Cleveland Burn Injury Lawyers

• First degree burns are identified by discomfort and red discoloration of the epidermis or top layer of the skin. In most cases, first degree burns do not result in long term skin damage.
• Second degree burns are partial thickness burns, which involve the epidermis and the dermis or lower level of the skin and intense pain. Symptoms include puffiness, reddening, and the appearance of bumps and blisters.
• Third-degree burns, or full thickness burns, are marked by further destruction of the skin as the injury extends past the dermis and mutilates deeper tissues. A victim of third-degree burns would have singed skin that would be darkened or white in appearance and the skin may also appear leathery and dry with swelling.
• Fourth, fifth-and sixth-degree burns can be fatal, as the wound goes through the entire skin into underlying fat, muscle, and bone. This can result in loss of function and charring of the distressed area of the body as the muscle and bone is unable to regrow like before. Because of the extent of the injury, amputation is usually protocol for this severity of injury.

Many causes of chemical burns include accidental discharges of chemicals through mishandling of dangerous substances. What makes chemical burns especially problematic is that the scope of the impairment is not immediately perceptible to the naked eye. Due to this fact, chemical burns can go untreated and result in serious injuries.

Chemical burn injuries affect the face, eyes, arms, and legs. The extent of the burn can depend on a plethora of considerations. Some include but are not limited to:

• Duration of exposure
• The amount of the chemical you encountered
• Location on the body the injury took place (skin, eye, etc.)
• The strength of the chemical
• If the substance was ingested or inhaled

Chemical burns can be very volatile, so immediate treatment is critical as death can be the consequence.

First degree burns usually heal within one week and typically do not leave burn scars on the skin. Second degree burns most often leave burn scars that heal in about two to three weeks. If a person has a more severe burn, there is often no pain. The skin, however, may be torched black or white. This is indicative of a third-degree burn or higher.

There are three primary types of burn scars that affect burn injury sufferers. These types of burn scars are:

• Hypertrophic scars look red or purple, and the skin is raised and can become hot and irritated.
• Contracture scars tighten the skin, muscles, and tendons and impede regular skin development.
• Keloid scars that develop into a glossy, bald lump.

Chemical burns are not addressed the same as non-chemical burns. You should call the Poison Control Center and 911 immediately for chemical burns. Cleveland Area chemical burn victims can call (216) 658-1330. When calling in your chemical burn, it is imperative that you make sure to identify the chemical involved to ensure a successful recovery.

First-degree burns can be treated with many resources at home and items that can be acquired at your local pharmacy. Upon experiencing a first-degree burn, it’s imperative to clean the area with warm water. Next, remove all tight clothing and objects from the affected area. Then, put a topical ointment, such as Neosporin, on the burn area.

A follow-up tetanus shot is highly encouraged. If you feel that the burn is more severe, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a local hospital such as Cleveland Clinic, Metro Health, or University Hospital.

For second, and third-degree burns, quick action is a must. You need to remove the victim from the burning area and quickly remove any burning substances from the person. Call 911 and try to keep the patient warm and still until the paramedics arrive.

Under no circumstances do you use cold water on the victim. Doing so can cause hypothermia. Other treatments include IV fluids, pain and anxiety medications, and drugs to fight infections that may develop.