New York Burn Victim Frequently Asked Questions

Burns are classified by their cause. There are as follows:

• Thermal: These types of burns are caused by heat sources. In this kind of burn, the temperature raises in the skin and causes death to the tissue. Common examples would be burns from fire, hot metals and scalding liquids.
• Chemical burns: This burn is caused by alkalis, detergent, acids or solvents coming into contact with the skin.
• Electrical burns: These are caused by electrical current passing through the body.
• Burns are then categorized by degree, which include:
• First degree: These burns cause superficial damage. The skin is red and painful.
• Second degree: These burns involve burning of the outer layer or epidermis, and the second layer of the skin, the dermis. These burns will be red and painful, and the skin will blister.
• Third degree: These are also caused thickness burns. This burn affects both layers of the skin and often the underlying bone, muscle and tendon. The skin will appear white or charred. Often these burns aren’t painful as the nerve endings have been destroyed.

• Emotional trauma;
• Disfigurement;
• Organ damage;
• Lasting pain;
• Changes in body chemistry; and
• Sensitivity to temperature.

• Workplace accidents;
• Truck accidents;
• Car accidents;
• Electrical fires;
• Locked fire exists;
• Recreational fires;
• Defective products; and
• Apartment fires.

It is possible if the landlord breached a duty to keep the premises safe, and the breach caused your injury. Some of the responsibilities a landlord would have in this instance includes:

• Maintain fire escapes;
• Ensuring electrical wiring is safe;
• Installing fireproof doors;
• Having properly maintained fire extinguishers; and
• Keeping escape routes clear of debris.

• Infection;
• Low blood pressure;
• Hypothermia;
• Post-traumatic stress disorder;
• Hypothermia; and
• Respiratory problems.