Third-Degree Burn Injury

Third-degree burns are considered the most serious types of burn injuries. Third-degree burns are extremely painful, and the lengthy treatment protocols for such burns can greatly enhance and prolong the pain. Fires, hot liquids, electricity, and chemicals are some of the most common causes of third-degree burns.

If you or a loved one has experienced a third-degree burn injury, the professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help. Our lawyers have extensive experience representing clients with third-degree burn injuries. Contact our personal injury lawyers today to schedule your free, initial consultation.

Medical professionals grade burns based on the depth and size of the burn. Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis—the outer layer of skin—and damage or destroy layers of tissue beneath the epidermis. As noted above, the common causes of third-degree burns include:

• Flames from fire;
• An electrical current that comes into contact with a burn victim’s skin;
• Toxic or caustic chemicals that come into contact with a burn victim’s skin;
• Contact between skin and a hot object;
• Contact between skin and scalding-hot liquid.

Full-thickness, third-degree burns are the most severe types of burns. Anyone who is badly burned should seek emergency medical help immediately. Every burn injury is unique, however, most third-degree burn victims exhibit the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the affected area;
• Black, brown, yellow, or white skin;
• Dry and leathery skin;
• Lack of pain sensation stemming from the destruction of nerve endings.

Third-degree burns require extensive medical treatments. Ongoing symptoms of third-degree burns can resemble other serious medical conditions such as infections and sepsis. Persons presenting in a hospital emergency room with third-degree burn symptoms are often transferred to a special burn care unit. Third-degree burns heal poorly and slowly because the epidermis and hair follicles are destroyed. New skin will not grow in an area destroyed by third-degree burns. Third-degree burn victims often undergo the following medical treatments:

• The application of antibiotic creams or ointments;
• Debriding and cleaning, which removes dead skin and tissue from the burned area. Many times, third-degree burn victims undergo debridement in a special bathtub in a burn treatment center;
• The administration of intravenous (IV) fluids containing electrolytes;
• The administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics if the burns result in an infection;
• The administration of a tetanus shot;
• Surgeries for functional reconstruction;
• Surgeries for cosmetic reconstruction.

In treating a third-degree burn injury, surgeons may remove a piece of unburned skin and place it on the area of skin with third-degree burns. This procedure is called a skin graft. The grafted, unburnt skin applied to the burn location may be thick or thin, depending on the severity and location of the burn. Surgeons perform skin grafts in the operating room. Some victims of third-degree burns undergo multiple skin graft procedures for functional or cosmetic purposes. The donor site—or the area from which unburnt skin is removed—needs special care for several weeks.

A victim of a third-degree burn may be entitled to compensation if the injury was caused by the negligence of a third party. If a person or company breaches a duty to exercise reasonable care and the breach of the duty causes a burn injury, the burn injury victim may be entitled to collect damages for medical treatment, lost wages, permanent loss of use or function, and pain and suffering. The costs associated with medical treatment for third-degree burn victims can bankrupt hardworking families, especially in cases in which the burn victim is a breadwinner.

The professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC aggressively and zealously represent the interests of clients in cases. The North Carolina burn injury accident lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can assist families in thoroughly investigating the circumstances of a burn-injury event, and in thoroughly preparing a burn victim’s case for litigation on the issues of liability and damages.

After identifying the at-fault party and obtaining the proof necessary to establish fault, the professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help burn victims develop an effective legal strategy to help fight for the most compensation available under the law. If you or a loved one has suffered a third-degree burn, finding a skilled lawyer as soon as possible is essential. Arnold & Smith, PLLC offers burn-injury victims free consultations. Contact our Charlotte law firm today to learn how we can help you fight for your rights.