Many of us probably think about open flames or a hot stove when picturing a burn injury. You may also associate severe burns with residential fires or serious car accidents. However, many burn injuries are due to burns from hot liquids — or scalds.
Scalding burns are one of the leading causes of burn injuries. According to the American Burn Association, someone is burned badly enough to need treatment approximately every minute. It is estimated that between 2013-2017, over 376,950 burn injuries were from scalding burns.
Burns vs. Scalds: What’s the Difference?
Although scalding burns are very common, many people may be unaware of the differences between scalds and regular burns. Consider these differences between burns and scalding burn injuries.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries from dry heat can range from mild to very serious. Typical burn injuries are caused by dry heat. Dry heat is accessible through many tools — including common household appliances — such as stove tops, irons, or ovens.
Scalding Burn Injuries
How do scalding burns happen? Scalding burn injuries are caused by hot liquids. These burn injuries are commonly inflicted by hot coffee, boiling water, or another hot liquid.
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Types of Scalding Burn Injuries
Scalding burn injuries are broken up into four categories. Each category is ranked in order depending on the severity of the burn and the damage to the skin and other affected areas. Texas scalding burn injury lawyers are equipped to handle even the most severe burn cases.
First-Degree Burn
First-degree burns are the least serious out of the four categories. First-degree burn injuries affect the top layer of the skin and can be treated without a medical professional. These burn injuries are usually minor but can be painful without medical care.
Second-Degree Burn
A second-degree burn, or a partial-thickness burn, damages beyond the first layer of skin. Second-degree burns are more severe and cause blisters or other damage to the skin. Those affected by a second-degree burn should always seek medical attention.
Third-Degree Burn
Third-degree burns are usually very serious. Otherwise known as a full-thickness burn, this type of scalding burn injury can require surgery, hospitalization, or skin grafts. Medical attention is necessary after a third-degree burn.
Fourth-Degree Burn
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe. Fourth-degree burns can damage all layers of the skin, including tissues, bones, and tendons. These types of scalding burn injuries can be fatal.
Medical Treatment for Scalding Burns
Scalding burn injuries can be very severe or even fatal. When a serious burn injury occurs, it is essential to get medical attention immediately. A doctor can treat burn injuries and document your burns for insurance companies to refer to at a later time.
Depending on the degree of the burn injury and how the scalding burn happened, a doctor may recommend various courses of treatment. A few examples of scalding burn injury treatments include:
- Skin grafts
- Hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Full-time assisted care
What Should I Do After a Scalding Burn Injury?
After a scalding burn injury, you may not know what to do. You are probably severely injured and adjusting to your new normal after a serious burn injury. Scalding burn injury lawyers in Texas have outlined a few crucial steps to protect your legal rights.
Get Medical Attention
Always get medical attention after a scalding burn injury. Your injuries may seem minor; however, more damage may have been done than you realize. A doctor can treat your burn and document your injuries for insurance companies to view later.
Take Pictures
Gather evidence of how the scalding burn happened by taking pictures. Consider taking pictures of your injuries, where the accident occurred, and other contributing factors. Lawyers for scalding burn injuries in Texas can tell you how to increase your personal injury settlement.
Save Statements & Medical Bills
You will need medical care to treat injuries as you recover from a burn injury. Depending on the severity of your burns, you may need minor assistance or round-the-clock care. It is important to document all your expenses after a serious burn injury.
Save all your receipts for medical bills, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses after a scalding burn injury. Lawyers for burn injuries in Texas will document your costs to help your chances of winning fair compensation.
Hire a Scalding Burn Injury Lawyer in Texas
Burn injury claims can be complex. Your injury may result from negligence on behalf of another party, including your landlord, building owner, or employer. A Texas burn injury lawyer can help you claim compensation after a serious accident.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover From a Scalding Burn Injury?
Burn injuries can be serious or even fatal. Extensive injuries may require full-time medical care or expensive reconstructive surgeries. Your finances may look different now than before a scalding burn injury in Texas.
Burn injury attorneys can help win money to cover damages from a scalding burn. Personal and financial damages often awarded in a successful lawsuit include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses
- Lost wages or the inability to work
- Child care
- Depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Lower quality of life
Talk to a Scalding Burn Injury Lawyer in Texas
If you’ve been seriously injured from a scalding burn while at home, at work, or in public, you have options. The Buzbee Law Firm can handle your burn injury claim. No matter how your scalding burn happened, we are well-equipped to fight for your needs and compensation after a scalding burn injury in Texas.
You don’t have to search for answers. We are here to make life just a little bit easier for you and tell you everything you need to know. Don’t wait to get assistance. Start today and contact us to learn if you’re eligible for compensation after a scalding burn injury in Texas. We are only a phone call away.
