Classification of burns

Burns come in three degrees; whilst there are additional levels of burns these will normally result in death and are only relevant in Fatal Injury Compensation claims. The three degrees we normally talk in are: 

1. First Degree Burns
   These are the least severe with symptoms with symptoms of redness and pain that dissipates after a while. These are more superficial burns and should not last long as it is only the very top layer of skin that is damaged. 
    
2. Second Degree Burns
   These are more severe than first degree burns as they are more painful and on top of redness can cause the skin to blister. The burn in this case is deeper, and it is possible that if the blister bursts an infection could form. It is also possible that if this type of burn covers more than 10% of the body, the victim can go into shock caused by fluid loss. This is because fluid is lost through the site of the burn often making it look wet, or the term 'weeping' often used to describe the wound.
    
3. Third Degree Burns
   These are the most serious form of burn. The skin will have been completely burnt away causing damage to ligaments, nerves and in almost all causes permanent scarring that requires the need for plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery or skin grafts. These burns take a long time to heal and more often than not will require a lengthy rehabilitation process. It is worth noting that due to the Nerve damage caused by the skin being completely burnt away, many victims can no longer feel the pain of their injuries, although they are still life threatening. Burns of this nature also carry a high infection risk or may require the amputation of a limb.

Common causes of burn injuries

Many people, and even solicitors firms, look at burn injuries from the most likely Accident at Work injury. However, there are a number of situations whereby serious injuries may be received in addition to Accidents at Work, including:

• Road Traffic Accidents; you may be thrown from the car and receive a friction burn, or the car may set on fire resulting in burns before you are able to remove yourself from the vehicle, or burns can be received from airbags.
• Criminal Injury claims; an arson attack or chemical attack, whereby the building you are in is set on fire or someone attacks you with a chemical such as Acid that burns the skin.
• Public Liability claims; whereby you have been in a restaurant and someone, such as a staff member, has spilled a hot beverage or hot food onto resulting in a burn or scald.

This is not an exhaustive list but a common list; unfortunately you may also suffer a burn due to medical negligence or an accident abroad.