There are six levels of burn injury:
- First-Degree. Relatively minor pain, skin redness, and peeling skin are common with first-degree burns. These are superficial injuries and can be dressed and cared for without medical assistance
- Second-Degree. Damaging both the top (dermis) and the second layer (epidermis) of the skin, second-degree burns may come with pain, swelling, blisters, and skin discoloration. Depending on the size and location of a second-degree burn, medical attention may be necessary
- Third-Degree. Damaging the epidermis and the dermis, third-degree burns can also impact subcutaneous tissue, muscles, tendons, joints, and bones. These burns damage nerve endings in the burn area and can result in extreme pain in adjacent regions of the body. Permanent disfigurement and loss of abilities are common consequences of third-degree burns. These burns must be treated swiftly to help prevent additional consequences. Some third-degree burns can prove fatal
- Fourth-degree. These burns,generally caused by extreme fires or electrical shock, burn through both layers of the skin, deep tissue and possibly muscle and bone. Many victims of fourth-degree burns die, and those who do survive require extensive treatments such as skin grafts
- Fifth-degree.These burns are often fatal since they char skin, muscle and often destroy veins and arteries. Because the damage is so severe, survivors often must undergo amputations
- Sixth-degree. The most severe of all burns, these destroy almost all muscle in an area and leave charred bone exposed. As with fourth- and fifth-degree burns, these burns are often fatal
There can be many causes of burn injury including fires, faulty wiring, and chemical exposure. In some cases, an injury may be the result of one’s own carelessness or inattention. However, sometimes liability lies with others, including things such as faulty wiring or hazardous workplace or building conditions. When an injury is serious in these situations, you may have grounds for a lawsuit for yourself or a loved one and it is important to discuss your options with an attorney.
We Fight for Victims of Burn Injury
Kline & Specter, PC, has won many large verdicts and settlements for burn victims. Our major victories include a $109 million jury verdict for the victim of a fallen power line, a case that eventually settled for $105 million. In another case, the firm won the largest-ever single-victim employee fatality settlement nationally at the time, a $36.4 million settlement for the victim of an oil refinery accident.
One of the most successful personal injury law firms in the country, Kline & Specter has 60 attorneyss, five of whom are also medical doctors, giving us unique insight into cases involving serious injury. We have the resources and experience necessary to build complex cases – and the tenacity and dedication to take viable cases as far as needed to help secure fair compensation for our clients.
Contact us to schedule a free case review. We have offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. We work with local law firms throughout the country for cases outside these areas.