First, Second, and Third Degree Burns – Explained by Our South Carolina Firm

First degree burns, second degree burns, and third degree burns are different types of burns commonly dealt with at our South Carolina law firm. They range in severity from least (first degree burns) to most serious (third degree burns and upwards). However, all burn injuries are serious – especially when they are received through no fault of your own. If you or someone you love has suffered a burn injury due to someone else´s negligent or wrongful acts, Walker & Morgan, LLC can help you procure the compensation you deserve.

First Degree Burns

First degree burns as seen in our South Carolina office are the least severe burns, but they are just as important as second and third degree burns in principle. They affect the epidermis (outer layer of skin) only. First degree burns may cause pain, swelling, tingling, and hypersensitivity of the skin. The wound area is red and usually dry. Burning by hot liquids is one possible cause of first degree burns.

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Second Degree Burns

Second degree burns, or "partial thickness burns," affect not only the epidermis but also the dermis – the underlying layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Second degree burns are characterized by extreme pain. There is redness, swelling, and blistering, and the wound may have a wet or "weeping" surface. There may be substantial scarring. Common causes of second degree burns include scalding liquids, flame injury, or flash injury (sudden explosions, such as with car accidents or gas tanks). If you have experienced second degree burns as the result of someone else´s negligence, our South Carolina law firm can help you.

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Third Degree Burns

Third degree burns are extremely severe. The entire thickness of the skin and underlying muscle tissue is burned; hair follicles and sweat glands are destroyed. Often, third degree burns are not as painful as second degree burns, due to nerve damage. The burned skin may be brown, white, yellow, red, or a charred and leathery black. The primary characteristic of third degree burns, however, is that they are very serious and may require extensive medical treatment including hospitalization, skin grafts, and diligent attention so that infection does not occur. The third degree burns we see at our South Carolina practice may be caused by dry heat (fire), wet heat (steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, heated objects, electrical burns, or chemical burns.

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Fourth Degree Burns

Fourth degree burns (burns are sometimes further broken down into fifth and sixth degree definitions) are absolutely life threatening. The burn damage has reached the bone. The burned skin is irrevocably lost. Fourth degree burns are sometimes associated with amputation when a burned limb is rendered useless. High-voltage electrical shock is often a cause of this type of burn. Another cause is prolonged flame contact as can occur during a house fire.

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If you or a loved one has experienced first degree burns, second degree burns, or third or fourth degree burns through no fault of your own, please contact our burn injury lawyers in South Carolina today.