The aftermath of a severe burn can leave the victim with many issues. For one, trying to zealous medical and legal pros is tough. After all, these panicked, disfigured burn victims are seeking to assess their legal and therapeutic options. They are also trying to treat the horrible and agonizing physical problems after suffering a severe burn injury as they try to get back on their feet and heal up.

Smoke damage harms fabric, carpets, curtains, and other porous materials, leading to thousands of dollars of losses if a fire accident causes smoke damage.

Does Your Insurance Company Cover Smoke Damage?

Usually, homeowners buy homeowners insurance, which covers fire damages, but some insurance companies offer a homeowners insurance policy incorporating smoke damage.

There are different categories of burn injuries, and a systematic approach to burn injury management requires identifying the burn injury and following the six C’s. Ehline Law and our burn injury attorneys have over 15 years of experience assisting burn injury victims in pursuing the compensation they deserve. We’ve compiled a guide for all burn injury victims to help them understand the risk factors and the six C’s to burn injury management.

Explaining the Different Classifications of Burns and Third-Degree Burns

There are four different categories of burns, including:

1. First-degree burns only affect the outermost layer of skin, also known as the epidermis.
2. Second-degree burns (also called partial-thickness burns): These burns, also known as deep partial-thickness burns, affect both the epidermis and the underlying layer of skin, known as the dermis.
3. Third-degree burns: These burns penetrate all layers of the skin and can also damage underlying tissues, such as muscles and bones.
4. Fourth-degree burns are rare and are the most severe type of burn injury. Fourth-degree burns penetrate all layers of the skin and underlying tissues and can even affect internal organs.

Types of Burns

There are many different types of burns, but the most common ones include the following:

1. Thermal burns are the most common type of burn and occur when the skin comes into contact with heat, fire, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects.
2. Chemical burns: These occur when the skin or eyes come into contact with chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, or solvents.
3. Electrical burns: These types occur when the skin comes into contact with electricity, either through an electrical outlet, a lightning strike, or other electrical sources.
4. Radiation burns occur when the skin comes into contact with high levels of radiation from the sun, tanning beds, or radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
5. Friction burns occur when the skin is rubbed or scraped against a rough surface, such as a road rash from a motorcycle or bicycle accident.

If you experience a burn injury, you must immediately seek medical attention at a specialized burn center to receive proper treatment and prevent further complications.

Factors that Affect Mortality and Morbidity in Patients with Burn Injuries

The following are some of the factors that affect mortality and morbidity in burn injury patients:

• Size of burn: The greater the body surface area burned, the higher the risk of mortality.
• The severity of the burn: A fourth-degree burn can be fatal compared to a first-degree burn or a superficial partial-thickness burn.
• Burn depth: Deeper burn injuries can lead to more damage to bones, muscles, tissues, and other parts, increasing the risk of mortality or infections.
• Location of burns: Lower extremity and facial burns are more likely to affect mortality than burns on different body parts.
• Age and health: An older adult (age 65 or above) or a patient suffering from respiratory problems and other medical ailments has a higher mortality risk than younger health burn patients.

What Are the 6 C’s of Burns?

Following the six C’s is a systematic approach to treating burns and burn care management, which includes the following:

Clothing

It is crucial to remove the clothing immediately to stop the burning process. Sometimes, it can be difficult to remove parts of the clothing. In such situations, non-adherent clothing must be carefully removed while leaving the adhesive clothing for cleaning.

Cooling

When people suffer burn injuries, they must cool them immediately under running tap water as it can help relieve pain.

If you have a sterile saline solution at home, dip gauze into it, soak it in the solution, and apply it to the burn injury. Nurses at burn units often use saline solution cooled at 12°C (53.6°F) to help cool down the tissues.

You must avoid placing ice or an ice pack on your burn injuries. Your body can go into a shock, or you might risk hypothermia.

