The aftermath of a severe burn injury is both physically and emotionally devastating. Severe burns can result in excruciating pain, permanent scarring, and profound life changes.
At Lojewski Abuse & Injury Law, Attorney Kristen Lojewski is dedicated to helping burn injury victims pursue full justice for their life-altering injuries. With compassionate legal advice and a full investigation, she ensures your rights are protected and that you are able to share your story.
Types of Burns
There are four main types of burns, including:
- Thermal Burns - these burns are due to heat sources that raise the temperature of the skin and tissues, causing the tissue cells to die or char. E.g., scalding liquids, steam, flames, and hot metals can cause thermal burns when they come into contact with the skin.
- Radiation Burns - these burns are due to prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of radiation like an x-ray.
- Chemical Burns - these burns result from strong acids, detergents, solvents, or alkalies coming into contact with the skin or eyes.
- Electrical Burns - these burns are from electrical current.
Layers of the Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body and made up of three major layers:
- Epidermis - the thin, outer layer of the skin. The epidermis is made up of many sub-layers.
- Dermis - the middle layer of the skin that contains blood vessels, hair follicles, and nerves for examples. The dermis also contains nerve endings that conduct pain and touch signals.
- Subcutis - the deepest layer of the skin.
The skin is an incredible organ, helping regulate body temperature, store water and fat, prevent water loss, and prevent entry of bacteria. Because the skin regulates and protects the body so much, burn injuries can have such a profound effect on the body.
Common Burn Incidents
Severe burn injuries can occur in a variety of situations. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car Accidents. Collisions that result in fires or explosions can leave victims with severe burns, particularly from vehicle fuel or engine fires.
- Defective Products. Faulty appliances, electronics, or chemicals can lead to dangerous burns, especially if a product malfunctions.
- Chemical Burns. Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace or in consumer products can cause painful and lasting burns.
- Scalding Injuries. Hot liquids and steam burns from faulty equipment or negligent spills can cause severe injuries, especially in restaurants, hotels or industrial settings.
- Workplace accidents. Many industries, such as construction, manufacturing and oil & gas, expose workers to the risk of burns due to equipment malfunction, chemical spills, or explosions.
- Fires in the Home or Workplace. House fires and electrical malfunctions can cause life-threatening burns.
Burn Severity Levels
Burns are categorized into three primary levels, with the severity of injury determining the treatment required and the long-term effects for the victim.
- First-Degree Burns: these burns affect only the epidermis and is sometimes referred to as a superficial burn. While generally not life-threatening, first-degree burn injuries can still be extremely painful.
- Second-Degree Burns: these burns pierce through the epidermis and underlying dermis layer of the skin. Second-degree burn injuries can cause intense pain, swelling, blisters, and can leave significant scarring or disfigurement.
- Third-Degree Burns: these burns destroy the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. These burns destroy the nerve endings, resulting in nerve damage, extreme pain, permanent scarring, and disability. Victims of third-degree severe burn injuries may need skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and long-term medical care.
- Fourth-Degree Burns: these burns are the most severe and can involve destruction of all layers of the skin, extending into deeper tissues, muscles, tendons, and even down to the bones. Fourth-degree burn injuries can result in permanent disability, loss of function, and may require amputation in some cases. These burn injuries can often times be fatal, and the injured survivors will likely require lifelong care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Burn Injury Facts & Resources
The American Burn Association issued a 2024 Burn Injury Summary Report (BISR), creating an analysis of inpatient care at burn centers from 2019-2023. Here are some facts the Burn Association reported:
- In 2023, there were 32,540 cases of burn injuries that required inpatient hospitalization at a burn center.
- There are 7 states in the United States without a burn center, including Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
- The Midwest makes up 12.2% of burn injury cases.
- Scalding burns make up 58% of pediatric cases.
The American Burn Association has a public directory where you can find a burn center near you. According to their directory, Wisconsin has the following burn centers:
- Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Regional Burn Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Children's Wisconsin Burn Program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- UW Burn and Wound Center in Madison, Wisconsin
You can check the directory yourself here to see if there is a burn center near you. If you are experiencing a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Why Should I Hire a Wisconsin Burn Injury Lawyer?
Burn injuries can cause severe pain and result in medical treatment and expenses for the rest of your life. The psychological toll can also be immense, as victims may face severe disfigurement and profound life changes. At Lojewski Abuse & Injury Law, Kristen fights for full justice to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
While no amount of money will take away the permanent reminder of your pain, Kristen believes that you deserve to Be Seen, Be, Heard, Be Safe, and Be Championed. Call Kristen today to share your story.