St. Louis Third Degree Burn Lawyers
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Third-Degree Burns
Skin is divided into two layers – the epidermis, or top layer, that functions as a barrier/protective layer and the dermis, or bottom layer, which acts to regulate temperature and is comprised of structures such as blood vessels and sweat glands. It varies in thickness depending on location, with the thickest skin found on the palms and soles of the feet and thinnest on the face; thus, different areas of the body will have different degrees of injury even though they were exposed to the same temperature for the same amount of time.
A third-degree burn is often called a full thickness burn because it involves the entire thickness of skin, extending from the epidermis through the dermis and into the underlying layers of fat and other structural tissue. It occurs from direct contact with high temperatures commonly caused by fires, explosions, hot oil, and steam. The explosions usually involve gasoline, such as with a motor vehicle accident or lawnmower, and can be the most extensive involving greater than half of the body's surface area.
Third-Degree Burn Symptoms
and Treatment
A third-degree burn is by itself painless; however, the skin surrounding the third-degree burn will typically sustain superficial and deep partial thickness burns (also known collectively as a second-degree burn), with the superficial partial thickness burns being excruciatingly painful. Third-degree burns appear charred and white or light yellow in color with a leathery appearance.
General treatment for a burn wound includes removing the individual from the burning process (fire, steam, etc), providing oxygen (as well as placing a tube down your throat to help you breath if the face has been burned), giving copious IV fluids, relieving pain, and protecting the wound. With a third-degree burn, the entire layer of skin is lost and is no longer able to protect the body from bacteria or viruses, help maintain the body's temperature, or trap water inside the body – ultimately leaving the body very vulnerable to infection, hyperthermia, or dehydration. Therefore, treatment of these individuals may also include antibiotics, keeping the room temperature as close to 98° F as possible, and even more IV fluids.
Once the pain is adequately controlled, typically with Morphine or Fentanyl, the burn wound is cleaned vigorously with antiseptic soap and water. Surgical removal of the dead and charred skin is done as soon as the individual is stable. It may take multiple surgeries to remove all of the dead skin, at which point surgery to repair the skin and do any skin grafting may finally take place. An antimicrobial cream, most often Silver Sulfadiazine (Bacitracin or Neosporin if an individual is allergic), and clean gauze dressings are usually applied to the wound 1 to 2 times each day until the burn is healed.
If an individual has a burn that wraps completely around an arm or leg, there is a chance that the blood flow to the distal part of the limb may be compromised, such that no pulses can be felt.
This is a serious complication that can quickly result in amputation of the limb unless the blood flow is rapidly restored. Blood flow may be restored by surgically removing the dead and damaged skin of the burn to allow the tissue to swell without being constricted. The area is covered but left open until the swelling decreases.
Prognosis
With a third-degree burn, the prognosis largely depends on the amount of surface area burned. In general, even those with 70% of their body surface area burned have a 50% chance of survival. However, these injuries do not heal on their own because all elements of the skin have been destroyed. With surgical repair and skin grafting, there is the possibility of new skin growth over time but the individual will be left with significant scarring. During the healing process, there is a high risk of infection which can quickly lead to a blood infection, or sepsis, and death if not treated quickly; thus, individuals with third-degree burns are watched closely in the hospital for long extended periods of time. Once healed, physical therapy is typically needed for a few months to regain function and strength.
Quality Legal Advocacy
Suffering third degree burns is a traumatic experience. As you recover from these injuries, dealing with skin grafts and surgeries will take a toll on you emotionally, physically and financially. The compassionate Missouri burn accident lawyers at Page Law can help hold negligent parties responsible so that you can obtain the compensation that you deserve. For a free consultation, call (314) 322-8515 today for superior legal representation.
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