Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Burn Injuries

People with burn injuries often face a long and painful struggle that requires extensive rehabilitation and treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to the negligence of others, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Brett & Coats PLLC has been helping Washington State and Canadian victims of personal injury win substantial settlements and awards for more than thirty-five years. The information contained on this website is offered as a service to educate the public and encourage accident victims to seek legal advice. The following information should not be considered as legal advice or applied to an individual legal situation.

For expert counsel on your legal situation, consult with an experienced Brett & Coats PLLC personal injury attorney.

1. What is a burn injury?
2. Are there different degrees of burn injuries?
3. What happens during a burn injury?
4. How long does it take to recover from a burn injury?
5. What are the most common causes of burn injuries?
6. Should I contact a lawyer if I suffer from a burn injury?

 

1. What is a burn injury?

The most common type of burn injury is a thermal burn, resulting from exposure to fire, scalding water, or hot objects (including the sun). Chemical burn injuries are another type of burn injury.

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2. Are there different degrees of burn injuries?

One way to classify a burn injury is by depth of injury. This is useful when giving a prognosis for recovery and for making clinical decisions. There are three "degrees" that define burns:

• A first-degree burn is a superficial burn. It includes only the top layer of the skin.
• A second-degree burn includes all of the epidermis (skin) and a varying depth of the dermis.
• A third-degree burn, or full-thickness burn, includes the epidermis, the entire dermis, skin appendages, and at times deeper tissue. Such a burn, even when it includes a small surface area, usually requires hospitalization.

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3. What happens during a burn injury?

Burn injuries include damage to muscle, nerve tissue, and bones as well as the skin. Burn injuries are frequently accompanied by other traumatic injuries, such as fractures or other complications due to smoke inhalation or surgery.

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4. How long does it take to recover from a burn injury?

Recovery times vary with location and type of burn injury, but scar tissue does not mature for at least a year and can sometimes require surgery. Recovery from a burn injury requires skilled and highly specialized care. Open wounds must be meticulously cared for to prevent infection and to encourage wound healing as quickly as possible. Treatment may include respiratory treatment, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and closely monitored nutrient and fluid intake.

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5. What are the most common causes of burn injuries?

Residential fires are the leading cause of burn related deaths and injuries and many are the result of negligence. The most common causes of serious burn injuries include:

• Household Fires
• Scalding/ Hot Water
• Car Accidents
• Electrical Accidents
• Industrial Accidents
• Gas Explosions

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6. Should I contact a lawyer if I suffer from a burn injury?

Yes. You should contact an experienced injury attorney anytime you have been the victim of a personal injury. Brett & Coats, PLLC can assist you with any personal injury claim, including those resulting in burn injuries.

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For more information on burn injuries, please see our Burn Injuries page.