Burn injuries can be extremely painful and may lead to long-term physical and emotional challenges. Whether caused by fire, hot liquids, chemicals, or electricity, burns can result in serious medical problems, missed time from work or school, and uncertainty about what to do next.
At The Bishop Law Group, we understand how difficult life can be after a burn injury. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers are here to help. We will explain your legal rights, investigate what caused your injury, and work to hold the responsible party accountable. Our goal is to help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a burn injury, don’t wait to get legal support. Contact the Baltimore burn injury lawyers at The Bishop Law Group to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland.
Types of Burn Injuries
Burns are classified based on how deeply they damage the skin and underlying tissues. Here are the main types:
First-Degree Burns: Mild but Still Important
First-degree burns are the least severe type of burn injury, but they can still cause discomfort and require proper care. These burns affect only the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis.
Characteristics of First-Degree Burns
- Skin Damage: Only the top layer of skin is affected. There is no damage to deeper tissues.
- Appearance: The skin may look red and feel warm to the touch. Mild swelling is common.
- Pain Level: These burns can be painful, especially when touched or exposed to heat.
- Healing Time: Most first-degree burns heal within 5 to 7 days without leaving scars.
- Common Causes: Sunburn, brief contact with a hot object, or mild scalds from hot liquids.
Treatment and Care
- At-Home Care: First-degree burns are usually treated at home with cool water, over-the-counter pain relievers, and soothing creams like aloe vera.
- Avoid Ice: Applying ice directly to the burn can worsen tissue damage.
- Keep It Clean: Gently wash the area and avoid breaking any blisters that may form.
- Monitor for Infection: Although rare, watch for signs like increased redness, pus, or fever.
Legal Considerations
While first-degree burns are typically minor, they can still be part of a personal injury claim if they were caused by someone else’s negligence—such as a workplace accident, faulty product, or unsafe environment.
If the burn occurred alongside other injuries or led to missed work or medical costs, legal compensation may be appropriate.
Second-Degree Burns: More Serious and Often Painful
Second-degree burns go deeper than first-degree burns and affect both the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (second layer of skin). These burns are more painful and may require medical attention.
Characteristics of Second-Degree Burns
- Skin Damage: Both the outer and underlying layers of skin are affected.
- Appearance: The skin may appear red, swollen, and blistered. Blisters can be large and filled with fluid.
- Pain Level: These burns are usually very painful due to nerve endings in the dermis being exposed.
- Healing Time: Healing can take 2 to 3 weeks or longer, depending on the size and location of the burn.
- Common Causes: Scalding from hot liquids, contact with flames, or brief exposure to chemicals or electricity.
Treatment and Care
- Medical Attention: Many second-degree burns require professional medical care, especially if they cover a large area or affect sensitive parts of the body like the face, hands, or joints.
- Wound Care: Doctors may prescribe burn creams, dressings, and pain medication.
- Infection Risk: Blisters and open skin increase the risk of infection, so proper hygiene is essential.
- Scarring: Scarring is common, and some burns may require follow-up care or cosmetic treatment.
Legal Considerations
Second-degree burns can lead to significant medical costs, missed work, and emotional distress. If the injury was caused by another person’s negligence—such as a landlord failing to fix a faulty water heater or a business not following safety protocols—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Third-Degree Burns: Severe and Life-Altering
Third-degree burns are among the most serious types of burn injuries. They destroy all layers of the skin and may reach underlying tissues such as fat, muscles, and tendons.
Characteristics of Third-Degree Burns
- Skin Damage: Full-thickness burns that affect the epidermis, dermis, and deeper tissues.
- Appearance: The skin may look white, blackened, charred, or leathery. The area may be dry and stiff.
- Pain Level: Surprisingly, these burns may not be painful at first because nerve endings are destroyed.
- Healing Time: Healing is slow and often requires months of treatment, including surgery.
- Common Causes: Prolonged exposure to fire, electrical currents, or corrosive chemicals.
Treatment and Care
- Emergency Care: Immediate medical attention is critical. These burns often require hospitalization.
- Skin Grafts: Damaged skin may need to be replaced with healthy skin from another part of the body.
- Rehabilitation: Long-term physical therapy may be needed to restore movement and function.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scarring and changes in appearance are common.
Legal Considerations
Third-degree burns can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims may face lifelong medical needs, disability, and psychological trauma. Legal claims can help recover compensation for:
- Extensive medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income and earning ability
- Disfigurement and emotional distress
If the burn was caused by unsafe working conditions, defective products, or reckless behavior, pursuing legal action may be essential to securing justice and financial support.
Fourth-Degree Burns: Critical and Often Fatal
Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and life-threatening type of burn injury. These burns go beyond the skin and affect muscles, tendons, and even bones.
Characteristics of Fourth-Degree Burns
- Skin Damage: All layers of skin and underlying tissues are destroyed.
- Appearance: The area may appear blackened, charred, or exposed down to bone.
- Pain Level: There is usually no pain in the burned area due to complete nerve destruction.
- Healing Time: Recovery is extremely difficult and may involve multiple surgeries and long-term care.
- Common Causes: High-voltage electrical injuries, prolonged exposure to fire, or industrial accidents.
Treatment and Care
- Critical Care: These burns require emergency treatment in specialized burn centers.
- Surgical Intervention: Amputation may be necessary in some cases. Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery are common.
- Rehabilitation: Long-term physical and occupational therapy is often needed.
- Psychological Support: Victims may need counseling to cope with trauma and changes in appearance or function.
Legal Considerations
Fourth-degree burns often result in permanent disability or death. Legal claims in these cases may involve:
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Lifetime care costs
- Loss of future earnings
- Punitive damages if the injury was caused by gross negligence or intentional harm
Families and victims should seek experienced legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected and that they receive the full compensation they deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Baltimore, call (410) 390-3101
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burns can happen in many ways. Here are the most common causes:
Chemical Burns
- Caused by contact with harmful substances like acids or solvents
- Can damage skin and eyes deeply
- Require fast medical attention
Electrical Burns
- Result from exposure to electrical currents
- May cause deep internal injuries that are not visible at first
- Need immediate medical care
Thermal Burns
- Caused by heat from fire, hot liquids, steam, or hot objects
- Severity depends on how long and how hot the exposure was
- Can lead to serious tissue damage and infection
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Factors That Affect Burn Severity
The severity of a burn depends on things like:
- Depth and size of the burn
- Location on the body
- Cause of the injury
Severe burns often require long-term medical care and can lead to:
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of movement or function
- Emotional trauma and stress
- High medical costs and financial strain
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Compensation for Burn Injury Victims in Baltimore
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are common types of damages you can seek:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency care
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and medications
- Physical therapy and skin grafts
- Long-term medical treatment
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Pay lost due to time off work
- Future income lost due to permanent injury
Scarring and Disfigurement
- Compensation for visible scars or changes in appearance
- Emotional impact and reduced self-esteem
Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Costs for physical and occupational therapy
- Support for regaining independence
Emotional Distress
- Psychological effects such as PTSD or depression
- Therapy and counseling costs
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Inability to enjoy hobbies or activities
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
- Awarded when the responsible party acted recklessly or intentionally
- Designed to punish and prevent future harm
Here are detailed and up-to-date burn injury statistics for 2024, sourced from the American Burn Association and other national databases. These figures are ideal for inclusion in a legal blog focused on personal injury law:
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Experienced Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyers Serving Maryland
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland, it’s important to seek legal support as soon as possible. Burn injuries can lead to serious medical complications, emotional trauma, and long-term financial burdens.
The Bishop Law Group is dedicated to helping burn injury victims pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Ocean City, and surrounding communities.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