Cleaning

Burned skin or wounds are more likely to develop an infection, which is why it is critical to clean them immediately. Cleaning burn wounds can be uncomfortable and painful, but a burn specialist can help minimize pain by applying topical anesthesia to the skin or injecting it into the wound.

Although disinfectants such as povidone-iodine solution (betadine) can help wash out burn wounds, many research studies support using mild soap and tap water instead, as disinfectants can inhibit the healing process.

Removing tar is also part of the cleaning process, and doctors may recommend using Polysporin for the next couple of days to help emulsify and remove residual tar.

Chemoprophylaxis

Chemoprophylaxis involves using drugs to prevent diseases. The first cause of concern is tetanus in patients with superficial partial-thickness burns. 

Diagnosing infection can be challenging, but some steps burn specialists follow to help determine an infection:

1. Clinical evaluation: The first step would be to examine the burn wound for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and increased pain or tenderness. Signs of discharge, such as pus or fluid, and assessing the wound for any foul odor can also help diagnose an infection.
2. Laboratory tests: In some cases, it may be difficult to diagnose infection in deep burn wounds, which is why medical professionals may recommend a blood test to assess the patient’s white blood cell count and differential, as an elevated count can indicate infection. A culture and sensitivity test of any discharge from the burn wound can help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and determine the best antibiotic treatment.

Covering

Covering a burn serves multiple purposes, such as providing anesthetic relief, acting as a barrier against infection, and keeping the wound dry by absorbing fluids. The dressing type depends on the burn’s depth and location.

A skin lubricant such as aloe vera cream is sufficient for superficial burns, and patients should seek medical attention if blisters develop. However, all partial- and full-thickness burns may require sterile dressings. 

After cleaning the burn and applying a thin layer of topical antibiotic, doctors apply fine mesh gauze like Telfa in successive strips to minimize circulatory impairment. A tubular net bandage can hold the dressing in place. 

When dressings become excessively soaked with fluids, it is time to change them. Depending on the severity of the burn injuries, doctors may recommend changing dressings from twice daily to once a week. The medical staff gently removes the topical antibiotic at each dressing change and reapplies a fresh layer.

Comforting (Pain Relief) a Burn Wound

For pain relief, medical professionals will most likely administer over-the-counter painkillers. In patients with minor burn injuries, acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or combined with opioids are usually suitable. It is best to avoid aspirin products due to their risk of platelet inhibition and bleeding.

Patients suffering from severe burns may require rescue medication or stronger narcotics like morphine.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to another’s negligence or intentional act, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation. You may be able to seek compensation with help from a trained and expert advocate at our law offices.

According to the American Burn Association (ABA), there were over 486,000 injuries in the United States and 3,500 deaths due to the different types of burns in 2019. Severe burns can affect a patient’s quality of life, and it is crucial to properly assess and manage burn injuries to ensure that the patient achieves their highest functional level.

Ehline Law and our burn injury attorneys have worked with victims since 2005, protecting their rights and getting them the compensation they deserve. We understand the impact of burn injuries on victims and their lives, so we’ve put together this guide on burn injury assessment and management information for patients to help them recover.

Groups of People Who Are Vulnerable to Burn Injuries

Several groups of people have a higher risk of burn injury mortality, including:

1. Elderly individuals: As people age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making them more susceptible to burns. Elderly individuals may also have underlying medical conditions that can complicate burn injuries and increase mortality risk.
2. Children: Children have thinner skin than adults, making them more susceptible to burns. Additionally, children may be unable to communicate their pain or discomfort effectively, which can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications.
3. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions: People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may be at higher risk for burn-related complications. These conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and may increase the risk of infection or other complications.
4. Individuals in certain occupations: People who work in certain professions, such as firefighters, may be at higher risk for burn injuries due to their exposure to fire, heat, and other hazards. These individuals may also be more likely to experience smoke inhalation, which can be life-threatening.

