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Cherry Hill Burn Injury Attorneys
Experienced representation for burn victims in South Jersey
Burns result from exposure to various sources of heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation, and their severity can range from minor to catastrophic. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that burn injuries can impose on survivors and their families. The experienced team of Cherry Hill burn injury lawyers at Ferrara & Gable is committed to providing compassionate support, legal guidance, and unwavering advocacy for burn injury victims as they seek justice and compensation for their suffering.
Our Cherry Hill burn injury attorneys recognize the unique complexities of burn injury cases and the challenges faced by survivors on their journey to recovery. Whether your burn injury resulted from a workplace accident, a defective product, a fire-related incident, or any other cause, our legal team is here to be your advocate and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
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What are the different types of burn injuries?
The World Health Organization reports about 180,000 people are killed each year from burn-related injuries. Further, burns occur mainly in the home or the workplace. They also note that “A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals.”
Burns are categorized by degrees:
- First-degree burns (superficial burns). These are the mildest type of burns and affect only the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis. First-degree burns typically result in redness, pain, and mild swelling. Sunburn is a common example of a first-degree burn. These burns usually heal within a few days to a week and rarely leave permanent scars.
- Second-degree burns (partial-thickness burns). Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, called the dermis. They are further divided into two categories:
- Superficial second-degree burns. These burns damage the upper part of the dermis and are characterized by redness, blistering, pain, and swelling. They typically heal within a few weeks with appropriate care, although they may leave some scarring.
- Deep second-degree burns. These burns extend deeper into the dermis and are characterized by a white, dry, or waxy appearance. They may be less painful initially but can become more painful as nerve endings are affected. Healing may take longer, and scarring is more likely.
- Third-degree burns (full-thickness burns). Third-degree burns are the most severe and damage all layers of the skin, including the underlying tissues, such as fat, muscle, or bone. These burns often result in skin that appears charred, leathery, or white. Because nerve endings are destroyed, third-degree burns may not be initially painful. Treatment typically requires skin grafts and surgery, and scarring is extensive.
In addition to these three primary degrees, some medical classifications include fourth-degree burns, which extend even deeper into the body, affecting bones and internal organs. Fourth-degree burns are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
How do burn injuries happen in Cherry Hill?
Burns are caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
- Heat burns are the most common type of burn and can be caused by a variety of sources, such as fire, flames, hot liquids or solids, steam, and sunlight.
- Chemical burns can be caused by exposure to acids, alkalis, or other corrosive substances. They can occur in the workplace, at home, or during recreational activities.
- Electrical burns are caused by contact with high-voltage electricity. They can occur in the workplace, at home, or during outdoor activities.
- Radiation burns are caused by exposure to ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, gamma rays, or neutrons. Radiation burns can occur in the workplace, during medical procedures, or as a result of accidents.
Here are some examples of specific burn injuries and their causes:
- Sunburns are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
- Scalds are caused by exposure to hot liquids or solids, such as coffee, tea, or soup.
- Contact burns are caused by direct contact with a hot surface, such as a stovetop or oven rack.
- Friction burns are caused by rubbing against a rough surface, such as a carpet or asphalt.
- Inhalation burns are caused by inhaling hot smoke or flames. They can be particularly dangerous because they can damage the lungs.
Burns can be serious and require medical attention. The severity of a burn injury depends on a number of factors, including the size and depth of the burn, the location of the burn, and the age and overall health of the patient.
If you or someone you know experiences a burn injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the chances of a full recovery.
What types of accidents can cause Cherry Hill burn injuries?
A variety of accidents can cause burn injuries, including:
- Fire and explosion accidents. Fires and explosions can cause severe burns to anyone in the vicinity.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Gasoline and other flammable liquids in vehicles can ignite in a car accident or truck accident, causing burns to the occupants.
- Electrical accidents. Contact with high-voltage electricity can cause severe burns.
- Chemical accidents. Exposure to corrosive chemicals can cause chemical burns.
- Work-related accidents. Burn injuries are common in workplaces where workers are exposed to heat, chemicals, and electrical hazards.
- Kitchen accidents. Scalds and contact burns are common kitchen accidents.
How are burn injuries treated?
The treatment for burn injuries depends on the severity of the burn.
- First-degree burns. First-degree burns typically heal on their own within a few days. Treatment may involve cleaning the burn with soap and water, applying a cool compress, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Second-degree burns. Second-degree burns may require medical attention, such as cleaning the burn, applying a sterile dressing, and prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged skin and tissue.
- Third-degree burns. Third-degree burns require hospitalization and specialized care. Treatment may involve surgery to remove damaged skin and tissue, skin grafting, and rehabilitation therapy.
In addition to the above treatments, people with burn injuries may also need to receive fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, pain medication, and nutritional support. Following are some specific treatments that are used for burn injuries:
- Debridement. Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the burn wound. This can be done surgically or with dressings that help to loosen and remove dead tissue.
- Dressings. Dressings are used to protect the burn wound from infection and to promote healing. A variety of different dressings may be used, depending on the severity of the burn.
- Skin grafting. Skin grafting is a surgical procedure in which healthy skin is removed from another part of the body and placed over the burn wound. Skin grafting is often used to treat large or severe burns.
- Rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation therapy can help people with burn injuries to regain range of motion, strength, and function. Rehabilitation therapy may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
The recovery time for burn injuries varies depending on the severity of the burn. First-degree burns typically heal within a few days. Second-degree burns may take several weeks to heal. Third-degree burns can take months or even years to heal.
Do you have a Cherry Hill burn injury attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. There is parking available, and a bus stop right up the block on Rt. 38. If you are too injured or ill to travel, we can schedule a phone or video consultation.
Cherry Hill, NJ burn injury attorneys providing experienced assistance in South Jersey
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions, you deserve justice and compensation for the pain and suffering you've endured. Our experienced Cherry Hill burn injury attorneys are here to fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process. To schedule a free consultation, please call or contact us today. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
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