Burns

Most people have experienced a minor burn from touching something hot—but a serious burn injury, such as those resulting from a car accident or workplace incident, can be devastating. Severe burns affect more than just the body—they can have long-lasting emotional and psychological impacts as well.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe burns due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about burn injuries, including their classifications, potential complications, and how to pursue a personal injury claim to protect your rights.

How Burn Injuries Are Classified

Burns are classified based on their severity, depth, and the layers of skin they affect. Understanding the type of burn is crucial for both medical treatment and legal claims.

First-Degree Burns

• Affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis)
• Cause redness, minor swelling, and pain
• Usually heal within a week without scarring
• Common examples: mild sunburn or brief contact with a hot object

Second-Degree Burns

• Affect both the outer layer (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis)
• Cause intense pain, redness, swelling, and blistering
• May result in scarring or changes in skin pigmentation
• Often require medical treatment and careful wound care

Third-Degree Burns

• Extend through all layers of the skin and may damage underlying tissues, nerves, or muscles
• Appear white, charred, or leathery and can be painless due to nerve damage
• Require immediate medical attention and often surgical interventions, such as skin grafts
• Can result in permanent scarring, disability, or long-term rehabilitation

Understanding these classifications not only helps with medical treatment but also plays a critical role in evaluating the severity of a burn injury for a personal injury claim.

What Causes Serious Burn Injuries?

Burns can result from a variety of sources, each with unique risks and potential for serious injury.

• Fire: House fires, industrial fires, or vehicle fires
• Hot liquids or steam: Scalding from cooking, baths, or industrial equipment
• Hot objects: Metal, glass, or other heated surfaces
• Electrical currents: High-voltage shocks or faulty wiring
• Chemicals: Household or industrial chemicals that cause chemical burns

Accidents and Situations That Often Lead to Burns

• Car accidents: Fires or contact with hot surfaces during collisions
• House or industrial fires: Accidents or negligence in residential or workplace settings
• Playing with matches or unsafe fireworks: Common in children or during celebrations

Who Is Most at Risk for Severe Burns?

Certain factors increase the likelihood or severity of burn injuries:

• Workplace hazards: Exposure to fire, chemicals, or electricity
• Age: Very young children and older adults have more fragile skin
• Medical conditions: Dementia or other cognitive impairments that reduce awareness of danger

Understanding how burns happen can help prevent injuries and play a role in legal claims, particularly when negligence contributes to the accident.

Recognizing Burn Symptoms and Warning Signs

Burns can range from mild to severe, and symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Recognizing the signs is important for seeking prompt medical care.

Common symptoms include: 

• Blisters: Fluid-filled bubbles on the skin, often seen in second-degree burns
• Pain: Can range from mild discomfort in first-degree burns to severe pain in more serious burns
• Peeling Skin: The skin may slough off as it heals, common in both first- and second-degree burns
• Shock: Severe burns can cause a medical emergency, leading to dizziness, fainting, or even loss of consciousness

Prompt treatment of burn symptoms is critical not only for recovery but also for documenting your injuries if you are pursuing a legal claim.

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and for documenting the severity of your injury for legal purposes. Medical professionals evaluate burns based on depth, size, and overall impact on the body.

You may be transferred to a specialized burn center if you sustain second or third-degree burns.

How Burns Are Diagnosed

1. Physical Examination – Doctors assess the burn’s depth, color, blistering, and affected area to determine the degree of the burn.
2. Extent of the Burn (Total Body Surface Area) – The size of the burn is measured to guide treatment decisions and assess the risk of complications.
3. Medical Imaging – In severe cases, X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging tests may be used to evaluate underlying tissue, muscle, or bone damage.
4. Evaluation of Symptoms – Pain, swelling, and other systemic symptoms are assessed to identify potential complications, including shock or infection.

Treatment Options for Minor and Severe Burns

Treatment for burn injuries depends on the severity and extent of the burn. Proper care is essential for recovery and can also be important when documenting injuries for a legal claim.

How to Care for First-Degree Burns (Minor)

Most minor burns can be treated at home and heal within a couple of weeks. 

