Whether from a curling iron, a hot pan, or spending too much time in the sun, burns are some of the most common injuries to the skin. How serious are most burn injuries?
In most cases, these burns are minor and heal on their own. Unfortunately, some can be more serious, resulting in lasting pain, scarring, and even life-threatening complications.
Here is what you need to know about the severity of these injuries and the outlook for victims.
Where Do Burns Happen?
Not all burns are the same. Many of them are just accidents. You may have absentmindedly grabbed a hot coffee mug or didn’t put sunscreen on your skin. Those are unfortunate mistakes.
However, some burn injuries are the direct result of the negligence of another. These burns can happen in:
- Restaurants
- Construction sites
- Healthcare facilities
- Factories
- Hotels
- Schools
- Stores and shopping centers
When these burns result from another person’s actions or inaction, you might be able to pursue legal action.
The Classification of Burns
Burns are classified based on how deeply they damage the skin and underlying tissues.
First-degree burns are the least severe. These affect just the outermost layer of skin. Often, they cause redness and mild pain and usually heal within a week. Some examples may be a mild sunburn or accidentally brushing your hand against a hot dish.
Second-degree burns go deeper into the skin. Many times, they cause blisters, pain, and swelling. Some heal without lasting issues. Unfortunately, the severe ones can lead to scarring or even require skin grafts.
Third-degree burns destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin. The damage affects your body’s fat, muscle, or even bone. These burns can be life-threatening and require surgery.
Finally, there are fourth-degree burns. These are the most severe. They damage muscles, tendons, and bones. They almost always result in permanent disability or death.
While most people will only experience first- or second-degree burns in their lifetime, severe burns still happen more often than you might think.
Are Most Burns Severe?
Most burns are minor and don’t require medical attention. But that doesn’t mean severe burns are rare. Every year, thousands of people suffer burns that require hospitalization, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
According to the American Burn Association, an estimated 486,000 people experience burn injuries each year. That amounts to one burn injury every 65 seconds.
Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project showed a weighted yearly estimate that there are around 29,165 hospital admissions for burn injuries. Fifteen thousand two hundred eighty are considered minor injuries, while 9,340 were classified as deep burns, which needed surgical treatment.
So, while not every burn is severe, the number of serious burns is still high. These burns can be devastating when they reach the third and fourth range.
When Does a Burn Become a Serious Medical Matter?
Sometimes, a burn that seems minor at first can turn into a bigger problem. Some of these factors that you will want to watch out for include:
Size of the Burn
If the burn covers more than 10% of the body, it is considered serious. In most cases, you will need specialized treatment. Sometimes, these large burns can cause shock, organ failure, and infection.
Location of the Burn
Any burns on the feet, hands, joints, or face can leave behind severe damage. That could even mean impairing your movement. Burns near the airway can lead to breathing difficulties and require emergency care.
Cause of the Burn
Chemical and electrical burns often do more damage, especially beneath the surface. They might appear minor, but the damage might have seeped into the deep tissues and muscle.
Age and Overall Health
The age of the person burned can play a role as well. Young children and older adults have thinner skin. When a burn occurs, it is more severe for them. Also, health is another factor. If someone has diabetes or an immune disorder, a burn can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
Even a first- or second-degree burn can turn into a serious medical issue if it gets infected or affects a sensitive part of the body. You always want to treat every burn with the proper medical care.
For many survivors, life after a severe burn is never quite the same. Scars can limit movement, nerve damage can cause chronic pain, and the emotional toll can be just as difficult as the physical recovery.
In everyday life, most people will experience minor burns that heal quickly. But for thousands of people each year, burns are anything but minor. When burns are serious, they can be life changing. If you have suffered a burn due to someone else’s actions, you have options to recover compensation. The team at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, can help you learn more about your next steps.
