What is a Fifth-Degree Burn?
Burns beyond a third-degree burn are typically referred to as a fourth-degree burn, but some characteristics can categorize a burn as a fifth-degree burn. A fifth-degree burn may not just affect your tissue but also the muscle and bone at the site of the injury and can potentially lead to permanent internal damage, including organ failure. As a result, fifth-degree burns are often fatal.
Symptoms
The skin may appear black or white, and most of the muscle layer and ligaments in the area are burned away. The bone will likely be exposed. Compared to a six-degree burn where the bone will be charred. Victims may not feel pain because the nerve endings are destroyed. The severe burn will trigger a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the body, which can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to shock. In combination with edema (swelling), which can also occur, oxygen can be cut off to other parts of the body and cause organ failure.
Should I Hire an Attorney for my Fifth-Degree Burns?
If you or a loved one has suffered a fifth-degree burn due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Burn injury cases can present unique challenges that require the experience and expertise of a burn injury lawyer who has dealt with fifth-degree burn injury cases before. They will help you pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and gather essential evidence to hold the at-fault party accountable. They can establish the value of your case and ensure you obtain the fair compensation you are owed for treatment, future care, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, or for the loss of your loved one.
Common Causes of Fifth-Degree Burns
Many fifth-degree burn injuries are caused by fires in a variety of accidents, for example:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Refinery Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Defective Products
- Defective Equipment
- Fires on Dangerous Properties
- Explosions
- Chemical Burns
- Electrical Burns
For a fifth-degree burn to occur, the skin is exposed to a heat source for a prolonged period of time. Long enough for multiple layers of skin to be destroyed.
Treatment
The damage from these burns is too extensive and rarely responds to debridement and grafting. The skin, nerves, and muscles are permanently damaged. Amputation of the affected area will be required to prevent the injury or a related infection from spreading. However, due to the severity of these injuries, fifth-degree burns are often fatal. Victims that survive will still experience excruciating treatments and recovery after amputation.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
Fifth-degree burn injuries are catastrophic and leave lasting damage that impacts a person’s ability to work in the future, as well as their quality of life. When you hire our Las Vegas injury attorney, you can rest assured that we will advocate for you to receive maximum compensation. We know the medical and legal issues that must be dealt with and articulated to a jury in burn cases to get the money you deserve for such a devastating injury. Call (702) 384-1414 to schedule a free consultation today.