Burns can cause serious damage to the skin and layers of underlying tissues, muscles and even bones. A fourth-degree burn – the most severe type – may cause enough physical destruction to require a medically necessary amputation of the affected limb(s). Understanding your legal rights after this type of injury is vital for victims in Texas.
If a catastrophic burn injury was caused by negligence, an Austin burn injury lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation.
What Is a Fourth-Degree Burn?
While most people have heard of the three degrees of burn injuries, many don’t know that there is a fourth category recognized by doctors. A first-degree burn only affects the topmost layer of skin, known as the epidermis. It may cause skin redness and superficial pain. A second-degree burn affects the first and second layers of skin (the dermis), and can cause blisters.
A third-degree burn damages or destroys the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous or fatty tissues (a full-thickness burn). These burns can appear white or charred-looking, and often cause scarring. A fourth-degree burn affects even lower: down into the tendons, nerves, muscles and potentially the bones. At this level, the burn can cause charred skin with possible exposed bone.
| Burn Degree | Tissue Affected |
|---|---|
| First-Degree | Epidermis (top layer) |
| Second-Degree | Epidermis + dermis |
| Third-Degree | Full thickness (skin + fat) |
| Fourth-Degree | Skin, fat, muscle, nerves, bone |
What Causes Fourth-Degree Burns in Texas?
Exposure to certain hazards at home, in the workplace, at construction sites and on other properties in Texas – especially those with dangerous conditions and defects – can result in life-threatening fourth-degree burns.
Common causes include:
- Hot objects (especially prolonged exposure)
- Structural fires
- Open flames
- Explosions
- Base or acidic chemicals
- Electrocutions
Third-degree and fourth-degree burns are considered medical emergencies. Oftentimes, the victim doesn’t experience any pain due to the nerves in the affected area being completely destroyed. No pain does not mean a serious burn injury has not occurred.
How Can Fourth-Degree Burns Lead to Amputation?
A fourth-degree burn that causes harm and destruction deep within the body can cause permanent damage to the affected area, with little to no hope for healing. These are the cases that result in medically necessary amputations to remove the limb, digit or body part that has been damaged beyond repair.
Initial treatments may involve wound cleaning and debridement, or the removal of dead tissues, as well as surgical intervention in serious cases. If the burns are significant enough that the body cannot regenerate on its own, amputation may be necessary to prevent life-threatening complications, including fatal infections or sepsis.
Your Rights After Suffering Fourth-Degree Burns in Texas
With fourth-degree burns, a patient may suffer from serious long-term health effects such as infections, inflammation, organ failure, skin contractures, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder – in addition to adapting to life after an amputation. These injuries can be extremely difficult to overcome.
If an employer, property owner, product manufacturer, motor vehicle driver or another party is responsible for causing fourth-degree burns, taking legal action can help the victim move forward. A claim or lawsuit with help from the right personal injury lawyer in Austin could result in financial compensation to make the victim whole again.
If you wish to discuss a specific burn injury case with an experienced attorney in Texas to learn your rights, contact FVF Law Firm for a no-cost consultation with a lawyer you can trust. We have over 100 years of combined experience in Texas personal injury law.
