Experienced Burn Injury Lawyer in Austin – Fight for Your Compensation
Have you been exposed to severe skin trauma due to an accident or burn injury? If you have suffered serious skin damage, whether in a car accident or another type of incident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. The cost of treating injuries can be very high, so you should consider hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer. Research thoroughly to find the best advocate for your case.
Types of Skin Burn Injury
Different types of skin damage can occur, categorized by severity. Each level reflects the depth and extent of the injury, from first-degree being the mildest to third-degree being the most severe.
First-degree
First-degree injuries are relatively minor. However, you should still seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications. These injuries typically result in redness and affect only the outermost layer of skin. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Minor inflammation or swelling
- Pain
- Dry, peeling skin during healing
First-degree burns usually heal within 7 to 10 days without scarring. You should see a doctor if the burn affects more than three inches of your skin or if it’s on your face or a major joint.
Second-degree
Second-degree skin damage is more serious because it affects deeper layers. Symptoms include redness, thickened skin, and blisters. Without timely treatment, these injuries can worsen, with blisters potentially breaking open and leading to infections.
Medical professionals can treat these injuries by bandaging the area and applying medication to prevent complications. Healing may take several weeks, often without scarring, though changes in skin pigmentation can occur. Severe cases may require skin grafting.
Third-degree
Third-degree skin trauma is the most severe and can penetrate every layer of the skin. These injuries often result in nerve damage, leaving the affected area numb. Symptoms include:
- Waxy, white appearance
- Charring
- Dark brown discoloration
- Raised, leathery texture
Without surgical intervention, such injuries may cause permanent scarring and contracture. Immediate medical care is essential to prevent complications such as infections, blood loss, shock, or even death.
Fourth-degree
These injuries share all the characteristics of third-degree trauma but also damage bones and tendons. Extensive damage can lead to issues in deep tissues, bones, and internal organs. Treatment may involve:
- surgery
- physical therapy
- rehabilitation
- lifelong assisted care
Seek Legal Help
If you’ve suffered severe skin damage due to someone else’s negligence, our team is here to help. Contact an experienced severe burn injury lawyer today by calling (512) 246-9191 or filling out our contact form.
Learn more about burn treatment and recovery from trusted injury prevention resources in Texas