposures, electrocutions, industrial accidents, gas or oil refinery explosions and exposure to radiation.
In a second-degree burn, the skin can have a red or white appearance. Sensation can still be present but it may be diminished. In a third-degree burn, all the layers of the skin are destroyed. The area can be black or white and have a leathery appearance. There is usually no pain associated with third-degree burns because the nerves have also been burned. Any burn that extends into the muscle and bone is classified as a fourth-degree burn.
A full thickness burn will most likely need surgical excision and skin grafting to heal. If the burn is circumferential, or goes all the way around an extremity, it could lead to tissue swelling, compartment syndrome, and a decrease in the blood supply to that area. If compartment syndrome develops it may have to be treated with an escharotomy, or an incision of the dead skin tissue, to help release the increased internal pressure.
Any severe burn that involves a significant portion of the body can lead to shock, infection, sepsis, poor blood flow, kidney failure, multi-system organ failure, amputation, airway obstruction and death. If you or someone close to you was in a severe burn accident you may want to contact a burn injury law firm or electrical wire accident lawyer to get more information.