Diagnosing Burn Injuries

The severity of a burn injury, as well as the symptoms a victim can experience, is classified by the depth of the injury beneath the skin. If you’ve suffered burns in an accident, our Philadelphia burn injury attorneys can help you build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Doctors use the following classifications to diagnose burn injuries:

• First-degree: Only affects the outermost layer of skin, causing redness and discomfort; sunburn is a common example
• Second-degree: Damages both the outer layer and first layer of skin within the body, resulting in swelling and intense pain; blisters and scar tissue might form
• Third-degree: Extends to the fat layer beneath the skin, damaging the layers above it and compromising the skin’s ability to grow back; could also damage nerve endings
• Fourth-degree: Skin might appear charred, with potential damage to bone and muscle tissue beneath the surface

In order to assess the burn, your doctor might conduct the following tests:

• Checking for common symptoms: Red skin, swelling, pain or discomfort, discharge around the burn site, etc.
• Measuring total body surface area (TBSA): By assessing what percentage of the body is covered by burns, your doctor can determine potential complication risks and treatment options
• Diagnostic tests: X-rays, labs and other procedures can identify the effects a burn is having within the body
• Monitoring for complications: Depending on severity and location, burns can increase susceptibility to infection, diminish blood flow and compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature, all of which can be extremely harmful to burn victims

To learn more about how our burn injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, please contact Wapner Newman today or call 1-800-529-6600 (1-800-529-6600) to schedule a no-cost consultation.