The Variety Of Burn Classifications

November 14, 2014

The variety of burn classifications

For those who suffer a burn injury on a property located in Pennsylvania, it may be worthwhile to understand the severity of such an injury. While there are technically four burn degrees, most doctors use a chart that has three. Both classification charts are correct. A first degree burn is a burn that includes only the outer layer of the skin.

The skin may appear red and be painful to the touch or when otherwise exposed. It may be necessary to go to the hospital for fluids or to control pain associated with the burn. Second degree burns are considered either partial thickness or full thickness burns to parts of the dermis and all of the outer layer of the skin. A partial thickness burn generally heals without the need for a skin graft while a full thickness burn may need grafting to properly heal.

Third degree burns damage all of the skin, will appear dry and generally are not accompanied by pain. The damage may extend into the tissue and will look leathery with a black or white color. There may be scarring and it can take months for the burn to heal. Some skin grafting may be required depending on the severity of the injury.

Those who suffer burns in fires or explosions while on someone else’s property may have grounds to take legal action. This means that the property owner may be required to pay for the injured person’s medical bills as well as damages for pain and suffering in some cases. Those planning to file a lawsuit may wish to do so with the help of a premises liability attorney who may be able to gather information that may establish that the property owner was negligent in failing to fix a dangerous situation on the property.