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Understanding the Different Types of Burn Injuries
Content Legally Reviewed By
Matt Conner
Matt Conner Compassionate and Experienced Attorneys Serving Burn Victims in Washington
Burn injuries are a type of catastrophic injury that carry long-term consequences for victims. Often, victims deal with disfigurement, painful surgeries, or could even suffer from secondary – but related – conditions, such as infections. If you have been severely burned, and that burn was caused by someone’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation under the law. First, you will need to speak with a Washington personal injury attorney.
What Types of Burn Injuries Are There?
Burn injuries come in many forms, and are classified based on how they occur, as well as their severity. Even minor burns carry the risk for infection. The common types of burns include:
- Thermal – Thermal burns are those caused by heat, such as explosions of natural gas, propane burns, house fires, scalds, contact burns from touching hot items, water or grease burns, prolonged exposure to heat, etc.
- Chemical – Chemical burns are typically caused by acid or alkali substances. They will cause damage even after the substance has been washed from the skin. Alkali substances cause more severe burns, because they react with the natural lipids in the skin.
- Electrical – These are caused by DC or AC currents. The current will follow the path of least resistance, and cause injury at entry and exit points. Severe electrical shocks can cause internal organ damage.
- Radiological – These are caused by beta, gamma, or alpha radiation sources. They require professional decontamination to stop the burns.
Understanding Burn Levels
There are also different burn levels. These include first, second, and third-degree burns. Each degree is based on the damage done to the skin, with first-degree being fairly minor. Second-degree burns are characterized by blisters and some thickening of the skin, but third-degree burns are more widespread and have a white, leather appearance to the skin. There is also a fourth-degree type of burn, but this extends beyond the skin and affects tendons and bones – and is typically fatal.
Complications Known with Burn Injuries
There are several complications that can arise from burn injuries – even minor burns. Third-degree burns, however, carry the greatest risk for complication and death. These can lead to infections, severe blood loss, and shock. All burns, regardless of severity, carry the risk for infection because the skin is exposed; therefore, bacteria has an entry point into the body. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis. Tetanus is also another complication associated with burn injuries that people may not be aware of. Therefore, if you have a burn injury, you should update your tetanus.
Were You Severely Burned in an Accident in Washington? Contact our Burn Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one from Seattle or any other areas of Washington has suffered from a severe burn injury due to someone’s negligence, contact the injury attorneys at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner today. Our burn injury lawyers can assist you with filing your claim and getting the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Schedule a consultation now at 800-925-1875 or fill out our online contact form with your questions.
About the Author
Matt Conner
Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.
June 28, 2026
June 28, 2026
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June 27, 2026
June 27, 2026