• Gently clean with mild soap and water
• Apply moisturizing cream with anti-inflammatory pain relief
• Usually require no dressings

How to Care for Second and Third-Degree Burns (Major)

Severe burns require professional medical care and may involve multiple treatment approaches:

• Water-Based Treatments: Cooling the burn to reduce pain and prevent further tissue damage
• Medication: Pain management and antibiotics to prevent infection
• Dressings: Specialized bandages to protect the wound and promote healing
• Tetanus Shot: Administered if vaccination is not up to date
• Physical Therapy: Helps restore mobility and function after serious burns
• Breathing Assistance: Necessary for burns affecting the airway or lungs
• Skin Grafts: Surgical procedure to replace damaged skin for severe third-degree burns

Proper treatment can improve recovery outcomes, minimize scarring, and prevent long-term complications. Following medical advice and keeping detailed records of treatment is also important for supporting a personal injury claim if the burns were caused by someone else’s negligence.

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Burn injuries can have serious and lasting effects that go beyond the initial pain and healing process. Understanding potential complications is important for recovery and for assessing the full impact of your injuries for legal claims.

Common Complications

• Infections: Severe burns can damage the skin’s protective barrier, increasing the risk of bacterial infections.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Deep burns may leave permanent scars or changes in skin texture and color.
• Loss of Mobility: Burns that affect joints or muscles can limit movement, sometimes requiring physical therapy or surgery.
• Chronic Pain: Nerve damage from burns may lead to long-term pain or hypersensitivity.
• Psychological Effects: Emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD can result from the accident and the recovery process.
• Respiratory Issues: Burns caused by fire or inhalation of smoke can damage the lungs or airway.

Long-Term Considerations

• Some burn victims require ongoing medical care, reconstructive surgeries, or rehabilitation.
• Documenting these long-term effects is critical for insurance or legal claims, as they reflect the full impact of the injury on your life.

Recognizing and addressing these complications early can improve recovery outcomes and help support a personal injury case if the burn resulted from someone else’s negligence.

Pursuing Compensation for Burn Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a burn due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Severe burns—especially third-degree burns, extensive injuries covering large areas of the body, or burns resulting in permanent disability—are often classified as catastrophic injuries. 

These injuries can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences, which can significantly affect the amount of compensation available in a personal injury claim.

What You May Be Able to Recover

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to recovery
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional trauma, and lifestyle changes
• Disfigurement or Disability: For permanent scars, limited mobility, or ongoing medical needs

How to Pursue an Injury Claim

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Proper documentation of your injuries is crucial for a strong case.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect photos of the injury, witness statements, medical records, and any reports of the accident.
3. Consult an Experienced Attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do immediately after suffering a burn injury?

Seek medical attention right away, even if the burn seems minor. Document the incident, take photos of your injuries and the scene, and avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted an attorney.

Can I file a lawsuit for my burn injury?

Yes, if your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a workplace accident, defective product, or unsafe premises—you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.

How do I know if I need a burn injury attorney?

If your injuries are severe, involve long-term care, or if liability is unclear, an attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Insurance companies often undervalue burn claims—legal representation levels the playing field.

What if the burn happened at work?

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but in some cases, you can also pursue a third-party claim if someone other than your employer was responsible. A lawyer can help you explore both options.

How DK Law Supports Burn Victims

At DK Law, we understand that burn injuries are not just physically devastating—they can also leave lasting emotional and financial scars. Our team is committed to standing by burn victims with unwavering support and strategic legal guidance every step of the way.

Here’s how we help:

Personalized Legal Strategy

Every burn case is unique. We take the time to understand your story, investigate the cause, and build a tailored legal plan that puts your recovery first.

Aggressive Pursuit of Compensation

Whether it’s medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, we fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.

No Upfront Fees

You don’t pay unless we win. Our contingency-based approach means you get high-quality representation without financial stress.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, DK Law is ready to help you reclaim your future. Let’s start with a free, confidential consultation.

Additional Resources

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, these organizations can provide valuable information, support, and guidance:

American Burn Association (ABA) – Leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries. 

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors – Provides peer support, online learning, survivor stories, and hosts the annual World Burn Congress.

Fire & Burn Foundation – Offers survivor support programs, burn camps for children, and emotional healing resources. Especially helpful for families navigating long-term recovery.

Children’s Burn Foundation – Focuses on pediatric burn survivors, offering medical care, emergency family assistance, and educational outreach to prevent future injuries.

Burn Advocates Network – Supports survivors through advocacy, education, and international burn camps. Great for families seeking community and rehabilitation support.

Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation – Provides emergency assistance, support groups, and prevention education across California. Known for its outreach and survivor engagement programs.