There are five main types of burns:

• Thermal burns – caused by contact with fire, steam, hot liquids, or other sources of extreme heat
• Light burns – caused by  sunlight or  ultraviolet light
• Chemical burns – caused by chemical exposure to acid, alkali, or chemical explosion
• Radiation burns – caused by contact with nuclear radiation
• Electrical burns – caused by an electrical current

In addition, there are four categories of burn severity:

• First-degree burns – only the top layer of skin is damaged. First-degree burns are characterized by redness, minor inflammation. These burns cause minimal damage, and usually heal within a week. They can often  be treated with aloe vera gel and cool water – not with ice!
• Second-degree burns –  damage goes beyond the top layer of skin, also impacting the dermis, which lies just beneath the skin’s outer lawyer.. Second-degree burns are characterized by extremely red, blistered skin. These burns may take weeks to heal, and should be properly bandaged.
• Third-degree burns – sometimes referred to as a “full thickness burn”. The damage extends through two full layers of skin. While a second-degree burn typically turns the skin red, a third-degree burn often turns the skin black, brown, white, or yellow. This level of burn also causes damage to nerve endings.
• Fourth degree burns – the deepest and most severe type of burn, which can often be life-threatening to burn victims. Damage reaches all layers of skin, moving through to the deeper tissue beneath. Organs and bones can also be impacted. Due to the damage to nerve endings, there will usually be no feeling in the affected area. It’s important to seek medical care immediately if you have experienced or suspect you may have experienced this level of burn.

It is extremely important that you seek immediate medical attention when you experience a burn injury and seek your legal options. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help with your burn injury claim and hold responsible parties accountable for their carelessness or negligence. Call Apex Attorneys now for a FREE consultation.