Burn Cases: Scarring and Disfigurement

KANSAS CITY, MO, April 03, 2013

The medical treatment required for a burn victim is often multi-faceted and not without complications; burn injury treatment can include skin grafts, plastic surgery, treatment for infections, rounds of antibiotics and pain killers, and more. Also, complications from burn cases can include shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, respiratory distress, mental impairment including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and much more.

The intensity and duration of the medical treatment obviously depends greatly upon the severity of the burn. Most people are familiar with the burn classifications. They include classification according to degree (first, second, and third degree) and depth.

First degree burns refer to when the epidermis (upper layer of skin) is damaged, often resulting in reddened skin, swelling, and sensitivity.

Second degree burns occur when not only the epidermis, but also the thicker dermis (the second layer of skin) is damaged. Second degree burns involve blisters and can damage hair follicles and sweat glans.

Third degree burns are burns that reach the hypodermis (the third and final layer of skin) or farther. The results of such a burn can include charred or cooked skin, nerve and tissue damage, numbness, and more.

Some doctors also recognize fourth degree burns, but they are difficult to distinguish from third degree burns.

Medical treatment for burns varies. The manner of treatment not only depends upon the degree of the burn but also with where it is located on your body. If limbs are burned badly enough, an amputation may be required. Severe burns can be extremely painful and can leave lasting scars and disfigurement in their wake, along with life changing disabilities and limitations. Often times scars can be taken care of with plastic surgery (scar revision), but not always. Burn victims many times are left with traumatic scars, both physical and psychological, and extreme disfigurement.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a burn injury, in addition to seeking competent medical care from an experienced professional, it is advisable to also seek out a professional and experienced personal injury attorney who can help you receive the highest amount of compensation available to you.