Assessing Burn Injuries

Burn specialists typically carry out a thorough burn assessment, which involves the following steps:

1. Assess the extent of the burn injury: The burn specialist will assess the size of the burn injury and the percentage of body surface area affected. This is typically done using the “Rule of Nines,” explained in the later section.
2. Determine the depth of the burn injury: Burn injuries are typically classified as first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree burns. Assessing the depth can help burn specialists take the necessary action to minimize medical complications.
3. Assess the location of the burn injury: The area of the burn injury can provide important information about the severity of the damage and the potential for complications. Burns to the face, hands, feet, and genitals are often considered high-risk areas.
4. Evaluate associated injuries: Burn specialists will also assess for any associated injuries, such as inhalation injury or bacterial infection.
5. Assess pain and functional status: The burn specialist will assess the patient’s pain level and functional status, which can impact their overall prognosis and recovery.
6. Determine the need for surgery: If the burn injury is severe or complicated, the patient may require surgery. The burn specialist will evaluate the need for surgical intervention and coordinate with other medical professionals as needed.

A comprehensive burn assessment is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan and optimizing the patient’s recovery.

Symptoms of Different Categories of Burn Injuries

There are different categories of burn injuries, and assessing the symptoms can help determine the type of burn injury and the right burn care management plan for the victim. 

Let’s review the symptoms of the four main categories of burn injuries.

First-degree Burns (Also Called Superficial Burns)

These are minor burns that affect only the outermost layer of skin. Symptoms of superficial burns may include:

• Redness and mild pain
• Swelling
• Dry, peeling skin

Second-degree Burns (Also Called Partial Thickness)

These burns affect the outer layer and the layer underneath the skin. Symptoms may include:

• Redness and blistering
• Swelling
• Severe pain
• Weeping or oozing skin

Third-degree Burns (Also Called Full-thickness Burns)

These burns affect all skin layers and damage the underlying tissues, muscles, and bones. Symptoms may include:

• White or blackened, charred skin
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area
• Severe pain or little to no pain (depending on the severity of the injury)
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress (if the burn occurs in the chest area)

Fourth-degree Burns

These are the most severe types of burns and can cause damage to bones, muscles, and internal organs. Symptoms may include:

• Blackened or charred skin
• Loss of sensation in the affected area
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
• Shock (pale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing)
• Cardiac arrest or other life-threatening complications

It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention for all types of burns, especially third- and fourth-degree burns, as they can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated.

Explaining the Rule of Nines: Calculating Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)

The Rule of Nines is a method used to estimate the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned. It is a quick and straightforward way to assess the severity of a burn injury, and medical professionals commonly use it to determine the appropriate treatment.

The Rule of Nines splits the body into different regions, each representing 9% (or a multiple of 9%) of the body’s surface area. The areas of the body included in the rule of nines are:

• Head and neck: 9%
• Each arm (front and back): 9%
• Chest and abdomen: 18%
• Upper back and lower back: 18%
• Each leg (front and back): 18%
• Genital area: 1%

Burn specialists add the percentages to assess the total number of burn injuries, which can help determine the right treatment.

Severe Burns That Can Be Life-threatening

All types of burns have the potential to be life-threatening, depending on their severity, location, and extent. However, certain types of burns are more dangerous and have a higher risk of causing severe complications or death. These include the following:

1. Full-thickness burns: These burns penetrate all layers of the skin and can cause extensive tissue damage. They may also affect the underlying tissues, muscles, and bones, leading to permanent disability or disfigurement. Third-degree burns are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention.
2. Fourth-degree burns: These burns are even more severe than third-degree burns and can cause damage to internal organs, bones, and nerves. They are typically caused by high-voltage electrical shocks or exposure to extreme heat sources and may require surgical intervention.
3. Burns that affect the airway: Facial burns, or burns to the airway, caused by inhaling smoke or hot gases, can be life-threatening. They can cause swelling and inflammation of the airway, leading to breathing difficulties and even respiratory failure.
4. Burns that cover a large percentage of the body: Burns that cover a significant portion of the body can cause dehydration, infection, and shock. They may also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to hypothermia or hyperthermia.
5. Chemical burns: Chemical burns can cause extensive tissue damage and may also enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic toxicity. They require immediate medical attention and may require specialized treatment.

