Burn Injury Basics

Each year there are roughly 6,000 people hospitalized for burns. On top of the 6,000 who are admitted to hospitals across the country, there are 60,000 more individuals who visit an emergency room or doctor’s office for an injury related to a burn.

Not everyone is admitted to the hospital for burns because not all burns are serious enough to warrant that action. Many of the burns that occur can be treated with a first aid kit and require little additional treatment. However, some burns are severe enough that they require treatment and hospitalization in a burn unit or a special burn care facility. When a patient must be hospitalized in a special burn unit, there may be a variety of follow up care options that are necessary.

Overall, the males of the population are more than twice as likely to be burned or suffer a burn injury as are females. The majority of the burns that occur in men take place in a work-related environment while the victim is in his 20s. Following men in their 20s, children are the most likely group to be burned.

Common Types of Burn Injuries

Experts in the field of burns have identified six major groups of burns. They are:

• Scalds
• Contact burns
• Fires
• Chemical Burns
• Electrical Burns
• Radiation

The most serious or severe burns requiring the most treatment generally are a result of flames or scalds. Of the roughly 5% of people who are hospitalized and die from their severe burns, the majority were burned by flames.

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been burned in an accident or through someone else’s negligent actions, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 215-238-1130.