Burn Management for Inhalation Injuries

Inhalation injury occurs when a person inhales smoke, hot gases, or other toxic substances during a fire or other hazardous event. It can damage the airway, lungs, and other vital organs and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Identifying Inhalation Injuries from Thermal Burns

Inhalation injury from smoke or carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant cause of death in burn patients from fire accidents. Inhalation injuries can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and cytokine storm syndrome, which can be fatal.

Clinical indications of inhalation injury include:

1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
2. Coughing or wheezing
3. Hoarseness or difficulty speaking
4. Burns or discoloration around the mouth or nose
5. Soot or debris in the sputum
6. Chest pain or tightness
7. Low oxygen saturation levels

Treatment and Medical Care for Burn Patients with Inhalation Injuries

Burn specialists manage acute inhalation injury through supportive care, airway management, and specialized treatments. The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the injury and the patient’s needs.

Supportive care may include oxygen therapy, fluid resuscitation, and pain management to support the patient’s overall health and prevent further complications. Airway management may involve intubation or other measures to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygen.

Specialized treatments for inhalation injury may include:

1. Nebulized medications: Medications delivered via a nebulizer can help reduce airway inflammation and improve breathing.
2. Bronchoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible scope into the airway to remove debris or blockages that are causing breathing difficulties.
3. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves exposing the patient to high oxygen levels in a pressurized chamber. It can help improve oxygen delivery to the tissues and promote healing.
4. Mechanical ventilation: In some cases, patients with inhalation injuries may require mechanical ventilation to support their breathing and ensure adequate oxygenation.

For a significant burn injury, the burn specialists may also work closely with other medical professionals, such as pulmonologists and critical care physicians, to provide comprehensive care for patients with inhalation injuries. Early recognition and treatment of an inhalation injury are essential to prevent further complications and improve outcomes for burn patients.

Immediate Burn Management

Whether the patient suffers from partial thickness burns or other classes of burn injury, it is crucial to administer the critical steps to burn management and treatment, which include the following.

Stopping the Burning Process

If possible, remove the victim from the source of the burn or extinguish any flames. Remove any clothing or jewelry unless it is sticking to the skin. 

Initiate the Cooling Process

Use saline or tap water to cool the tissues. Extreme care must be exercised during the cooling process, especially in patients with extensive burns, as it can lead to hypothermia or shock.

Assessing the Victim

Quickly assess the extent and severity of the burn injury, including the location and depth of the burn, the size of the affected area, and whether the victim is experiencing pain or other symptoms.

Establishing and Maintaining the Airway

If the victim suffers from an inhalation injury, ensure the airway is open and adequately supported. Administer supplemental oxygen if necessary.

Fluid Resuscitation

Depending on the severity of the burn injury, the victim may require fluid resuscitation to prevent shock, replenish lost fluids, and maintain vital organ function.

Wound Care

Clean and dress the burn wound appropriately. Burn wounds should be kept clean and dry, and the dressing should be changed routinely.

Pain Management and Medication

Administer appropriate pain medication, such as over-the-counter painkillers or morphine, to help manage the pain associated with burn injuries. Ensure the victim’s tetanus vaccination is up-to-date, and administer a booster if necessary.

Transfer to a Burn Center

Consider transferring the patient to a specialized burns unit to receive more specialized care and treatment.

Whether the patient suffers from electrical burns or other burns, the goal of burn management and treatment is to stabilize the patient, prevent complications, and promote healing. It involves a multidisciplinary approach that may include coordinating with medical professionals from various specialties, including burn surgeons, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physical therapists.

Regular monitoring and assessment of the patient’s condition are also essential to ensure that they are receiving appropriate care and treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to another’s negligence, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation to discuss your case, as you may be able to seek compensation.